Side Effects of White Kidney Bean Extract

A staple of many diet pills, white kidney bean extract is said to block carbohydrate absorption and shed excess pounds. Unfortunately, the benefits may not be worth the side effects.

Facts

• White kidney bean extract, scientifically known as phaselous vulgaris, is derived from the northern white kidney bean. It's classified as an amylase inhibitor, meaning it interferes with the enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into glucose.

Benefits

• White kidney bean extract allows carbohydrates to pass through the body undigested, prohibiting them from eventually converting to fat. This can result in immediate weight loss.

Warnings

• Since it prevents the proper digestion of carbohydrates, white kidney bean extract can cause several unwanted gastrointestinal side effects, including heartburn, excessive gas, and diarrhea.

Considerations

• White kidney bean extract is not a long-term weight-loss solution. Without adequate lifestyle changes, the user will regain weight as soon as the supplement use is discontinued.

Misconceptions

• Even though white kidney bean extract blocks the alpha-amylase enzymes, that doesn't mean all carbohydrate digestion will be prevented. Another digestive enzyme, glucoamylase, may pick up the slack and continue breaking down starches.