Phaseolamine
Phaseolamine
Phaseolamine is a glycoprotein present in bean pods (Phaseolus vulgaris L. 1758).
For the assumption of phaseolamine, it should be taken into account that, while the bean is part of the ordinary diet of populations around the world and can be consumed at any time of the year or fresh frozen or dried, the pod is consumed only when it is fresh and soft or frozen like in green beans.
Action mechanism –
Phaseolamine acts by inhibiting human alpha-amylase, an enzyme produced mainly by the pancreas and the liver, which has the task of hydrolysing (breaking down) the starch contained in complex carbohydrates (pasta, bread, legumes, potatoes, etc.).
After taking a carbohydrate-rich meal, the pancreas produces a certain amount of alpha-amylase, which turns complex carbohydrates into glucose after a few tens of minutes. This is rapidly absorbed into the blood and provides the body with just under 4 calories per gram of hydrolyzed starch. In the presence of phaseolamine, the breakdown of carbohydrates is partially blocked and only a portion is transformed into glucose and is absorbed by the body to produce energy.
Some studies have shown that in the presence of phaseolamine, the transformation of carbohydrates into glucose is partially inhibited, with the result that only a part of carbohydrates is transformed into glucose and absorbed by the body to produce energy. Since part of the carbohydrates is not transformed into glucose, the caloric content of the meal consumed is reduced: this is why the phaseolamine is defined as a “complex carbohydrate blocker” and is used in cases where it is necessary to keep the calorie intake and to lose weight. In addition to being used against overweight and obesity, feseolamine would seem to be useful also in subjects with reduced glucose tolerance. Several studies attribute it also draining properties.
Regarding tolerance, the phaseolamine intake is generally well tolerated and safe for most people. It is good to refrain from the consumption of products based on this substance in case of certain or presumed hypersensitivity to phaseolamine.
The most common side effects include flatulence, abdominal tension and diarrhea. To date, there are no safety data on the use of phaseolamine in pregnancy and lactation: for precautionary purposes it is better to avoid the use of the substance.
Phaseolamine can be taken with the normal diet – thanks to the regular consumption of beans – or in concentrated form in the form of specific supplements; in the latter it is often associated with other active principles that promote the reduction of body weight (chitosan and fiber in general).
Warning: The information given is not medical advice and may not be accurate. The contents are for illustrative purposes only and do not replace medical advice.