Chromium Supplements And Weight Loss
Chromium Supplements And Weight Loss
Chromium is a mineral that is essential for our health and growth. Some of the functions of chromium include: (1) the regulation of blood sugar, (2) the promotion of arterial health, (3) stimulating protein synthesis, (4) maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, (5) boosting the immune system, and (6) promoting lean muscle mass. Short-term chromium deficiencies can lead to glucose intolerance, such as hypoglycaemia. Symptoms include wide swings in glucose levels in the blood as well as mood swings, particularly after consuming meals that are high in carbohydrates. Long-term chromium deficiency can lead to problems that are related with Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and obesity. Eating a diet that high in refined carbohydrates, such as white rice, white bread, and potatoes can deplete the body of chromium thus leading to a deficiency within the body. As well, lack of exercise can also lead to low levels of chromium within the body.
Chromium seems to change the composition of the body by boosting the effectiveness of insulin. When the insulin in your body is working the way it should your body will turn less of the calories you consume into fat and more of these calories into muscle. And the more muscle your body has the more calories it will burn. A study at the American College of Sports Medicine took 83 overweight people to study the effects of chromium supplements. Half of the group was given 400 mcg of chromium each day while the other half was given a placebo. After eight weeks the group of test subjects who took the chromium supplement had lost 3 pounds more in body fat than the test subjects who took the placebo. All subjects in the study ate less than they normally did and were put on an exercise program.
If you’re overweight and want to lose weight try adding more chromium rich foods to your diet. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk products, and meats. Avoid a diet that is high in refined foods, saturated fats, trans fats, salt, cholesterol, and added sugars, Most people should be able to meet their chromium needs by simply focusing on changing the way they eat. Start exercising more since inactivity can lead to chromium deficiencies. If you have a great deal of weight to lose, talk to your doctor about adding a chromium supplement to your diet. Just keep in mind that chromium supplements can’t replace a healthy diet.