What Is Chitosan?

What is Chitosan? That’s the most common question we often hear from those who want to know the nature of chitosan. Now, when you hear the word “chitosan”, are you not also tempted to ask such question? Well, I guess all of those who hear the word for the first time are interested to know what chitosan really is.

So, what is chitosan?

Chitosan, on its most basic, 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, its most current form has just recently been prepared.

Another great answer to the question of what is chitosan is the discovery which suggests that 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. So, if your question “What is chitosan” is answered with the term “fat magnet”, then don’t wonder because chitosan is now dubbed as a “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. With this function, chitosan is said to inhibit LDL (bad) cholesterol and boost HDL (good) cholesterol. Also, it promotes healing of ulcers and lesions.

Chitosan is also viewed as an antibacterial. 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.

Today, the answer to the question on what is chitosan can highly be cleared by looking at some medical studies. As you may know, some answers to such question stressed the words “weight loss supplement”. The truth is, there is still no concrete evidence to prove that chitosan is really a weight loss supplement. And, whether chitosan is safe or effective as a diet aid still remains controversial.