Glucose: the fuel of life
Glucose plays a vital part in our body: its regulation in the bloodstream feeds all our cells with a constant energy supply. This energy is created by means of biochemical and mechanical processes. During the digestive process, enzymes attack and break down food into more simple elements that are easier to assimilate. Alpha-amylase (digestive enzyme) breaks down the bigger carbohydrates, like starch. It is found is saliva and pancreatic juice. Alpha-glucosidase (another digestive enzyme) comes into play in the last stage of carbohydrate transformation. It is found at the enteric level. It finally allows our body to use the glucose. In the end, insulin and glucagon (hormones produced by the pancreas) will come to modulate glycemia (blood sugar levels).
In general, blood sugar levels vary very little for healthy people during a single day. Following a balanced meal, there is a slight variation in blood sugar levels. This is called postprandial glycemia. But following a heavy meal, you can see a spike and a drop in blood sugar levels. Thus the hunger and tiredness that set in during the afternoon.
After meals rich in sugar or fat, the body has to break down a lot of food having what is called a high glycemic index in order to produce glucose. The more uneven the postprandial glycemia, the more roughen up the body gets. This can lead to insulin resistance. Glucose does not flow into cells as much and starts building up in the bloodstream. The body then tries to compensate by producing more insulin… for nothing. After a while, pancreatic cells wear out and glucose intolerance sets in. This results is Type II diabetes.
Glycemax : a healthy ally
Virage Santé now offers a revolutionary combination to help you effectively: Glucocap and Gluco-lib. This would be one good resolution to have after the Holidays.
The Glucocap supplement is currently the only product available on the Canadian market that has a proven inhibitory effect against alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. It simply slows down the blood’s sugar supply. Of natural origin (brown algae extract), its active substance (InSea2®) is rich in antioxidants. This patented ingredient proved clearly effective on the glycemic index, as well as on insulin sensitivity. During a clinical trial, it has been shown that its absorption, combined with a heavy meal, contributed in lowering blood-glucose response by 48% and insulin levels in blood response by 12%. Furthermore, it improved insulin sensitivity by 8%. Thus, the use of Glucocap is beneficial for reducing the glycemic index of heavy meals.
The Gluco-Llib infusion complements its action with the active substance of the plants in use. The hypoglycemic effect of Ginseng is combined with that of Marshmallow and Alfalfa. This herbal tea is a real supportive therapy to help keep blood sugar levels in check.
Go on, treat yourself: Glycemax works for you. Keep your health in mind for the New Year!
Glycemax
- Made from patented natural ingredients
- Submitted to a range safety and efficacy studies
- Support healthy postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels
- Reduce the glycemic index of ingested foods
- Reduce cardiovascular risk associated with heavy meals
By Sandrine Briatte, B. Sc. Biochemistry, M. Sc. Biology
Taken from Magazine Mieux-Être, january 2012
