Chromium and Prostate Health

Chromium is a trace element found in tiny amounts throughout the body. The main function of chromium deals with glucose metabolism. This is important for prostate health because research suggests that a higher risk of prostate disorders is associated with high blood sugar levels. A higher risk of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is associated with men who suffer from persistently high levels of blood sugar and men who are overweight. Dr. J. Kellogg Parsons from the University of California San Diego and his research team conducted research experiments with more than 400 adult males between the ages of 27 and 84. Their findings indicate that men who have diabetes were at double the risk of getting prostate enlargement as compared to men without diabetes.This study was published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, July 2006. They also found that men suffering from high blood sugar levels were three times more likely to suffer from prostate enlargement, and their risk for BPH was 3.5 times higher.According to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, there is an 80% increased risk for obese men for high-grade, aggressive prostate cancer. Chromium is required in the metabolism of glucose and lipids. Dr. Anderson, a Nutrition Research Scientist, US Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service has, for decades, studied chromium’s role in the metabolism of glucose and lipids. His research reveals that insulin activity in not effective without adequate chromium. It was found that the presence of chromium stabilizes blood sugar levels.Dr. Robert Atkins, who is often called the founding father of the low-carb revolution, had this to say about chromium: “the most pivotal nutrient involved in sugar metabolism.” Dr. Atkins further stated that “more than 90% of all Americans are deficient.” He believes that eating refined sugar depletes the body’s stored amounts of chromium. It works like this: as more sugar is consumed, more chromium is used to metabolize the sugar. This results in an ever-increasing need for chromium. Reputed scientists and physicians agree that chromium supplementation may help to regulate diabetes and obesity by bringing blood sugar levels to normal.Chromium may have other health benefits.

• Chromium may help in the metabolism of cholesterol.
• Chromium plays a part in the metabolism of nucleic acid, the building blocks of DNA.
• Chromium supplementation may help improve brain activity in older individuals. Some scientists believe that by improving insulin activity in the brain, the hypothalamus, an important brain control center, may remain in a “more functionally youthful state.”
• In 2003, researchers proposed that chromium may have anti-depressive properties. Scientists at the Oxford University in England conducted laboratory tests on animals showing that supplemental chromium may enhance the mood by improving the activity of neurochemicals.

Natural Food Sources

Vegetables grown in soil that is rich in chromium will have good amounts of chromium in them. The same goes for seafood and some meats. The source animal or seafood will contain chromium only if he has eaten foods that contains chromium. Whole grains, mushrooms, especially brewer’s yeast are good sources of chromium. Supplementation of chromium is a good option.Men can lower their risk of prostate disease by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a diet low in fat and high in a variety of vegetables. Supplements like Super Beta Prostate can nutritionally assist you in supporting prostate health.