Controlling obesity with vitamin supplements
Metabolic obesity isn't a term most of us have heard of.
Metabolic obese individuals are of normal weight. Their blood
insulin and blood sugar levels, however, are much higher than
would be expected. Metabolic obesity is probably best described
as "obesity that is waiting to happen." A recent clinical study
at the University of Vermont offers a good example.
Doctors examined 71 women aged 21 to 35. Of the 71 women
participating in the study, 13 were found to be "metabolically
obese." The difference was not weight, although the
metabolically obese women weighed slightly more (an average of
132 pounds) than the normal women (an average of 129 pounds).
Neither was the difference body fat, although the metabolically
obese women had a slightly higher percentage body fat, 32%
compared to 27%.
The fundamental difference between the two groups of women was
the ability of the body to clear sugar out of the bloodstream
after a meal. The longer the body takes to return blood sugars
to normal levels after eating, the worse the metabolic obesity.
Why is this important?
The body moves sugar into cells with the help of insulin. This
vital hormone moves more than just sugars. It also helps cells
store fat. In fact, insulin is 300 times more effective at
storing fat than it is for storing sugars.If cells resist the
effects of insulin, the pancreas secretes more. Before the onset
of diabetes, the extra insulin eventually gets the sugar out of
the bloodstream. But the additional insulin results in storing
even more fat.
The metabolic obesity that is caused by insulin resistance may
be related to antioxidant deficiency.Certain foods are extremely
rich in antioxidants. Dried prunes and raisins are among the
most sources of antioxidants readily found in the market. Beans,
blueberries, dried apricots, pomegranate juice, artichokes,
Russet potatoes, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, ground cloves,
cinnamon, and oregano are also high on the list. The fact is,
unfortunately, most of us don't eat the antioxidant-rich foods
our bodies need, and, frankly, we can eat them all the time, as
any one who has ever feasted on prunes can attest.
The most reliable remedy for antioxidant deficiency that leads
to metabolic obesity is a simple, balanced, multivitamin
supplement taken every day. Over 340 published scientific
studies confirm the role of dietary and vitamin supplement
antioxidants in preventing insulin resistance and metabolic
obesity. Beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and red wine
catechins all provide antioxidants that prevent insulin
resistance. Alpha-lipoic acid is especially useful for
offsetting the insulin resistance induced by excessive
consumption of fructose, the simple sugar found in corn syrup
and most soft drinks and baked goods in North America.
So what's your best vitamin supplement?
As a general rule, it's best to avoid overdoses of antioxidant
vitamin supplements.Very high levels of antioxidants, such as
10,000 mg of vitamin C or 3,000 IU of vitamin E every day, can
alter the way your body responds to vitamins. If you abruptly
stop taking a megadose of antioxidant vitamin supplement, your
body will act as if you were nutritionally deficient. It is
never a good idea to take megadoses of antioxidant vitamin
supplements over a period of weeks or months unless you are
treating a specific health condition--other than metabolic
obesity--that requires them.
The best way to get your "vitamin insurance" is to take a
multivitamin formula. Formulas balance individual ingredients.
You won't be getting your zinc without copper or your folic acid
without vitamin B-6.