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Dieters claim taking chromium helps reduce body fat, and that it also helps improve muscle tone. So what is Chromium. Is it a miracle breakthrough in dieting? Could it be the answer that all dieters have been waiting for? Imagine: weight loss without the need to diet! What could be more tempting?
Chromium is an essential trace mineral meaning that it is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates,
and it also helps to regulate the metabolism of our blood sugar and thus helps deter diabetes. The benefits of chromium also include controlling fat and cholesterol levels in the blood, and if adequate amounts are provided to the body, it can help to prevent hypertension or high blood pressure.
The best source of chromium is in true brewer's yeast. Nutritional yeast is not the same and will not contain the same amount of chromium. It can also be found in grains and cereals although most of it is lost through refining. Chromium can also be found in large amounts in some beers.
Ask any dieter and they will probably be able to tell you about the benefits of chromium. Dieters mainly use a form of chromium known as chromium picolinate and claim that it helps them to decrease their body fat and improve their muscle tone.
Experts, on the other hand, will tell you that the role of chromium in weight loss is to correct insulin resistance which is in fact due to a chromium deficiency. The known causes of chromium deficiency are malnutrition, alcoholism, and strenuous exercise.
Dieters use chromium because of its essential role in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fat. It is usually taken in the form of chromium picolinate and has been studied due to its potential to alter body composition.
Although there is no clinical evidence to support dieters' claims that chromium does in fact help them to lose weight, many dieters are still recommending the benefits of chromium and the use of chromium because of their personal experiences in using chromium themselves.
So are there any side effects to using a chromium supplement? In supplement of 50 - 300mcg per day, chromium was not found to cause any toxicity. Ongoing studies are being carried out and many suggest that chromium picolinate can be altered by antioxidants or indeed hydrogen peroxide in the body and could cause free radial damage.
Chromium supplements could enhance the effects of insulin for diabetics, and could possibly lead to hypoglycaemia so it is advised that anyone with diabetes contact their doctor before taking a chromium supplement.
While many people are excited and interested in enjoying the benefits of chromium to their diet, they're confused as to the easiest and most effective way to do this. To help, an innovative company called Xtend-Life Natural Products has developed Total Balance.
Total Balance is a dietary supplement that includes an array of trace minerals, including chromium and many others. It also delivers vitamins, nutrients, amino acids, enzymes, and over 70 active ingredients, all focused on achieving one goal: creating a healthier you!
We've been using the product and believe that you'll personally experience the benefits of a stronger immune system, sharper memory and cognitive functioning, more energy, improved digestion, weight management, and a slowing down of the aging process.