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Insulin And Belly Fat
What is Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone which is secreted by the pancreas. It has a very important role for all of us, not just for diabetics. Understanding how it works can be very important when trying to lose weight.
What happens when we eat?
When we consume food, it is broken down by the body into molecules which can be absorbed and used for energy. Starches (or "simple" carbohydrates) are broken down in the stomach first.
One of the most significant products of this is glucose, the primary fuel for the cells of the body. Its simple sugar molecules are then absorbed into the bloodstream rapidly, where they cause a sharp rise in blood-sugar levels.
Why is a rapid rise in blood sugar bad for weight loss?
Any rapid rise in blood sugar will also result in an equally rapid crash. The stomach sends signals telling the brain to increase glucose levels again by eating more. This is a common experience for most people – you feel hungry, eat a chocolate bar or bag of crisps, then in a matter of 10-15 minutes feel hungry again and look for another sugar fix.
The initial surge of energy we experience from these calorie-dense, high sugar foods does not last long, and the resulting drop in blood-sugar levels can quickly lead to a vicious circle of snacking or over-eating.
 Blood sugar, insulin and belly fat
When blood sugar rises so does insulin, this helps glucose molecules enter the body's cells so they can be used for energy (insulin is also linked with fat storage, most often belly fat).
The cells soak up the glucose, and the sugar level circulating in the blood drops away, followed by insulin levels. High insulin levels can also prevent the conversion of fat back into energy.
How to control insulin levels and belly fat
If you rely more on complex carbohydrates for energy, such as wholegrain bread, rice, cereals or pasta, then you can control blood sugar levels and prevent hunger. This is because these take longer to be broken down by the body and therefore do not cause an energy spike and crash scenario.
Why excess belly fat can cause a resistance to insulin
Studies have shown that excess belly fat can cause a resistance to insulin, which in turn causes glucose to circulate for longer. This means the pancreas will have to work much harder to provoke a response from the body’s cells. This can cause permanent damage to the pancreas and lead to type 2 diabetes.
Is there another way to control blood sugar spikes, and prevent belly fat?
Many studies have shown that Hoodia Gordonii (an appetite suppressant made
from cactus extract) can mimic glucose – the body’s preferred energy source, and prevent you from over-eating and snacking in-between meals.
When Hoodia is consumed, signals are sent to the brain increasing levels of serotonin, leaving you feeling fuller without actually eating. This has a dramatic effect on reducing belly fat and prevents insulin spikes.
Read more about Hoodia Gordonii
Tags: insulin and belly fat |
