INSULIN and WEIGHT LOSS

It is now believed that a hormone named insulin plays an important role in losing weight. Research indicates that the level of insulin may explain why some people can eat a mountain of food and not gain weight, while others can eat little and find it hard to maintain or lose weight. Calories may not be the answer to ensure weight loss. It seems if the blood insulin is high, the body may not be able to metabolize fat efficiently.

WHAT IS INSULIN?
Insulin is a hormone secreted by a gland called the pancreas. This hormone makes it possible for food (in the form of blood glucose) to enter the cells of the body and be converted into energy. When this mechanism does not function properly, the blood glucose is not converted into energy, it is converted into fat.

HOW DOES INSULIN AFFECT THE DIETER?
Studies have shown that most people who are overweight do not have a normal insulin-cell-food mechanism. Obesity raises the level of blood insulin. This is a critical factor in weight loss. It appears that this condition can prevent weight loss and foster weight gain on small amounts of food.

HOW CAN HIGH INSULIN PREVENT WEIGHT LOSS?
When the insulin level is high, as much as 50% of the food eaten can be converted into fat. Fat is stored and not metabolized into energy which is burned off.

HOW CAN FOOD CHOICES STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING?
In order to metabolize fat efficiently, a diet must be designed to lower blood insulin. One way to do this is to restrict the intake of simple carbohydrates. This includes WHITE TRASH consisting of refined white flour, sugar and all the commercial products made from these ingredients. This includes cookies, cakes, most baked goods, ice cream, and packaged or processed foods. Also included are caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks which also can raise the insulin response as well.

WHAT OTHER BENEFITS RESULT FROM EATING WELL?
If dietary sugar is related to heart disease, it may do its dirty work through insulin. So this type of diet is beneficial for preventing heart disease, diabetes and "metabolic syndrome."