Chromium was first recognized as an important dietary trace mineral in the 1950s. Research discovered that it works with insulin to help metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Insulin depends on chromium to help move sugar and fat into the body’s cells, where the nutrients either are burned for fuel or stored. Although essential to metabolic function, chromium is not produced by the body and must be included in the diet. Unfortunately, the American diet, which is high in refined foods such as flour and sugar, supplies little chromium. Foods rich in chromium - such as mushrooms, broccoli, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, cheese, meat and wheat germ – often are not consumed at levels high enough to supply recommended levels of the nutrient. Chromium forms part of a compound in the body known as Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF), which is involved in regulating the action of insulin in maintaining blood sugar levels. It is an essential trace mineral that aids in glucose and maintenance of healthy blood levels of cholesterol and other lipids. Chromium may also reduce body fat, control hunger/suppress appetite, reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels and may even increase lean muscle mass. |
