03/08: Chromium Picolinate
Chromium Picolinate
Chromium has gotten a tremendous amount of press over the past few years, much of what has been written about it is directly tied into the weight loss craze, and this is mostly because of Chromium's link to insulin and its production in the human body. The United States Government has done studies that show 9 out of 10 Americans do not get enough Chromium in their diet, and that Chromium deficiency may be a widespread problem. There are some populations right here in the U.S. that are so deficient in Chromium, that they have become study models just due to the secondary pathological complications that its lacking in their diet causes. A lack of Chromium over time can cause many different pathologies, some can be very serious. A Chromium deficit (in conjunction with other nutrients) may show up as low blood sugar, and then become a critical factor in the development of adult-onset diabetes, circulatory issues and even heart disease. There is also scientific evidence to suggest that in some people Chromium may play a major role in reducing sugar cravings, promoting lean body mass, lowering blood pressure and regulating the appetite. Chromium has also been shown to reduce the 'bad' cholesterol (LDL), which has been linked to the development of heart disease.
Let's face it, there has to be a reason why as time goes on that more and more people are gaining weight, and are having trouble loosing it (other than over eating). Part of the problem seems to be linked to the kinds of food choices some people make, and some of it may be genetic. If the processed foods that we choose are depleted of the very nutrients that you need to survive on, then eventually this lack of the nutrients that makes our system function normally will take its toll. And what makes the situation worse is the fact that as we age, we tend to eat less, and if we had bad habits with regards to food prior to that point, then it will only get worse. Most elderly people have a tendency to err toward eating what ever is convenient. This usually means T.V. dinners and what ever else is quick and easy. This leads to a downward spiral that they can't pull out of. And when they go to their doctor, she/he just treats the symptoms that were caused by something that is sometimes as simple as a nutrient deficiency.
Science is revealing that increases in chronic diseases like type II diabetes and heart disease (CVD), are for the most part traditionally regarded as a normal part of aging. But it is more likely that the diseases 'of age' may more realistically be due to poor diets. We have to protect ourselves, because Chromium levels have also been shown to decrease with strenuous exercise, pregnancy, diabetes and just plain old psychological stress faster than normal. And since Chromium is a critical component in the production of insulin, it is important that you supply it in adequate amounts everyday. One form of chromium that seems to be very effective in its ability to be absorbed, as well as help the body to produce insulin is Chromium Picolinate. In studies it has been shown to enhance the body's insulin activity allowing the body to increase carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism helping to control glucose levels. The preventive and longevity increasing potential of Chromium, or more specifically the more bioavailable forms of Chromium such as the Picolinate form taken as a supplement increased lifespan in rats by 33% in one study. Chromium Picolinate is so well absorbed and utilized that it is now a major component in formulas that are used for everything from weight loss and diabetes, and other products that control blood sugar.
Chromium Picolinate, when used as a dietary supplement may be helpful in suppressing the appetite and for getting rid of those sugar cravings. Additionally, it is now being used in the athletic community because is has been shown to build muscle and trim fat simultaneously. If taken with meals before exercise and as part of a calorie controlled diet, the results can be amazing!
Chromium has gotten a tremendous amount of press over the past few years, much of what has been written about it is directly tied into the weight loss craze, and this is mostly because of Chromium's link to insulin and its production in the human body. The United States Government has done studies that show 9 out of 10 Americans do not get enough Chromium in their diet, and that Chromium deficiency may be a widespread problem. There are some populations right here in the U.S. that are so deficient in Chromium, that they have become study models just due to the secondary pathological complications that its lacking in their diet causes. A lack of Chromium over time can cause many different pathologies, some can be very serious. A Chromium deficit (in conjunction with other nutrients) may show up as low blood sugar, and then become a critical factor in the development of adult-onset diabetes, circulatory issues and even heart disease. There is also scientific evidence to suggest that in some people Chromium may play a major role in reducing sugar cravings, promoting lean body mass, lowering blood pressure and regulating the appetite. Chromium has also been shown to reduce the 'bad' cholesterol (LDL), which has been linked to the development of heart disease.
Let's face it, there has to be a reason why as time goes on that more and more people are gaining weight, and are having trouble loosing it (other than over eating). Part of the problem seems to be linked to the kinds of food choices some people make, and some of it may be genetic. If the processed foods that we choose are depleted of the very nutrients that you need to survive on, then eventually this lack of the nutrients that makes our system function normally will take its toll. And what makes the situation worse is the fact that as we age, we tend to eat less, and if we had bad habits with regards to food prior to that point, then it will only get worse. Most elderly people have a tendency to err toward eating what ever is convenient. This usually means T.V. dinners and what ever else is quick and easy. This leads to a downward spiral that they can't pull out of. And when they go to their doctor, she/he just treats the symptoms that were caused by something that is sometimes as simple as a nutrient deficiency.
Science is revealing that increases in chronic diseases like type II diabetes and heart disease (CVD), are for the most part traditionally regarded as a normal part of aging. But it is more likely that the diseases 'of age' may more realistically be due to poor diets. We have to protect ourselves, because Chromium levels have also been shown to decrease with strenuous exercise, pregnancy, diabetes and just plain old psychological stress faster than normal. And since Chromium is a critical component in the production of insulin, it is important that you supply it in adequate amounts everyday. One form of chromium that seems to be very effective in its ability to be absorbed, as well as help the body to produce insulin is Chromium Picolinate. In studies it has been shown to enhance the body's insulin activity allowing the body to increase carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism helping to control glucose levels. The preventive and longevity increasing potential of Chromium, or more specifically the more bioavailable forms of Chromium such as the Picolinate form taken as a supplement increased lifespan in rats by 33% in one study. Chromium Picolinate is so well absorbed and utilized that it is now a major component in formulas that are used for everything from weight loss and diabetes, and other products that control blood sugar.
Chromium Picolinate, when used as a dietary supplement may be helpful in suppressing the appetite and for getting rid of those sugar cravings. Additionally, it is now being used in the athletic community because is has been shown to build muscle and trim fat simultaneously. If taken with meals before exercise and as part of a calorie controlled diet, the results can be amazing!