A nano-complex dietary supplement taken before meals can result in substantial reduction of fat and sugar absorption in the body, according to researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, and Harvard University, United States. The nano-complex contains naringenin, the molecule that gives grapefruit its bitter taste, and has potential for the treatment of diabetes, arteriosclerosis and hyper-metabolism. Naringenin absorption, when in its natural form, is very low. The researchers found that by combining a nano-complex of naringenin with a ring of sugar, the absorption increased by 11 times. Taken just before a high fat and high sugar meal given to rats, the supplement was able to reduce the generation of VLDL (bad cholesterol) by 42 percent and increase insulin sensitivity by 64 percent. It is the first demonstration that a dietary supplement can change the way our body beneficially reacts to a meal. According to Dr. Yaakov Nahmias, of Hebrew University, “The complex is special in that it is taken just before a meal, as a preventative measure. In comparison, existing medications are given only after the chronic development of abnormal lipid levels in the blood.” Their findings were published in the journal PLoS One.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523101919.htm