Phaseolus vulgaris

The botanical name for white kidney beans.  Phaseolus vulgaris extracts contain “Phaseolamin”, an inhibitor of alpha-amylase - the enzyme responsible for digesting dietary starches.   In theory, phaseolamin-containing “carb-blockers” can help with weight loss by limiting the carb calories absorbed from foods.  An early study on a commercial supplement, “Phase 2″, showed a non-significant trend for weight loss…a couple of follow up studies have been more promising, although the results have not been overwhelming.

See Paul’s review “Carb Blockers – Do Carb Blockers Really Prevent the Absorption of Carbohydrates?” for more information.