A Natural Way to Reduce Fat Absorption?

Diet pills are not a safe way to lose weight - but there could be a diet pill alternative on the horizon. A new study shows that alginate - a natural fiber found in seaweed - could help overweight people reduce fat absorption naturally - without using dangerous diet pills. Could the answer to obesity come from the sea?

What is Alginate?

Alginate is a polysaccharide thats found in certain types of seaweed - most notably sea kelp. Alginates are used in the food industry to add firmness to foods such as puddings and ice cream - and it also has a natural laxative effect. Kelp alginates are a good source of iodine - a mineral thats essential for healthy thyroid function.

Can Using Alginate Reduce Fat Absorption?

Researchers tested the ability of alginate - along with sixty other types of natural fiber - to reduce fat absorption using an artificial gut. An artificial gut is a manmade model of a working stomach and intestines that replicates the natural activity of a normal digestive system. When alginate was tested in this natural gut it not only reduced fat absorption, but it did it better than many diet pills currently sold for weight loss.

Of course, using alginate only in an artificial gut isnt enough to say its safe for human use. Further testing will be needed to ensure its safety as a natural diet pill alternative for reducing fat absorption. Interestingly, alginate is used in Germany as a weight loss aid and has been a big commercial success. Alginate diet supplements are already being sold by some online sites.

Is Using Alginates a Good Diet Pill Alternative?

Researchers are hoping to add alginate to foods such as bread and yogurt as a natural way to reduce fat absorption - but only after further testing is done to make sure its safe for longer term use. Its already passed initial taste tests and consumers cant detect any difference between foods that contain alginate and ones that dont. Preliminarily, it appears to be safe and may even have additional health benefits for improving digestive health.

Using Alginates to Reduce Fat Absorption: The Bottom Line?

Alginates wont replace the need to exercise and eat a healthy diet, but if they prove to be safe, they could be beneficial for some overweight people - but only as an adjunct to a healthy lifestyle. Diet pills in any form are usually not the answer - only a healthy lifestyle will keep the weight off for good.

References:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/183252.php