Chromium Picolinate: The Miracle Mineral
Chromium Picolinate is a popular nutritional supplement and is a chemical composition of chromium (III) and picolinic acid. It is required by the body to prevent the deficiency of chromium and small quantities of the compound are also required for glucose utilization by insulin. It is the most easily absorbed form of chromium and its intake on a daily basis as food supplement keeps one healthy.
Chromium Picolinate works towards increasing the efficiency of insulin to optimal levels. It also initiates weight loss, uplifts the mood, enhances energy and prevents acne. A number of Americans are known to consume this bright red compound due to its ability to initiate weight loss. It is known to melt body fat, dramatically reduce appetite and enhance metabolism. It is extremely popular among bodybuilders looking to gain muscular mass, at the same time wishing to shed excess body fat. It is commonly found in a number of weight loss herbal formulas available in the markets, drugstores and on the internet.
Functioning of Chromium Picolinate: After consuming food, the body secretes insulin which aids in transporting glucose to the cells from which energy is derived.
Chromium picolinate stimulates the activity of insulin thereby accelerating the body’s fat and glucose metabolism. It is widely thought that enhanced insulin competence increases the levels of serotonin in the body which play an important role in decreasing appetite. Another theory states that chromium is capable of regulating fat production thereby preventing the development of excessive fat in the body. It augments the process of the synthesis of proteins in the body stimulating muscle expansion and is a great supplement for body builders.
These theories however, need to be confirmed and research is being conducted by various scientific organizations in this regard.
Benefits of Chromium Picolinate: It is necessary to enhance metabolism, especially as you get older. Chromium comes in handy at this time, in this regard. Lack of chromium in the body leads to a number of ailments such as weight gain, mood swings etc. However, it includes certain benefits such as:
- Better carbohydrate and fat metabolism
Health and chromium: A number of organizations and companies are promoting
chromium picolinate as a great supplement used for body building as it promotes weight loss and enhances the growth of lean muscle. According to a study, chromium in the picolinate form aids in the reduction of insulin resistance in diabetes whereas, the meta-analysis of the compound in its supplementation form indicates no connection between chromium and insulin concentration fro non-diabetics.
It is also believed the picolinate form of chromium can cause cancer and DNA damage and mutation although, this theory is not confirmed. Others believe that even consuming the supplement in high doses is not harmful.
It is also believed that
chromium picolinate supplementation may result in skeletal defects, chromosomal aberrations, hampered progeny development, sterility and lethal mutations.
Sources of Chromium Picolinate: It is found in foods such as brewer’s yeast, calf liver, whole grains, processed meats and cheese.
Research: Chromium Picolinate is not commercially guaranteed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) owing to the lack of research on the compound. Scientific research does not support the fact that weight loss, increase in metabolism or mood elevation is brought about because of its consumption. However, millions of Americans are consuming the supplement on a daily basis in order to initiate weight loss and get well toned bodies.
Before consuming any supplement, you must consult a medical practitioner in order to identify any ailments you might be suffering from such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, insomnia, depression, heart disease, stress, hypertension, blood pressure etc. This will enable you to decide on the supplements best suited for your body and will go a long way in benefiting you. In order to develop a great physique, you must follow a rigorous exercise routine, intake a well balanced diet, rest for adequate time and chalk out a good supplementation program. Conduct your own research before purchasing any product keeping in mind both its benefits as well as side effects.