Chromium

Chromium is one of the essential minerals for the human body. Although most Americans are not deficient in chromium, supplements have been shown to have many beneficial effects. Natural chromium is found in brewers yeast, beer, mushrooms, broccoli, prunes and whole grains.

Chromium helps the body produce a chemical called the glucose tolerance factor. It seems to help raise the number of insulin receptors in the cells of muscles, allowing more effective absorption of sugars and fatty acids. Chromium helps get glucose into the cells.

In fact, most diabetics have a lower than normal of chromium in the bloodstream. Although still under study, chromium does seem to have some benefits for diabetics. Chromium is often used to treat high levels of triglycerides (fatty acids) in the blood.

Since it helps the bodys natural insulin burn sugars and fatty acids, it lowers the amount of these fats circulating in the bloodstream. Studies have show significant improvement in cholesterol levels for chromium users. This benefit makes chromium a good supplement for cardiovascular health as well. Since it helps to metabolize sugar in the body, it is also used to treat hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.

Although chromium supplements are popular for weight loss, no definitive study has proven their effectiveness. Other claims that chromium can enhance athletic performance and build muscle are also unproven. Use caution in adding a chromium supplement to your daily regimen if you are currently using antacids, and avoid them if you are pregnant or nursing.

Chromium has relatively few side effects. Interestingly, a common side effect of chromium is weight loss, although researchers do not yet understand exactly why. The other most common side effect is kidney problems. If you are taking a beta blocker while using chromium, you may experience an increase in HDL. While the jury is still out on some of the claims regarding chromium, remember that any essential mineral is an important part of your diet plan.

Recommended Chromium Supplement

We have stumbled upon a company that produces a product that provides the highest quality of Chromium is Xtend-Life Natural Products from New Zealand. Xtend-Life has one of the strictest regulatory environments in the world for the manufacture of dietary supplements, far exceeding U.S. FDA standards.

Their flagship product, Total Balance, contains standardized Chromium, along with many other potent herbal supplement extracts, numerous vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other speciality nutrients, many of which are documented in this site.

We here at www.InstantHealthSecret.com personally take Xtend-Life's Total Balance as the foundation of our own health regimen and have achieved excellent results: we have noticed an increase in energy, mental acuity, and general sense of well-being.