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Carbohydrate blocker

What are carbohydrate blockers?

Carbohydrates are increasingly seen as the "bad guy" when it comes to building body fat. Those who train occasionally will know that carbohydrates are not necessarily a bad thing and may even supplement carbohydrates to boost their energy. However, carbohydrate supplementation is generally only beneficial for bodybuilders and athletes who train enough to burn off those carbohydrates. With all the hype surrounding carbohydrates, it's no surprise that scientists have been looking for a way to effectively block the effects of carbohydrates. The purpose of a carbohydrate or starch blocker is to prevent carbohydrates from being stored as fat by blocking the absorption of consumed carbohydrates. The aim is to achieve weight loss, but these products are also popular for maintaining current weight.

How do carbohydrate blockers work?

The primary ingredient in many carbohydrate blockers is an extract from white kidney beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris). Its function is to prevent carbohydrates from being converted into glucose and fat by disrupting the function of an enzyme in the body known as alpha-amylase. By interfering with the function of the enzyme alpha-amylase, carbohydrate blockers theoretically ensure that carbohydrates are excreted from the body before they can enter the bloodstream and be stored as fat. The average carbohydrate blocker is usually claimed to be able to prevent the breakdown of 30 to 45 grams of carbohydrates into glucose. It has recently been discovered that Acai Berry also has carbohydrate blocking properties. Similar to white kidney beans, the proteins in acai are able to inhibit the enzyme alpha-amylase.

Who can use carbohydrate blockers?

Carbohydrateblockers basically reduce calorie intake, which is why this product is best for people who want to lose weight or who gain weight easily after consuming carbohydrates. People who suffer from high blood sugar levels could also benefit from carbohydrate blockers.

Recommended intake

Carbohydrate block ers are primarily available in the form of capsules. It is recommended to take carbohydrate blockers directly before meals - especially carbohydrate-rich meals.

Combinations with other supplements

As carbohydrates supply the body with energy via glucose, the use of a carbohydrate blocker naturally also reduces the amount of energy you consume from food. For this reason, it can be useful to combine carbohydrate blockers with energy-boosting supplements such as pre-workout products or specialized energy supplements. Carbohydrate blockers can also be combined with thermogenic supplements and fat burners, which increase the metabolic rate to further support weight loss.

References

  1. Araujo et al (2004), Biological activity of proteins from pulps of tropical fruits. Food Chemistry, 85: 107-110
  2. Celleno et al (2007), A Dietary Supplement Containing Standardized Phaseolus vulgaris Extract Influences Body Composition of Overweight Men and Women. Int J Med Sci, 4: 45-52
  3. Santimone et al (2004), Porcine pancreatic alpha-amylase inhibition by the kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris ) inhibitor (Alpha-AII) and structural changes in the al-pha-amylase inhibitor complex. Biochim Biophys Acta,1696: 181-190
  4. Udani et al (2004), Blocking Carbohydrate Absorption and Weight Loss: A Clinical Trial Using Phase 2™ Brand Proprietary Fractionated White Bean Extract. Altern Med Rev, 9: 63-69