| What is Chitosan? |
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What is Chitosan? That’s the most common question we often hear from those who first hear of chitosan. When you hear the word “chitosan”, don’t you wonder what on earth it could be?
Chitosan, is not as exotic as it name makes it seem. It is a natural product derived from chitin, which is a polysaccharide found in the exoskeleton of shellfish or crustaceans such as crabs, shrimps, prawns, lobsters, squid, and clams. While chitosan has been in existence for years, and used for a number of purposes, it has just recently began use as a weight loss supplement.
Chitosan is a naturally occurring substance that is chemically similar to cellulose which is a plant fiber. Just like the plant fibers, chitosan possesses a number of properties or qualities as fiber. What sets chitosan apart from plant fiber is the fact that chitosan has the ability to significantly bind fat in the digestive tract. Hence, chitosan is often dubbed the “fat magnet”.
To better understand the nature of chitosan, I think it is best that you know the functions of this non-digestive fiber. According to some studies, chitosan absorbs and binds fat in the digestive tract, preventing the absorption of this fat into the body. In this way, chitosan is said to inhibit LDL (bad) cholesterol and boost HDL (good) cholesterol. Additionally, it promotes healing of ulcers and lesions.
Chitosan is also viewed as having antibacterial properties. It even acts as an antacid and inhibits the formation of plaque or tooth decay. Several studies also found out that chitosan helps to control blood pressure, helps to prevent constipation, reduces blood levels of uric acid, and is a calcium enhancer or bone strengthener.
Furthermore, your question on what is chitosan can also be answered by looking at its history. Note that chitosan has a history of about three decades of use in processes like detoxifying water. Studies on what is chitosan have revealed that when it is spread over the surface of water, it literally absorbs oils, greases, heavy metals and other potentially toxic substances. It is dubbed “fat magnet” perhaps for the reason that just like a fat magnet, chitosan attracts the bio-hazardous substances in the body from drinking water ti such extent that a scum forms in the water, which can easily be removed. Further studies on what is chitosan also revealed what does this indicate to the scientists is that this polymer compound can selectively absorb fats even in water medium.
Chitosan has been used in plant growth formulas to enhance plant growth and prevent fungus. Other uses for chitosan include being used in water filtrations systems, and added to bandages to promote healing of skin tissue.
As mentioned earlier, chitosan has recently been added to weight loss preparations. There have been many positive anecdotal results, but so far there have been no scientific studies to back up the claim that chitosan is indeed a fat magnet. Nor have there been long term studies to determine the side effects of using chitosan for weight loss, although few reports of side effects have been noted.
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