What is White Kidney Bean Extract?
Carbohydrates and starches. These are two substances that while filling when eaten, are also hard to burn off. This can be especially problematic if you are trying to lose weight. White Kidney Bean Extract offers itself up as a solution to this problem, blocking the absorption of these substances.
Once not as well known, it has since gained popularity from television’s Dr. Oz. So is this extract really that effective? Or is this all just a lot of hype over what essentially amounts to an ineffective product? We decided to find out.
Who makes it?
How (and) does it work?
White Kidney Bean Extract is believed to help block carbohydrates and starches from being absorbed into the blood stream. Instead of being absorbed, these substances are then flushed out through the digestive system. By blocking this potential fat storage, this also helps metabolize fat cells. The end result of all of this is a positive contribution to weight loss.
Even so, clinical studies have shown that this has really only worked in the short term, and with results being much less substantial than hoped. Some other users reported not seeing any results at all, especially without an adjusted diet and exercise added into the mix.
What’s inside of it and are there side effects?
It’s important to know that White Kidney Bean Extract is an alpha-amylase inhibitor isoform 1 (Alpha-Al1). It may come from any legume source, but is most well known to come from the white kidney bean. Alpha-Al1 is known as a starch inhibitor that stops carbohydrates from binding.
Since the binding process of carbohydrates is greatly influenced by temperature, pH and coingestion with ions such as chloride, bromide, calcium and iodide to name a few, the effects of Alpha-Al1 are very unpredictable. The above ions help alpha-Al1 bind to amylase, while other ions such as sodium, potassium and magnesium show no effect in bonding. If the pancreas secretes more amylase this may also slow the effect of things.
Adverse effects from use of this substance may include the following:
Gastrointestinal discomfort, gas and bloating.
What’s good about it?
This substance is known to be all natural and stimulant free, which may come as a welcome relief to people who are tired of stimulant based products and the plethora of side effects that may accompany them.
What’s bad about it?
There is no evidence that this substance does much else. Things that it lacks to do include boosting metabolism, boosting energy levels, burning fat or suppressing appetite. These are all important factors in weight loss, and if not addressed, this may be an issue.
Dr. Oz has made this extract popular with the claims he has made about it’s effectiveness. However in recent years the doctor has come under fire for his statements, even making an appearance to a senate subcommittee hearing so he could explain himself to federal authorities. It’s important to take what he says with a grain of salt.
Wrap Up
There has been a lot of hype over this substance and the claimed effectiveness it has in helping people shed off extra pounds. The reality however, is that the actual results are less impressive than the claims.
Bottom Line:
With so many supplements available in the diet pill market, it can be hard to decipher exactly what supplement has actual valid claims. White Kidney Bean Extract is just like many others, claiming to be sufficient in assisting with weight loss. But just like many others, the reality falls short of the claims. Better supplements are available that hit their mark.
While the popularity of this substance might make it enticing, it’s best to look for something that actually works. We recommend looking into other, more effective dietary supplements to help you reach your weight loss goals.