Phaseolamin Phaseolamin Phaseolamin, also commercially known as “Phase 2®”, is a protein present in white kidney bean extracts. Phaseolamin is known as a “starch blocker” and functions by neutralizing alpha amylase enzyme . Alpha amylase is a digestive enzyme secreted by the pancreas and saliva into the digestive system. Alpha amylase breaks down starch into sugars so they can be absorbed by the intestinal wall cells and passed to the blood. Starch is a complex carbohydrate composed of a matrix of simple sugars, similar to glycogen. Starch sugars can be released from the starch matrix by digestive enzymes such as alpha amylase. Phaseolamin inhibition of amylase will block absorption of starch sugars by blocking their digestion so that starch can pass undigested through the intestines. This Phaseolamin activity has application in weight control. Weight gain may be decreased from a diet rich in starch when Phaseolamin is present. This weight control strategy may prove more pleasant than cutting down on the quantity of carbohydrate-rich foods. A European clinical study involving 40 obese individuals showed promising weight loss, which was predominantly fat, among Phaseolamin users. Another significant effect of a starch blocker, such as Phaseolamin, is that it may reduce the amount of fat synthesis from sugars by lowering insulin production. Insulin is normally secreted by the pancreas after eating a starch-rich meal. Insulin promotes the conversion of incoming sugar and dietary fat into stored body fat, and inhibits the release of stored fat to burn for energy. The more sugar absorbed, the greater the release of insulin. By reducing the absorption of glucose from ingested starch, a starch blocker may reduce insulin release and subsequent fat creation and storage. Starch blockers are commonly taken before a meal to allow for maximum alpha amylase inhibition before food is available for the enzyme. These blockers, however, will not be functional against pure sugar diets, only a complex carbohydrate starchy diet can be a target for starch blockers.
Posted on: Fri, 01 Nov 2013 03:16:41 +0000
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