What Are Carb Blockers?
As the name suggests, carb blockers work to reduce or ‘block’ the amount of carbohydrates in the food we eat from being digested. They use ingredients such as white kidney beans to stop the enzyme alpha-amylase that digests and breaks down complex carbohydrates so that they can pass through the system undigested. This means they also won’t contribute any calories or raise blood sugar levels and will just simply pass through the body unaffected.
As a result, by using a carb blocker supplement you can enjoy complex carbs such as bread, pasta and potatoes without having to worry about their weight-gaining impact on the body. You can still, however, enjoy the benefits of simple carbohydrates such as those from fruit and vegetables without them being affected.
What Are The Keto And Paleo Diets?
The keto diet, or ketogenic diet, involves eating high amounts of fats, moderate amounts of protein and low amounts of carbohydrates in order to maintain a state of ketosis in the body. This is a natural metabolic process where the body burns fat (both stored and from the food we eat) instead of glucose from carbohydrates and sugars. By sticking to this diet, it is intended to encourage weight loss and be ideal for those looking to follow an energetic and healthy lifestyle.
The paleo diet, on the other hand, which is also known as the Paleolithic, caveman or stone-age diet is where you can only eat foods available during the Paleolithic era. This means foods that would have been available through hunting and gathering, and so are mostly based on lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds and avoids processed foods, grains, beans and sugar.
Can You Use Carb Blockers On The Keto Diet?
One of the best diets to follow to make full use of carb blockers is the ketogenic diet. When following a keto diet, you want to be eating high amounts of fats and protein and low amounts of carbs, so a carb blocker can be the perfect choice. Taking a carb blocker with the keto diet can help you to reduce the impact of carbs on the body and better promote the state of ketosis. This is especially beneficial for those just starting their keto diet and are still adjusting and getting used to what they can and can’t eat.
Can You Use Carb Blockers On The Paleo Diet?
When it comes to carb blockers and the paleo diet, things are a bit more complicated. Those following a paleo diet will be eating a lot of foods that can be hunted or gathered, and this means that legumes such as grains and beans are not allowed. Unfortunately, the most popular natural ingredient in the best carb blockers is white kidney beans, so they wouldn’t be suitable for those following a paleo diet.
Overview
Carb blockers are great natural supplements for those looking to enjoy the carbs they eat without the weight-gaining effects they can have on the body. If you’re following a keto diet, a carb blocker can be an excellent way to limit your carbohydrate intake and are especially beneficial for those just starting out. Carb blockers, however, are not generally suitable for a paleo diet.
