With the arrival of summer, shedding a few extra pounds becomes one of the most frequently requested goals by users of nutraceutical products.
There are many possible paths and available approaches, based on a series of very different functional rationales.
How can end users choose the product or product range that best meets their needs?
An excellent method could be to simplify, reducing the various proposed solutions into two main macro-areas, where we consider solutions capable of providing a stimulus or, better yet, metabolic support rather than solutions capable of intervening at a nutrikinetic level by slowing the absorption rate of the nutrients ingested.
Starting from the analysis of nutrikinetic solutions, it is possible to identify a series of tools with interesting characteristics, which have in common the ability to form, upon contact with water, a viscous matrix commonly defined as a gel.
What are the benefits of consuming viscous fiber?
The viscosity of the fiber allows, on the one hand, efficient mixing with the material being digested and, on the other, a sort of modulation, if not an actual reduction, in the speed of enzymatic digestion of the nutrients it contains.
What are some of the main nutraceutical resources?
Very interesting are the acacia gum, which combines on the one hand the ability to form viscous gels, on the other that of being fermented, thus acting as nutritional energy support for bifidobacteria, species essential for a balanced intestinal well-being.
With this aim, the combination with the fruit oligosaccharides (FOS), another prebiotic substance essential for the support of these positive bacteria, also useful in reduce fat absorption.
A further clever blend of viscose fibres, which may include for example guar, arabinogalactans And glucomannan can further contribute in modulating the speed and magnitude of thenutrient absorption, promoting more balanced and functional dynamics for weight loss, eliminating the potential side effects deriving from the intake of a single fiber in large quantities.
Satiety effect for food control
The satiating effect also demonstrated makes it very suitable to support all those subjects who find it difficult to follow a controlled eating plan.
Support and stimulation of metabolism
When instead we talk about metabolic support and stimulation The situation becomes slightly more complicated when molecules with markedly different effects are combined, which contribute synergistically to achieving the result.
What elements help convert fat into energy?
Very interesting in this regard is the contribution provided by chili thanks to its capsaicin content, a very interesting substance in stimulating the activity of the nervous system, particularly promoting the consumption of lipids as a source of energy.
Its use is particularly interesting in conjunction with that of the caffeine, a well-known metabolic stimulant capable of effectively affecting nervous and cardiovascular responses, synergistically complementing the effects of chili pepper. Since this does not have a mechanical satiating effect, as with viscous fibers, the use of bitter orange proves very useful, precisely because of its appetite-modulating properties.
The maitake, a mushroom with remarkable properties tonic-adaptogen, modulates the user's performance status, resulting from a balanced stimulation of the various metabolic components. It is therefore particularly suitable not only for those following a weight loss program but also for those with alterations in key metabolic parameters, such as those implicated in metabolic syndrome.
Last but not least must be considered the intestinal well-being, which often fails when starting a controlled feeding plan, these problems generally do not exist for products based on soluble fibers since the viscous gel itself constitutes an excellent mechanical support for defecation and when taken with good levels of water, soluble fibres tend to increase the fecal mass and hydration.
Instead, using a metabolic stimulation approach, the use of a micro-dose of anthraquinone laxatives such as Seine and/or the rhubarb can help maintain theintestinal balance.
The solutions can therefore be functionally grouped, based on the needs shared by different categories of individuals, guaranteeing each individual an effective, safe approach suited to their specific situation.
