Chromium is one of the trace minerals that the human body needs, in small quantities, to function in normal parameters. Its presence, however, was first discovered in nature, in the form of hard and brittle metal, long before scientists included it in the category of important elements for human health. The main role of chromium is to contribute to maintaining a normal level of glucose in the blood.

 

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WHAT IS THE ROLE OF CHROMIUM IN THE BODY​​​​​​


Chromium present in the human body contributes to the transfer of glucose from the blood to the cells. The transfer process is necessary, because glucose is the main source of energy available to us. This is a simple carbohydrate, which cannot be broken down into other carbohydrates and needs the hormone insulin to penetrate the tissues.

The level of glucose in the blood represents glycemia, which is controlled by the insulin secreted by the pancreas. However, if the number of pancreatic cells decreases due to a disease - such as diabetes - the glucose level will increase, because it will no longer be able to be controlled. Therefore, chromium can help those diagnosed with diabetes to control their blood sugar, a fact supported by the results of some clinical studies1.

Also, chromium is involved in the energy processes through which fats, carbohydrates and proteins are synthesized.

 

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHROMIUM?

 

IT HELPS TO CONTROL BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS

Chromium contributes to supporting the action of insulin, which is involved in the storage of nutrients in the body, to their better absorption and to their distribution from carbohydrates, fats and proteins that reach the body through the food consumed.

 

CONTRIBUTES TO THE REDUCTION OF CHOLESTEROL

Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the blood, it is produced by the liver and helps the normal functioning of the body. When the cholesterol content in the blood is too high, there is a possibility that the risk of heart diseases will increase. According to certain studies2, supplementation with chromium contributes to the normal maintenance of its levels, in the case of patients with diabetes.
 

CONTRIBUTES TO REDUCING THE RISK OF OBESITY

Some research carried out by the Biomedical Research Center at Louisiana State University associates chromium with reducing the risk of obesity and claims that it has positive effects on caloric intake3. It is not completely known how chromium influences weight and appetite. But the researchers who studied the body changes regarding the weight of several overweight people, after they used chromium for a certain period of time, noted a reduction in their food consumption and a slight decrease in weight, among other things.

 

SUPPORTS GOOD FUNCTIONING OF THE BRAIN

Insulin contributes to sustaining glucose metabolism, including at the brain level, and thus provides support for maintaining brain health and cognitive function, which can be affected by aging. Chromium, which provides support in controlling glucose and insulin levels, can support normal brain function and reduce the effects of aging on it.

 

PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR SKIN AND EYES HEALTH

The level of glucose in the blood is associated with acne and other skin manifestations. Chromium, contributing to balancing glucose, also plays an important role in improving skin health. Since products containing chromium usually contain other phytonutrients and antioxidants beneficial to the skin, they offer support in fighting acne or reducing the signs of aging.

In addition, because it has an important role in controlling the level of glucose, chromium can contribute to supporting the health of the eyes, because they can be affected by certain diseases associated with diabetes, such as glaucoma - which involves the accumulation of fluids in the eyeball.

CONTRIBUTES TO MAINTAINING THE NECESSARY ENERGY LEVEL

Trace minerals in the body are necessary to provide energy to the body and muscle resistance. In the case of people who engage in intense physical activities, it is important to consume foods rich in chromium, to compensate for the one eliminated through urine and sweat.