Chromium Picolinate: Supplement For Weight Loss
February 2, 2009
A nutritional supplement, it also increases the efficiency of insulin to optimal levels. This combination of chromium and picolinic acid is gaining popularity by the day.
Chromium occurs naturally in trace amounts in foods like meat, poultry, fish and whole-grain breads. It is important for the transport of blood glucose across cell membranes. Picolinic acid aids the absorption of chromium and hence the combination works well.
It keeps the body metabolism healthy and also helps in weight loss. Claims are that this supplement can actually melt fat, reduce appetite and increase metabolism, thereby causing weight loss. It has the ability to reduce sweet cravings and hunger pangs. It also has health benefits like reducing blood pressure and cholesterol.
Mechanism of chromium picolinate
How it actually works is not very clear yet. However, it affects the efficiency of insulin by increasing the sensitivity of insulin receptors. No research has got definite answers as to what is the exact function of chromium picolinate; however, many competent theories have established its precise effects.
Claims are such that because it improves insulin efficiency, it causes an increase in the production of serotonin. Serotonin is helpful in reducing the appetite. Some studies say that chromium plays a significant role in regulating fat-production processes in the body, preventing excess fat from forming. There are certain claims that chromium picolinate works as a catalyst in protein synthesis causing stimulation of muscle growth.
Apart from these studies that make many positive claims, there are also some major scientific evidences that chromium picolinate actually has no effect in weight loss, neither good nor bad. It can actually cause you to gain weight if you do not exercise enough.
Side effects of chromium picolinate
This supplement is very popular with millions taking it while hoping that it will prevent or reverse diabetes, reduce blood cholesterol and build muscle. One of the additional major hopes is also to reduce weight using this supplement. However, evidence shows that you can end up harming you, let alone doing you no good.
Dr. Vincent at the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa did a study, which indicated that chromium picolinate not only entered the cells, but remained there causing damage. It also reacts with antioxidants, like Vitamin C, among others, to form a reduced form of chromium, which is responsible for causing genetic mutations.
Tell a Friend:
We would like to see your Comments here..
St.Botanica Cosmetics
Recent Articles
Dietary Fiber
Fiber or fibre, also known as roughage, is a portion of plant food that can resist the digestive enzymes in the body. They are found in the seeds, roots, leaves and skins
Pregnancy diet
The pregnancy period is an important stage of a woman’s life. Knowing what to do at this stage is very vital because it ensures the health and well being of your child.
Nutritionist dietician
There are a lot of people who advice on diet and nutrition on the radio, in the net, newspaper or TV. The people giving such advice might be scientists, reporters
Kids healthy food
Who does not love to eat? Children eat when they are hungry, bored or have nothing else to do! In this day and age, temptation lurks in every corner, with different types of snacks
Urinary tract infection treatment: Cranberry Juice
There are quite a number of people who suffer from urinary tract infection. Reports of those who are suffering from urinary tract infection show that if the infection
