White Kidney Bean Extract: A Natural Supplement to Block Carb and Cut Calories

White kidney bean extract, a natural supplement derived from the seeds of the Phaseolus vulgaris plant, is known to have the unique ability to inhibit the absorption of glucose in the intestines, thereby reducing their effect on blood sugar levels and helping to regulate weight.

The almost fantastic ability of white kidney bean extract to keep glucose from being absorbed contributes to a healthier and longer life. Why and how? In this article, we'll look at the mechanisms of action of white kidney bean extract, its benefits for carbohydrate management, and how it can be a valuable tool in achieving long-term health goals.

What is White Kidney Bean Extract?

White kidney bean extract is obtained from the seeds of the Phaseolus vulgaris plant, a species known for its large white beans. These beans are used in various culinary dishes from different cultures, especially in Mediterranean and Latin American cuisines. Traditionally, white kidney beans have been valued not only for their nutritional content but also for their potential health benefits.

Research has demonstrated white kidney bean extract's potential benefits for blood glucose control by blocking the absorption of carbohydrates, mainly due to the compound called phaseolamin. 

Phaseolamin is found in the seed coat of the bean and works by blocking the enzyme alpha-amylase, which is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into simple sugars. By inhibiting this enzyme, phaseolamin effectively reduces the absorption of carbohydrates in the digestive system, resulting in a lower increase in blood sugar levels after a meal, especially with sweets or excessive amounts of carbs (1).

Phaseolamin: The Carb Blocker

When we consume foods containing complex carbohydrates like fibers or starch, our bodies must process them into simpler sugars to be able to absorb them into the bloodstream. It starts in the mouth, where salivary glands release the enzyme salivary amylase, which begins breaking down complex carbohydrates (like starch) into smaller units called maltose (a disaccharide).

Then, the pancreas releases pancreatic amylase into the small intestine. This enzyme continues breaking down complex carbohydrates into disaccharides (two-sugar units like maltose, lactose, and sucrose).

Enzymes from the intestinal lining further break down disaccharides into monosaccharides (single sugar units):

• Maltase breaks down maltose → glucose + glucose

• Lactase breaks down lactose → glucose + galactose

• Sucrase breaks down sucrose → glucose + fructose

Monosaccharides are absorbed through the walls of the small intestine into the bloodstream. Then they travel to the liver, where fructose and galactose are converted into glucose.

However, in the presence of phaseolamin, this process is altered due to phaseolamin's effects, which include :

• Inhibiting Carbohydrate Digestion: Phaseolamin binds to alpha-amylase in the digestive tract, reducing its ability to break down complex carbohydrates into absorbable sugars (1).

• Reducing Caloric Absorption: By preventing the breakdown of starch and fiber, we reduce the total amount of calories absorbed (2).

• Stabilizing Blood Sugar Levels: Slowing carbohydrate digestion can help prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes, making phaseolamin potentially beneficial for people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes (3).

Additional Benefits of White Kidney Bean Extract

In addition to the main active compound, phaseolamine, white kidney bean extract contains other beneficial compounds that promote overall health, longevity, and metabolic function.

Benefits of white kidney bean extract include:

• Cholesterol Reduction: The extract's fiber content may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by binding to cholesterol in the digestive tract, promoting its excretion.

• Blood Pressure Regulation: Improved blood sugar control and reduced inflammation contribute to better cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure.

• Supports Fat Metabolism: May help reduce visceral fat accumulation, particularly around the abdomen, which is linked to metabolic disorders.

• Prebiotic Effects: The undigested starch can act as a prebiotic, fostering the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and supporting overall gut health.

• Rich in Antioxidants: White kidney beans contain polyphenols and other antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, key factors in aging and chronic disease prevention.

• Cellular Protection: These antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

• Sustained Energy: The slow digestion of complex carbohydrates provides steady energy, preventing spikes and crashes.

The Link Between Blood Sugar, Weight Management, and Longevity

Maintaining stable blood glucose levels is crucial not only for effective weight management but also for overall metabolic health. When blood sugar levels are unstable, they can cause spikes and dips that trigger cravings for unhealthy foods and lead to overeating. Read more about glucose spikes you can here.

Glucose spikes describe a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, which can have negative effects on overall health, especially if they occur frequently.

Here's why blood sugar spikes are a concern for overall well-being, including healthy aging:

• Increased risk of insulin resistance

• Inflammation and oxidative stress

• Damage to blood vessels and organs

• Energy crashes and fatigue

• Weight gain and obesity

• Negative impact on brain health

• Disrupted hormonal balance

Phaseolamin helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which not only positively impacts overall health but also has broader implications for longevity.

Another issue is that excessive sugar levels can lead to the formation of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), harmful compounds formed when sugars bind to proteins or lipids in a process called glycation. This process accelerates under conditions of high blood glucose levels, and the accumulation of AGEs in the body is closely linked to aging and various age-related disorders. AGEs contribute to the cross-linking of structural proteins like collagen and elastin, reducing their flexibility and leading to tissue stiffness. 

AGEs not only accelerate skin aging—causing wrinkles and loss of elasticity—but also impact the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and nervous system by damaging cellular structures and impairing function. Additionally, AGEs trigger chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, key drivers of conditions like atherosclerosis, arthritis, and neurodegenerative diseases.

By inhibiting alpha-amylase and slowing the digestion of complex carbohydrates, phaseolamin helps maintain more stable blood glucose levels, thereby lowering the substrate (sugar) available for glycation. This reduction in AGE production helps protect tissues from damage, supporting cellular integrity and function (4). 

Supplementation vs. Dietary Intake

While including white kidney beans in your diet can provide health benefits, supplements with white kidney bean extract may be more effective for specific goals such as blood glucose control and weight management: 

• One of the main benefits of the supplement is concentration and dosage; the standardized extract provides a potent dose of phaseolamine, ensuring that you get a consistent amount with each serving. For example, a typical serving of white kidney bean extract is equivalent to several cups of cooked beans, which typically take 30 to 45 minutes to prepare. If relying only on dietary sources, it can be difficult to consume enough to achieve the desired effect. Especially on a daily basis!

• In addition, standardized extracts in supplements guarantee a consistent delivery of phaseolamine, allowing users to better monitor its intake and results. This reliability may increase the efficacy of white kidney bean extract as a means of maintaining metabolic health and managing carbohydrate absorption.

Potential Side Effects to Be Aware Of

White kidney bean extract is generally considered safe for most individuals when taken as directed. However, as with any supplement, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and considerations.

Some users may experience mild gastrointestinal issues, such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea, particularly when first starting supplementation. These effects are typically temporary and may subside as the body adjusts to the extract. Other side effects may include:

• Allergic Reactions: Individuals with allergies to legumes, such as peanuts or soybeans, should exercise caution when using white kidney bean extract, as it may trigger allergic reactions.

• Drug Interactions: White kidney bean extract may interact with certain medications, particularly those that affect blood sugar levels. If you are taking diabetes medications or other supplements, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting white kidney bean extract to avoid potential interactions.

• Pregnancy and Lactation: Due to the limited research on the safety of white kidney bean extract during pregnancy and lactation, it is recommended that pregnant or breastfeeding women consult their healthcare providers before use.

• Individual Variability: As with any supplement, individual responses may vary. It is always a good practice to start with a lower dose to assess tolerance before gradually increasing to the recommended dosage.

If you're looking to manage your carbohydrate intake more effectively and support your overall health, consider incorporating Jung’s Glucose Blocker into your daily routine. This advanced formula is more than just a simple supplement—it’s a strategic ally designed to optimize your metabolic health, blood sugar level control, satiety, and longevity.

Glucose Blocker helps regulate post-meal glucose levels, providing steady energy without the severe spikes and crashes typically associated with carbohydrate intake.

This powerful blend of white kidney bean extract, chromium chloride, white mulberry leaf, berberine HCL, and Gymnema sylvestre extract works synergistically to reduce the absorption of sugar-related calories. This not only slows down glycation but also helps prevent oxidative stress and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, it activates critical pathways linked to longevity and metabolic health.

With Glucose Blocker, you’re better equipped to manage blood sugar spikes and control your carbohydrate and sugar intake, supporting your overall well-being and long-term health.

References:

1. Subchronic Study of a White Kidney Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Extract with α-Amylase Inhibitory Activity (2019). BioMed Research International.

2.  Dietary supplements for obesity (2022). Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene.

3. Improvement of Glycemic Control by a Functional Food Mixture Containing Maltodextrin, White Kidney Bean Extract, Mulberry Leaf Extract, and Niacin-Bound Chromium Complex in Obese Diabetic db/db Mice (2022). Metabolites. 

4. Phaseolamin treatment prevents oxidative stress and collagen deposition in the hearts of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (2014). Diabetes & Vascular Disease Research.