Most people who want to lose weight are aware of low carb diets. But not as many are aware of carb blockers. Here is an overview of how carb blockers work and how they can fit into a weight loss or maintenance plan.
To begin with, there are two types of carbohydrates -simple and complex. Complex carbohydrates are the healthy ones that come from fruits and vegetables and multi-grain foods. Complex carbs take longer to digest and provide vitamins, minerals and fiber to the body. The less healthy carbs are called "simple carbs", which are easily digested and come from the foods most people have been told to minimize or eliminate-simple sugars and sweeteners, sugary desserts and processed foods. When a person eats carbohydrates, a starch-digesting enzyme called alpha-amylase breaks down the carbs into glucose (blood sugar) that the body uses for energy. Both simple and complex carbohydrates provide energy to the body. The key to preventing carbs from storing up and becoming excess weight is to either burn off enough energy during the day or eat enough fiber to help the carbs move along and out of the system.
Known in earlier days as starch blockers, these supplements are made primarily of bean and wheat germ extracts-particularly white kidney beans. These extracts are said to stop the digestive enzyme that breaks down starchy carbs like pasta, bread and potatoes. By inhibiting the enzyme, it has been said that it will prevent carbs from being absorbed into the body. Rather, they pass straight through the digestive tract and are eliminated. Manufacturers of these supplements claim these pills can inhibit between 20 and 45 grams of carbs from being absorbed in the body.
The most effective way to use a carb blocker is to take a pill right before each meal to prevent the carbs from absorbing into the body, which aids in weight loss. For those who want to maintain their weight, some will choose to take a pill only prior to a particularly heavy carb meal. For a few, there may be gastrointestinal side effects but for most, the side effects are virtually none.
Reviews on the effectiveness of carb blockers have been mixed but for some, they can be a helpful supplement if eating a high fiber, low carb diet is difficult to do on their own. You can purchase Carb Blocker supplements online from vitamin supplement retailers.
Alena writes exclusively about bodybuilding and dietary supplements for http://www.esupplements.com. She is a personal trainer and nutritional consultant in the San Diego area.
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ReplyDeletewhite kidney beans