Chitosan chitosan is a substance that comes from the shells of marine crustaceans.. Its main uses are in the medical, cosmetic and nutritional areas, and it is a biodegradable component with no side effects.
The most popular use of chitosan has been for people who wish to lose weight. However, its properties are currently being investigated for other uses, but what is chitosan and what is it used for?
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What is chitosan?
Chitosan or chitosan is a natural fiber of marine origin.. It was discovered in 1859, and its name means “shell” in Greek, as it comes from the exoskeleton of crustaceans that inhabit the seabed.
This substance is used in the food industry, but it also has agricultural, environmental and medicinal uses. It has become popular in the United States and Europe because it is considered an environmentally friendly organic compound that can replace other types of materials.
However, it is mainly marketed in free form to help combat some ailments such as high cholesterol, overweight and hypertension. However, it is a compound that is still under investigation to discover other uses and benefits.
How is it obtained?
Chitosan is a polymer obtained from chitin, a molecule found in the body.a molecule found in the shells of crustaceans. By means of deacetylation, which is a chemical process, the chitosan is separated from the proteins and minerals found in these shells.
Shrimps, crabs and lobsters are commonly used for this process. However, in some insects there is also a high concentration of chitin, and for this reason they are used to obtain this compound.
The deacetylation process has become an alternative to take care of the environment. Taking advantage of the waste of shrimp and other crustaceans to put them to good use represents a good measure to help the planet.
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How does it help to lose weight?
Chitosan is effective for those who want to lose weight.. This compound has become very popular due to this extraordinary property, and many women and men use it as a food supplement to a balanced diet.
The function of chitosan is to encapsulate the fat in food, and it prevents the body from absorbing it. It achieves this because when chitosan reaches the intestine it joins with the intestinal mucosa, which forms a positively charged gel. This attracts and traps the fat in the food, since bile acids are negatively charged.
In addition, when chitosan reaches the stomach, it takes on a gelatinous form that expands. This creates an immediate feeling of satiety, so that food intake is considerably reduced.
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How should it be taken?
Chitosan can be found in capsules. It is available for sale in pharmacies, herbalist stores or alternative medicine stores. The dosage depends on the concentration contained in each capsule and the components with which it has been mixed to potentiate the results.
Generally, the recommendation is to take one or two capsules before each meal. In this way, chitosan acts immediately absorbing the fats that were ingested during the meal.
This information is present in the indications that are presented in the same product. In case of doubt, it can be consulted in the herbalist where it is purchased. There one can have the necessary information about it, such as the most appropriate dose, which depends on body weight.
Other properties and health benefits
Chitosan is considered an excellent ally to reduce bad cholesterol.. Due to the property that chitosan has to absorb fats, it has been proven that this causes a positive effect in the reduction of cholesterol in the blood.
It is also recommended to combat high blood pressure and even to increase the assimilation of calcium absorption. All this is thanks to its natural properties and the high concentration of fiber that chitosan has.
Something to keep in mind is that, in any case, the consumption of chitosan should be accompanied by a balanced diet. And if necessary also adapted according to each condition that is intended to combat. Keep in mind that a balanced diet should never be altered by the use of this or other natural components.
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Other uses of chitosan
Chitosan has agricultural, environmental, medical and food uses.. In the agricultural industry, this compound is used as a fertilizer for indoor and outdoor plants, and many growers now use it on a regular basis.
In the food industry it is used for the clarification of wine and beer. In the brewing process of these beverages there is a phase in which the must has particles in suspension. This requires their removal, and in combination with other agents, chitosan removes them.
Chitosan is also used as part of the water flocculation process. This is a chemical process that is part of the water purification cycle. Therefore, chitosan is also used, in combination with other substances, as an agent for the water filtration process.
Contraindications
Chitosan should not be consumed without first knowing its potential health risks.. Although it is a natural fiber, since it is extracted directly from the shell of crustaceans, it is important that people allergic to shellfish do not consume it.
Another consideration before consuming this fiber is that its effectiveness in reducing weight lies in the absorption of fats. This means that if carbohydrate consumption is not also eliminated in the diet, the effectiveness of chitosan could be compromised.
Another caveat is that one should not stop eating well and having an active life. Some people believe that some products can have miraculous effects, but these cannot do the whole job. It takes effort to lead a healthy lifestyle, and chitosan is the substance that can give extra help in achieving weight loss.
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