A carbohydrate blocker, which is also known as starch blocker, is a natural ingredient extracted from wheat germ and beans, particularly white kidney beans, that helps neutralize the digestive enzyme called alpha amylase before it can convert starch into glucose and fat. It inhibits 30 to 45 grams of carbohydrates of potatoes, pasta and bread from being absorbed in the body. Instead of being broken down and turned into fat, the carbohydrate is excreted from the body before it can ever enter the bloodstream.
The main ingredients of the carbohydrate blocker, aside from the phaselous vulgaris or phaseolamin, a kidney bean extract that blocks the effects of calories, are liposan ultra, a specially processed form of chitosan that absorbs dietary fats; chromium and vanadium elements that help maintain proper cholesterol and fat levels; chromium picolinate that helps support health blood sugar levels by reducing the amount of carbohydrates; gelatin or colloidal protein; succinic acid; silica; and magnesium stearate or salt. Manufacturers of these supplements claim, however, that the products do not contain sugar, starch, artificial colors and preservatives, now such ingredients as corn, soy, yeast, wheat grain, egg and milk products. They advise that for best results, these supplements be taken alongside balanced diet and healthy lifestyle as well as proper exercise, in an array of products classified as natural slimming, herbal diet pills, weight reduction or weight loss products, vitamins, appetite suppressor, and fat reduction products.
The best time to take these blockers is right before meals or when maintaining weight before a high-carbohydrate or a high-fat meal. Taking the carbohydrate blocker before meals effectively prevents the absorption of fats and carbohydrates, leading to weight loss. To lose weight, it is important for individuals to understand the concept of dieting, study the right weight loss approach and the goal that is attainable, incorporate a long term exercise program in the routine, and count the carbohydrates and calories in the diet. Some of the reasons for the failure of a weight loss program include the failure to set an attainable goal, lack of physical activity, deviation from a weight loss plan by giving away all the favorite and comfort foods, or using the wrong weight loss supplement without realizing that excessive pounds cannot be dropped by just any weight loss supplement.
A weight loss carbohydrate blocker works by reducing carbohydrate-based absorption by about 75% to allow one to follow a low-carbohydrate diet or eat a satisfying full meal without eating less carbohydrates. Even as some manufacturers claim that carbohydrate blockers are ephedrine-free (ephedrine is an addictive substance already banned in sports), and that they do not sell ephedrine-based supplements, they have a common advice to carbohydrate blocker-using individuals to consult a physician or any qualified health care professional, if they are taking medications, have prostate enlargement, diabetes, heart of thyroid disease, high blood pressure, or are pregnant or breast-feeding, in the case of women. They agree with government authorities in a disclaimer that the carbohydrate blocker is not a medicine “nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”
