Everyone is looking for the secret to successful and lasting weight loss. The unique combination of PGX® and high quality whey protein found in PGX Satisfast™, from Natural Factors®, makes it a very effective weight-loss tool. Both of these ingredients have tremendous support in medical literature for helping promote feelings of satiety and reducing an excessive appetite. Alone each is effective but combined they are even more powerful.

What Is PGX?
PGX is a completely unique fiber matrix produced from natural soluble fibers using a patented process that causes these fibers to bind together in a way that makes PGX one of the most viscous and soluble fibers ever discovered. The result is all the health benefits linked to soluble dietary fibers—including stabilizing blood sugar levels—are significantly magnified with PGX. Detailed analysis has shown that PGX produces a higher level of viscosity, gel-forming properties, than any other fiber.

The Science behind PGX
Detailed clinical studies, published in major medical journals and presented at the world’s major diabetes conferences, have shown PGX to exert many health benefits including an ability to:
• Promote healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels*
• Reduce appetite and promote effective weight loss
• Increase the level of compounds that block appetite and
promote satiety
• Decrease the level of compounds that stimulate overeating
• Reduce the glycemic index of any food or beverage

PGX works best if you take it at least three times a day before meals and follow a low-glycemic diet. Combining with whey protein in the form of PGX Satisfast is a great between-meal or pre-meal way to feel satisfied, helping you consume fewer calories.
 
Whey Protein for Weight Loss
Dietary protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass when dieting. In particular, whey protein supplementation has been shown to be very helpful in not only achieving this, but also increasing feelings of satiety.

Whey protein is a natural byproduct of the cheese-making process. Cow’s milk has about 6.25% protein. Of that protein, 80% is casein and the remaining 20% is whey. When cheese is made, it uses the casein molecules and leaves the whey behind. Whey protein is made by filtering out the other components of whey such as lactose, fats and minerals. Whey protein is easier to digest and is better tolerated than casein.

Highest Biological Value 
Whey protein has the highest biological value of all proteins. Biological value is used to rate protein based on how much of the protein consumed is actually absorbed, retained and used in the body. One of the key reasons why the biological value of whey protein is so high is that it has the highest concentrations of glutamine and branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) found in nature. These amino acids are critical to cellular health, muscle growth and protein synthesis.

Although the most popular use of whey protein is by bodybuilders and athletes looking to increase their protein intake, whey protein is also increasingly used in weight-loss programs as well as to support recovery from surgery.

Clinical Studies Validate Whey Protein Benefits 
Clinical studies have validated the weight-loss–promoting effects of whey protein. For example, in a 2011 study published in the Journal of Nutrition, 90 overweight subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatments for a period of 23 weeks: 1) whey protein (56 g/day), 2) soy protein (56 g/day), or 3) an equal amount of carbohydrate. Results showed supplementation with whey protein was associated with reductions in body weight (-4 pounds), fat mass (-5 pounds), waist circumference and fasting ghrelin levels. Ghrelin is a hormone produced in our stomachs that increases appetite. No such changes were found in the soy protein or carbohydrate groups. The authors state, “Through yet-unknown mechanisms, different sources of dietary protein may differentially facilitate weight loss and affect body composition.”

Key Point
PGX Satisfast Whey Protein Energy Drink Mix is an ideal low-calorie snack for between meals, or 30–60 minutes before meals, to help reduce your hunger and be satisfied with smaller portions. It may give you the willpower to pass up high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and assist you in meeting your weight-loss goals. PGX Satisfast is naturally flavored and sweetened, and available in Double Chocolate and Very Vanilla flavors.

Michael T. Murray, N.D., is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities in the field of natural medicine. He is a graduate, former faculty member and serves on the Board of Regents of Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. Dr. Murray is the author of over 30 books including co-author of the newly revised, 3rd edition of best-selling The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine as well as What the Drug Companies Won’t Tell You and Your Doctor Doesn’t Know, How to Prevent and Treat Diabetes with Natural Medicine and Hunger Free Forever. Dr. Murray is also Director of Product Development and Education for Natural Factors Nutritional Products.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. PGX promotes healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels already within the normal range.


Published in WholeFoods Magazine, March 2013