Chromium is an essential trace mineral which forms a major part of the Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF ) in the body, being responsible for the proper use of glucose.
It is, therefore, necessary for keeping blood sugars balanced. Chromium is generally best known for its use to aid slimming. In order for glucose to be metabolised efficiently, it needs to be transported to the cells via the action of the hormone insulin. Chromium increases the sensitivity and number of cell receptors to insulin, increasing the efficiency of blood glucose metabolism.
It is hardly surprising that chromium is used extensively to control high blood sugar and to reduce sugar cravings. It is thought that high insulin levels in the body, due to insulin resistance, can cause the body to store fat when more than the required calories are consumed, and therefore chromium supplementation plays a part in increasing the rate of fat loss from the body.
When blood sugar is not effectively metabolised it can lead to a process known as ‘glycosylation’. This is when sugars attach themselves to proteins, damaging their structure. This in turn can damage artery walls. When sugar attaches itself to a protein such as collagen it damages its structure. Collagen is the main connective tissue protein in the body responsible for the formation of healthy skin, hair, and nails.
There is much evidence to suggest that glycosylation can significantly damage cells and essential body compounds, and accelerate the ageing process of all body tissues and organs. Chromium has been shown to reduce the process of glycosylation, preventing its many effects. Chromium should not be taken as a supplement by insulin-dependent diabetics as it may compound the drug’s effects leading to difficult managing of the insulin dosage and perhaps dangerous drops in blood sugar.
Terranova nutritional expert Laura Downes will be in store this Friday, November 6, offering a tasting of the company’s Life Drink and Sneaky Greens (for children ) products from 1-4pm. Ms Downes will also be offering nutritional information and advice to those in attendance.
For further information contact Susan in Au Naturel, Irishtown, Athlone on (090 ) 6487993.
