Chromium is a trace mineral that may help regulate blood sugar. Found in foods like turkey, liver, seafood, broccoli, whole grains and oysters, there can be issues with chromium bioavailability. Supplements may be necessary, and studies indicate that absorption of minerals is significantly enhanced when chromium is in the piconlinate form:
Chromium helps the blood sugar lowering hormone, insulin, function more efficiently. Although you may think that would only apply to diabetics, it is important to all of us because insulin, the master hormone of our metabolism, regulates the body’s breakdown of protein, fat and carbohydrates for energy. It is vitally important for energy production, but also plays a key role in regulating appetite and reducing sugar cravings. If you are prone to sugar cravings and often cave into them, a daily chromium picolinate supplement could help you immensely. This is why the supplement has become a favorite of those trying to sustain a long-term change in the way they eat and those who are just looking to lose a few pounds:
“Try the mineral Chromium 200 mcg daily. It is easy to find where vitamins are sold. That mineral will help decrease the sugar cravings because it is involved in the metabolism of glucose. Sometimes it is called glucose tolerance factor or GTF which is needed for energy. It is also vital in the synthesis of cholesterol, fats, and protein.” (From Think Off The Fat Mentality)
How exactly does chromium picolinate work to reduce sugar cravings?
Chromium picolinate sensitizes the ‘glucostat’ in the brain that monitors blood sugar availability and tells the body when it’s hungry or not hungry. People who are prone to frequent cravings may be getting the signal that their blood sugar is low, even when it isn’t. Many ’sugaraholics’ report relief after only a few days of consuming a chromium piconlinate supplement.
Studies revolving around the benefits of Chromium picolinate continue, and many believe it could be a vital tool in fighting diabetes, but the debate continues. However, recent tests have taken greater steps to understand the full scope of chromium’s interaction with the body:
“The new study, published in the Journal of Nutrition (Vol 136, pp. 415-420), is the first to use in vivo animal models to demonstrate the mechanism…’This animal study is significant because it suggests a more detailed mechanism of action for chromium in improving insulin sensitivity in muscle, a major insulin-sensitive tissue,’ said corresponding author Dr Willian Cefalu from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana.” (From Nutra)
If you are in the majority and experience sugar cravings on a regular basis, a daily chromium picolinate supplement may have far reaching health benefits for you. Chromium piconlinate is available from your local health store or click here to purchase from Physician’s Preference.