WHAT IS WHITE KIDNEY BEAN EXTRACT?

White kidney bean extract comes from the Phaseolus vulgaris bean, also known as the common bean. The Phaseolus vulgaris species contains numerous cultivars and varieties of beans, including bush, pole, snap, and string beans. Some of the more popular Phaseolus vulgaris beans include pinto beans, navy beans, black beans, cannellini, great northern beans, and various colored kidney beans (red, light speckled, red speckled, and white).

As the name implies, white kidney bean extract comes from the white kidney bean. It is a carbohydrate blocker and alpha-amylase inhibitor isoform 1. Although all beans in the Phaseolus vulgaris species contain this compound, white kidney beans have the highest concentration.

DO CARB BLOCKERS WORK?

Alpha-amylase inhibitor isoform 1 is a bean lectin and one of the primary starch inhibitors. Unlike other starch inhibitors, alpha-amylase inhibitor isoform 1 does not allow carbohydrate binding. Amylase is an enzyme that starts the digestion process by converting glycogen and starch into simple sugars. These enzymes also break down complex carbohydrates so the body can absorb them. Carb blockers like white kidney bean extract inhibit this process, allowing the complex carbs to pass through the intestines without absorption. As a result, the undigested carbs do not contribute to consumed calories or affect blood sugar.

POTENTIAL WHITE KIDNEY BEAN EXTRACT BENEFITS

WHITE KIDNEY BEAN EXTRACT AS A WEIGHT LOSS SUPPLEMENT

White kidney bean extract may support weight loss efforts. It is a carb blocker that prevents the body from absorbing around 7% of the calories in complex carbohydrates. It mimics a calorie deficit, much like reducing total food intake. Both animal and human research report that carb blockers can help participants achieve weight loss. One study noted that participants taking Phaseolus vulgaris extract lost 8.8 pounds (4 kilograms) more than the control groups. Research also shows that Phaseolus vulgaris extract promoted significantly better reductions in fat mass, body mass index (BMI), and waist, hip, and thigh circumference. A small clinical trial reported that Phaseolus vulgaris extracts reduced appetite and suppressed the production of the hunger hormone ghrelin. Carb blockers are most effective when taken alongside a carb-heavy meal, as they only work on complex carbs like pasta, rice, bread, and potatoes.

White beans

WHITE KIDNEY BEAN EXTRACT AND GUT HEALTH

Carb blockers reduce the number of carbs absorbed by the small intestine, leading to an increase in resistant starch in the large intestine. Resistant starches are like fiber, meaning enzymes can’t absorb them in the small intestines. Allowing resistant starches to pass through the large intestines causes gut bacteria to ferment them and act like probiotics. They also release small-chain fatty acids, including acetic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid, that support colon health. Resistant starches may also support weight loss efforts by improving fat burn following a meal.

OTHER POTENTIAL WHITE KIDNEY BEAN EXTRACT BENEFITS

White kidney bean extract may help individuals manage their blood sugar. As a carb blocker, white kidney bean extract reduces the number of carbs the body digests. As such, it also has a corresponding decrease in how much sugar the body absorbs from meals. Research also shows that Phaseolus vulgaris extract can reduce the glycemic index (GI) of certain high-glycemic foods that usually cause a rapid blood sugar spike. Several human trials also noted that participants had smaller increases in blood sugar following a high-carb meal when taking white kidney bean extract.

POTENTIAL WHITE KIDNEY BEAN EXTRACT SIDE EFFECTS

White kidney bean extract has an excellent safety profile. White kidney bean extract may cause side effects similar to fiber due to the intestinal bacteria that ferment them. These include bloating, gas, or diarrhea. Individuals with diabetes and taking insulin should consult a physician before taking white kidney bean extract, as it may lower blood sugar.

WHITE KIDNEY BEAN EXTRACT PURITY AND CONCENTRATION

This product contains no fillers, taste additives, or anti-caking agents and is extracted in a 4:1 ratio with a mixture of ethanol and water.

WHITE KIDNEY BEAN EXTRACT BIOAVAILABILITY, MIXING, AND SOLUBILITY

This product is freely bioavailable and water soluble.