If you have been struggling with your weight, there is a high chance that you may have sought external help. In today’s market, there are so many products available that can make your weight loss process speedier. Right from appetite suppressants to thermogenic pills and even fat burners, if you want to lose weight, there are many products you can use to do so.
In recent years, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of the role of carbohydrates when it comes to our body weight. People believe that dietary fat was the reason that weight loss was such an uphill task. However, it was found that slow-accumulating carbs may be the culprit for the extra pounds. When it comes to accumulating fat in and around the hips, thighs and belly, carbohydrates are the leader. So, if you want to lose weight in these areas, perhaps a low carb lifestyle may be the way ahead. On the other hand, there is a type of supplement called a carb blocker that could help cut out excess carbs.
Carb Blockers: An Intro
Carb blockers are a type of weight loss supplement that block the enzymes your body needs to digest carbohydrates. They are formulated with alpha-amylase inhibitor compounds to prevent the absorption of starch into your system. The inhibitor compounds in carb blockers can also be found in some natural foods. One common source is white kidney bean extract.
Digestive carbohydrates are either simple or complex. Simple carbohydrates are found in food groups like dairy and fruit. On the other hand, junk food like soda, chips and chocolates are laden with these type of carbohydrates. Complex carbs are found in foods like bread, pasta, rice, potatoes and starchy vegetables.
Simple carbs don’t have to be broken down to be absorbed. However, complex carbs are made up of chains that have to be broken down in an enzyme reaction. With a robust carb blocker, this process is halted, and undigested carbs are transported to the large intestine to be expelled. In this manner, there is no spike in blood sugar or caloric addition of the carb content in your system.
7 Best Carb Blockers & Reviews
By now you may have understood that a good carb blocker can give your weight loss the push it needs. However, choosing the right carb blocker is integral to ensuring that you get the best benefits. Without the right product, you may not see the results you desire.
We’ve compiled a quick list of some of the best carbohydrate blockers. We hope this guide helps you find the right carb blocker for your needs.
1. Phytoral White Kidney Bean Carb Blocker
Phytoral’s carb blocker also contains white kidney bean extract as its primary active agent. It offers 600mg of the extract in each pill. So, their two-capsule serving gives you a potent dose of 1200mg. Like its many competitors, this product is excellent at absorbing carbohydrates, as well as fats, and even starch. However, for best results, you must use this product alongside exercise and a healthy, balanced diet.
Unlike many other products, the manufacturer’s details aren’t particularly clear in the case of Phytoral. So, all the accompanying credentials to ascertain if it’s a reputed manufacturer are missing. However, the sheer amount of reviews of this product on Amazon.com go to show its efficacy and performance at aiding weight loss. Most of the thousand pus customer reviews were positive, and people have found a difference in their bodies and weight with regular use of this product.
Phytoral White Kidney Bean Carb blocker isn’t for pregnant or lactating women. Additionally, people with family histories, including liver, prostate and kidney problems, shouldn’t take this product. As is the case with any carb blocker, you should talk to your doctor before starting on any product.
Pros
- 1200mg White Kidney Bean Extract per serving
- Blocks carbs, fats and starches
- Positive Customer Reviews
- Non-GMO Ingredients
- Vegetarian-Friendly
Cons
- Unverified Manufacturer
- Run-of-the-mill Formulation
2. Arazo Nutrition White Kidney Bean Carb Blocker
Like we mentioned above, carb blockers work with inhibitor compounds to prevent absorption of complex carbs into your system. One of the most widely researched natural food that contains such compounds is the humble white kidney bean. This is the main reason why most natural carb blockers have white kidney beans as the primary ingredient.
Arazo Nutrition’s carb blocker is among those products that have white kidney beans as the primary ingredient. However, unlike its many counterparts, this product is the clear winner with its pure supplement offering. It offers a high dose of active ingredients and is fairly simple. In each capsule of this product, you get a robust 600mg of white kidney bean extract without too many additives or other ingredients. Additionally, the capsules are vegan-friendly and made with cellulose for added wellness benefits.
The way this product has been formulated makes it capable of blocking not just carbs, but also intercepting absorption of fat and starch. By doing so, it prevents the break-down of these substances into sugar, and in the long run, it aids your fitness goals. Arazo Fitness makes this product in an FRDA-approved and GMP certified facility in the US. Moreover, they test the product via third-party lab testing for assurance of quality and purity.
Pros
- Pure White Kidney Bean Extract
- Vegan and Vegetarian-friendly
- Blocks Carbs, Starch and Fats
- FDA-approved and GMP-certified
- Third-party Lab Tested
Cons
- May Not Be Suitable For All Users
- Overdose can cause side effects like gas, bloating and nausea
3. Irwin Naturals 3-in-1 Carb Blocker
Irwin Naturals 3-in-1 Carb Blocker is again derived from white kidney beans, as they are rich in inhibitor compounds that block complex carbs. This product claims to be designed to neutralize starch found in corn, rice, bread and even pasta. The all-natural and non-stimulant ingredient formulation is effective at inhibiting amylase, and by doing so, it decreased the number of calories the body receives from starch-rich foods.
This product contains adequate additions of lipase and protease compounds. These enzymes are responsible for the breakdown of proteins and fats in the body. So, when you consider this addition and its effect, Irwing Naturals’ Carb Blocker is a mix of all the good stuff you’d want in such a product. It aids digestion while also effectively blocking carbohydrate absorption. With added cinnamon concentrate and Chromium Picolinate, this product promotes a healthy metabolism. Irwin Naturals 3-in-1 Carb Blocker also contains patented Bioprene that claims to increase the bioavailability of ingredients. Additionally, it also work with keto diet.
These pills come in liquid soft gel form. While that aids some people, others have found the pills to be too big to swallow. However, those who have had positive experiences with this product have given it rave reviews.
Pros
- Contains White Kidney Bean Extract
- Vegan and Vegetarian-friendly
- Contains Lipase and Protease
- Blocks Carbs, Starch and Fats
- Patented Bioprene
- Liquid Softgels for easy consumption
Cons
- May Not Be Suitable For All Users
- Some users find the pills too big to swallow with ease
4. Sheer Block Extra Strength Carb Blocker Pills
Sheer Block’s carbohydrate blocker is well-known among gym fanatics and bodybuilders due to its potent ability to block carbs. The product contains two active ingredients, including the all-popular white kidney bean extract and Green Tea catechins. You already know about white kidney bean’s ability to block complex carbohydrate absorption. On the other hand, green tea is well-known as a substance that helps weight loss.
Green tea catechins stimulate weight loss by boosting the metabolic rate of your body. This effect is best combined with a robust workout routine to speed up the burning of accumulated fat. Most customers have seen a difference in abdominal and thigh fat with Sheer Block Extra Strength. Additionally, this product has appetite suppressant properties, which only goes to push your weight loss journey one notch above.
To take this supplement, you only need to take one capsule, washed down with plenty of water. Unlike other carb blockers that require doses or two or more pills, Sheer Block does the job in one pill. The company has a 30-Return Policy but only accepts unopened or damaged products.
Pros
- Contains White Kidney Bean Extract
- Contains Green Tea Catechins
- High-impact Carb Blocker
- Only One Pill Per Day
- Reputed Manufacturer
Cons
- You must supplement this course with a healthy diet and lots of exercises
5. Orlistol BlockerDrops Carbohydrate Blocker
We have to agree that we’ve not seen many offerings in the Carb Blocker department that could be consumed sublingually. This formula inhibits the absorption of carbohydrates as well as fats and prevents them from being assimilated into your body. Moreover, the nifty sublingual formulation makes consumption each. Additionally, this consumption method means a higher bioavailability than most other capsules or pills. The effect of these drops starts within minutes of it entering your body.
If you are already making healthy lifestyle choices, Orlistol BlockerDrops will aid you by acting as a mild appetite suppressant. This effect means that you’ll end up eating less, and even when you eat, the carbs will get blocked immediately. The manufacturer produces these drops in accordance with GMP guidelines and works with FDA approved suppliers for high-quality output. Moreover, their marketing pitch promises that for every two pounds you lose traditionally, Orlistol helps you drop an extra pound.
If you don’t like this product, you could choose to return it to NutraTech by availing their 30 Day Money Back Guarantee. If the customer reviews for this product are any indication, you won’t need to avail this offer. This product works effectively as a carb blocker for weight loss as well as to aid ketosis.
Pros
- Reputed Manufacturer
- Sublingual Product Form
- Blocks Carbs Effectively
- Mild Appetite Suppressant
- 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
Cons
- Comparatively Expensive to other products in the same category
- Glass Bottle may break easily and may be difficult to carry
6. VitalStyle Natural Smart Carb Blocker
VitalStyle’s carbohydrate blocker is certain a good bet for those who want something to help reduce their carbohydrate intake. It contains a powerful dose of 1500mg of white kidney bean extract. The creators of the product also claim that it is free from stimulants and additives of any kind. The product also allegedly had a high fiber content that can take your weight loss efforts a step ahead.
The manufacturers at VitalStyle have been operating since 2012 out of Miami, Florida. This carb blocker product is made in GMP and FDA approved facility and contains Non-GMO ingredients. Moreover, it is also gluten-free, dairy-free and free from common allergens. Its many organically-sourced ingredients make for a good end product.
While all carb blockers work to some degree, VitalStyle’s variant is among the most effective products in the market. It has helped many customers shed the excess weight and live their best life. Since this product aids in regulating sugar assimilation in the body, it aids kidney function.
Pros
- Reputed Manufacturer
- Phase Two White Kidney Bean Extract
- Free from Allergens
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
Cons
- Strong Smell may not be bearable for everyone
- Pricey as compared to other products
7. BioGanix Pure White Kidney Bean Extract
BioGanix is another carbohydrate blocker that contains white kidney bean extract as its primary active ingredient. The clinically proven effect that this extract has on curbing the absorption of carbs, fats, and most starches has made it the most sought after ingredient for carb blockers.
In BioGanix’s product, you’ll get 600mg of potent white kidney bean extract. But then again, you’ll find that in many other carb blockers. The supplement design is simple, and although the manufacturer claims there are no additives, we’ve discovered reports that suggest otherwise. However, the dosage recommended per day is high, making this a perfect solution for stubborn systems. Like most other variants, this carb block is available in a vegetarian cellulose capsule. If you are looking for a high-strength carb blocker that can be incorporated into your daily regime, this product may be the best choice for you. Since it comes with 200 pills per bottle, it’s a good bulk investment. However, you need to take three capsules before two of your biggest meals, making it a high dosage.
While the product is mostly good, some people have had adverse effects that range from mild nausea to abdominal pain and even dehydration. Other people found the pill too big to swallow, and some others had trouble with the pill’s dosage itself.
Pros
- Contains kidney bean extract
- 200 pills per bottle
- Good Value For Money
- Third-party Lab Tested
- GMP-certified
Cons
- Side effects may include nausea and abdominal pain
- Pill may be too big to swallow
- Users complain about the high dosage
Do Carb Blockers Work?
In a single word, yes, carb blockers work. Whenever you eat something, your body’s enzymes get to work and break it down. Different enzymes break down different things in your food. Finally, you’re left with components like fats, proteins and carbohydrates. After this step, they are assimilated into your body, and the rest is history.
In the case of an effective carb blocker, it will inhibit carbohydrate breaking enzyme-production. By doing so, it stops your body assimilating the resulting calories. In the long run, this effect helps you lose weight, especially in areas that tend to accumulate fat.
It is important to note that carb blockers will not block all the carbohydrate content of your meal. Moreover, they are ineffective against simple sugars found in processed and junk food. For best results, you should take carb blocker pills along with a robust diet and exercise plan. This lifestyle change ensures that your body gets the best benefit of the product you pay for.
Possible Side Effects of Carb Blockers
As we said before, taking professional medical advice before you take carb blockers can prevent many complications. However, some possible side effects may occur as a result of taking carb blockers. In some cases, you may be allergic to some ingredient in a particular product, which will lead to a reaction. In such a scenario, changing brands may be the answer. In other cases, you may react to the effect of carb blockers in general, in which case you may have to discontinue altogether.
The most common side effects of carb blockers include nausea, bloating, dehydration, diarrhoea or gas. As white bean extract tends to be the base for most carb blockers, people with bean allergies should exercise caution and avoid these products.
When carbohydrates are left undigested, they ferment and produce excess gas. As a result of this reaction, you’ll likely experience bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort or even sharp pain. To avoid this, follow a regular toilet schedule and eat lots of dietary fibre to keep your digestive tract clean and prevent this reaction.
If you have diabetes or insulin sensitivity, carb blockers are a terrible idea. If you are on medication for insulin sensitivity or low blood sugar, avoid carb blockers. Since these products tend to lower your blood sugar, the resultant spike may cause blood sugar levels to drop beyond safe limits. This can lead to a wide variety of complications that are best avoided.
Final Thoughts
Carb Blockers are one of the most useful weight loss aids as they prevent the root cause of your weight loss. While they do have some possible risks, a good-quality carb blocker may be just the right thing for you. We hope this guide helps you understand which product may suit your lifestyle and goals the best. Additionally, we also hope your understanding of how carb blockers work has improved.
In any case, no matter how good a carb blocker might be, it won’t be able to work to its full potential unless you commit to cultivating a better lifestyle and healthier habits. Also, don’t forget to exercise and train hard to build a strong body, mind and soul.
