Kidney Bean and Artichoke Extracts for Weight Loss – A Novel Approach
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of overweight individuals has doubled since 1980 and in 2008, 1.5 billion adults over the age of 20 were overweight - that's 10 percent of the adult world population. This global problem continues to be the number one health problem facing our society. It knows no barriers and crosses all cultural, political and economic boundaries.
In an effort to curb the number of overweight, the supplement health industry has concentrated its efforts to the field of nutritional research and in the process discovered numerous botanicals that offer a multi-faceted approach to weight management. When combined with individual weight loss regimens, these botanicals may help enhance weight loss by:
- helping increase calorie burn
- helping reduce caloric intake
- building satiety
Satiety - a Critical Factor in Weight Loss Management
Satiety is a state of feeling "full" after a meal. It is an indication that the body has had enough to eat. After a meal, the body begins the process of satiation by releasing peptide hormones (such as cholecystokinin, peptide YY) into the bloodstream from the gut. These peptide hormones then act on the brain stimulating feelings of "fullness". The actual components of a meal are considered to be responsible for triggering the release of satiety factors. These components include proteins, fibers and simple sugars. Satiety ingredients in weight loss supplements function in the same way - by stimulating the release of peptide hormones. They work alongside the body's natural process to promote satiety. It must be noted here that satiety ingredients work very differently in the body from appetite suppressants which are absorbed into the bloodstream and disrupt normal brain chemistry.
There are several types of satiety ingredients. They initiate satiety earlier and sustain feelings of "fullness" longer - both these processes can result in reduced caloric intake.
Kidney Bean and Artichoke Extract Offer Weight Management Benefits
The strategy behind all weight management programs is to introduce changes that result in increased calorie expenditure with decreased energy intake. Satiety ingredients help to decrease energy intake. Natural satiety ingredients, such as an artichoke extract and kidney bean extract, work by helping to inhibit the activity of the digestive enzyme alpha amylase. Alpha amylase initiates the digestion of complex carbohydrates in the body breaking them down into simple starch which can be easily absorbed by the body. Bean-artichoke extract is believed to help prevent or slow down the work of alpha amylase, thereby reducing starch-caloric intake.
A recent study showed that two months of consuming extracts from artichoke and kidney beans increased satiety and helped manage weight effectively. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involved 39 overweight participants. Twenty were in the group that received dietary supplementation with an extract from kidney beans and artichokes and 19 were in the placebo group. After two months, the group given the bean-artichoke extract showed an increase in satiation levels with an associated decrease in blood glucose, and lost 1 kilogram more weight than the placebo group.
More Dietary Supplement Ingredients for Satiety
Fiber. An adequate intake of dietary fiber can have a positive effect on weight-loss, satiety, lipid profile and glucose metabolism. In addition to weight loss benefits, consuming dietary fiber also seems to have cardiovascular benefits as well. According to a 2008 study published by Frost & Sullivan, a global a business research and consulting firm, the prebiotic (fiber) ingredients market is expected to double in the next five years to more than $220 million.
Protein. A higher intake of protein has been associated with increased satiety, increased thermogenesis and the retention of lean muscle mass. Protein powders are popular with health enthusiasts, weight watchers and athletes.
A Growing Market for Weight Management Supplements
Rising global overweight rates have opened the door for supplement business owners to introduce natural or herbal weight loss products. Frost & Sullivan's report, Opportunities in Global Weight Management Ingredients, states the weight loss ingredient market earned revenue of $7.5 million in 2008 and forecasted earnings are expected to reach $13.9 million by 2015. The market is growing extensively with a range of products that include novel, science-backed satiety ingredients that demonstrate high efficacy for successful weight management when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
Kidney bean extract and artichoke extract can both be manufactured as capsules, tablets or powders. NutraScience Labs can help you design effective weight loss supplements for your customers using ingredients that promote both satiety and weight management.
Call (855) 492-7388 to speak with one of our Production Specialists about our full range of customized weight loss manufacturing solutions or send us your request to receive a free product quote in 48 business hours.
