Health Guide

Phaseolamin

Meet Phaseolamin, a natural plant extract derived from the common white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Think of it as nature's 'carb-blocker.' It functions as a starch neutralizer, inhibiting the digestive enzyme alpha-amylase which is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into sugar. By temporarily pausing this process, it helps prevent a portion of starch calories from being absorbed by your body, making it a popular ally for weight management and blood sugar control.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Caloric Reduction from Starch with Phaseolamin

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Estimated Starch Blockage (%)

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Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Carbohydrate Inhibition: It reduces the breakdown of complex starches into glucose.
Weight Management: By limiting calorie absorption from carbs, it can support weight loss efforts.
Blood Sugar Balance: It helps smooth out blood sugar spikes after high-carb meals.

Deep Dive

Phaseolamin acts as a dietary inhibitor. When you eat starchy foods (bread, pasta, potatoes), your body uses the enzyme alpha-amylase to digest them. Phaseolamin binds to this enzyme, rendering it temporarily inactive. Undigested starch passes through the digestive system rather than being stored as fat. A study published in the International Journal of Medical Sciences showed that subjects taking Phaseolamin experienced significantly greater weight loss and reduction in body fat compared to placebo.

Natural Food Sources

While Phaseolamin is highly concentrated in white kidney beans, it is present in varying degrees in the legume family.

Food	Amount	% DV
White Kidney Beans (Raw)	High	N/A
Pinto Beans	Medium	N/A
Green Beans	Low	N/A
Lentils	Low	N/A

Supplementation

Because you would need to eat an impractical amount of raw beans to get a therapeutic dose (and cooking destroys the protein), supplementation is the standard route.

Dosage: Typical clinical dosages range from 500mg to 3000mg taken 15–30 minutes before a starchy meal.
Who Should Use It: Ideal for individuals following a balanced diet who want to moderate the impact of occasional high-carb meals.

Top Food Sources

White Kidney Beans

Therapeutic dose requires raw extract

Pinto Beans

Contains lower concentrations

Lima Beans

Trace amounts present

Green Beans

Not a viable dietary source

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Raw kidney beans contain a much higher concentration of this compound, but they also contain phytohaemagglutinin, a toxic lectin that can cause severe food poisoning. Always cook beans thoroughly or rely on standardized supplements.

It primarily blocks complex carbohydrates (starches) like those found in bread, pasta, and potatoes. It does not block simple sugars found in candy or fruit.

It is not a magic bullet. While it helps reduce calorie absorption, the best results are seen when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

Yes. Heat denatures (destroys) the Phaseolamin protein, which is why you cannot get the blocking benefit from a standard serving of cooked beans.

Safety & Side Effects

Phaseolamin is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Because it is a protein, it is digested just like any other food protein.

Side Effects: Mild digestive upset (gas, bloating) can occur, especially if you consume the starch it is blocking. This is due to fermentation of undigested starch in the colon.

Interactions: Always consult a doctor if you are diabetic, as it lowers blood sugar levels and may require adjustments to medication to prevent hypoglycemia.

Scientific References

[1]Udani, J., et al. (2004). "Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a proprietary white kidney bean extract." *International Journal of Medical Sciences*.
[2]Celleno, L., et al. (2007). "A dietary supplement containing standardized Phaseolus vulgaris extract influences body composition." *Journal of Applied Research*.
[3]Preuss, H.G. (2009). "Bean amylase inhibitor and other carbohydrate absorption blockers." *Journal of the American College of Nutrition*.