Chromium is a trace mineral necessary for the efficient metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, and also for stable blood sugar levels. In addition, chromium helps cells respond as they should to insulin. Chromium picolinate is a form of the mineral that is bound to niacin for optimum absorption. A review of research found that, among type 2 diabetics, chromium picolinate reduced fasting glucose levels up to 15.3 percent and fasting insulin levels up to 29.8 percent. In another eight- week study, chromium picolinate helped to control appetite. The participants in the study reported less hunger and fewer fatty food cravings than those taking a placebo. Another effective chromium source is polynicotinate. Salacia is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment for obesity and diabetes thanks to compounds shown to stabilize blood sugar, even after a high- carbohydrate meal. These compounds work in the small intestine by inhibiting the enzymes used to digest some types of sugars. As a result, some of the sugar or starch eaten in a meal is eliminated as waste rather than being absorbed into the blood stream. Studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and other journals have found that the upswing in blood sugar levels after a carbohydrate-rich meal was significantly lower in those taking salacia. Other studies have found that salacia can decrease insulin and blood glucose levels by up to 29 and 23 percent respectively, making it a good addition to any supplement regime aimed at stabilizing blood sugar. Magnesium is the single most important mineral for reducing the future risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The National Institutes of Health found a direct correlation to diabetes and metabolic syndrome risk and lower intake of magnesium. Magnesium is an essential nutrient for the production of energy and the efficient burning of glucose for energy. Slay the Sugar Dragon If you’ve ever tried to cut back on sugar, you know how hard it is.Turns out there’s a reason why.According to researchers at Princeton,sugar hijacks your brain,affecting the reward centers creating an addictive type of behavior.Here are some easy ways to loosen sugar’s hold over your health: Reduce the amount of sugar you eat gradually. If you normally take two teaspoons of sugar in your coffee, cut down to one for a week, then one-half the next week. Eventually, you’ll get to the point where you don’t need sugar at all. Watch out for hidden sugar. Cough syrups, chewing gum, tomato sauce, baked beans, soups, salad dressings, and lunch meats often contain hidden sugar. One of the biggest culprits are all of the fresh fruit smoothies that are supposed to be so good for us but in fact are loaded with fructose. Sport drinks, bars, and powders. If you exercise intensely—especially for more than one hour—you may need a drink that contains electrolytes, sugar, and protein to help you to recover. Or you may opt for a protein bar. Yet sports drinks, powders, and bars are often filled with sugar. As a rule, try to pick a product that contains almost as much protein as carbohydrates. 10 MEN’S HEALTH