THE PROS AND CONS OF USING STARCH-BLOCKING BEANS (ACARBOSE)

A extract from white kidney beans is now widely sold as an over-the-counter "starch blocker". These heavily advertised products claim to neutralize the starch in high-carbohydrate foods. All you have to do, the ads claim, is take a couple of these pills at the start of meal, and they'll block your absorption of about 75 percent of the calories you eat from carbohydrates. Starch-blocking products do contain a substance found naturally in white kidney beans ( as well as some other beans and also wheat) that inhibits or blocks amylase, the enzyme your body uses to break down carbohydrates in your intestinal tract. In fact, the starch-blocker supplements work in a similar way to the prescription drug acarbose (Precose or Glyset).

Both the supplements and the prescription drugs have serious drawbacks. They're not meant to aid weight loss- they're designed to help control blood sugar, but that doesn't stop unscrupulous manufacturers from pushing the supplements as a way to lose weight while eating all you want of anything you want. No studies of acarbose have shown that some people with impaired glucose tolerance are less likely to become diabetic if they take the drug. The side effects of blocking carbohydrate digestion can be very unpleasant. Severe cramps, diarrhea, and gas are likely. Many people using acarbose experience flatulence. Many doctors do not prescribe acarbose. Why take a costly drug with nasty side effects when you can benefit your health considerably more by controlling the carbohydrate in your diet.

Posted in: facts, food, Health Discussions