Phaseolus Vulgaris, the Great Northern White Bean, contains an inhibitor of alpha-amylase. Alpha-amylase is an enzyme that promotes the breakdown of starch in the human intestinal tract. Ingestion of this inhibitor, which is present in the protein fraction of the bean, can reduce the digestion of starch in foods so that less sugars are absorbed. This starch-blocker action reduces the available caloric content of some foods. 73855SKU 78835018408