Chitosan helps in intestinal transit and improves healing

Chitosan is a polysaccharide that acts as a fiber. It is extracted from the exoskeleton of insects or crustaceans. The exoskeleton is a resistant layer that covers the body of animals such as crustaceans such as lobsters, prawns, crabs and crabs.

It provides a number of benefits to the body, such as: improving intestinal transit, avoiding absorption of fats, improve healing, take analgesic and antimicrobial action and is still good for the skin, bones and hair.

Benefits of chitosan

Improves intestinal transit: As a fiber, chitosan contributes to the better intestinal transit, stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria and the frequency of bowel movements.

Improves wound healing: Chitosan makes the wound healing process faster because it contributes to effective blood clotting

It has antimicrobial action: Research indicates that chitosan has antimicrobial action. Therefore, it causes inhibition of the growth of some microorganisms that can be harmful to health, such as E. coli, which is one of the main causes of cystitis.

Allies of the skin, nails and hair: Chitosan is also important in the area of ​​beauty, being beneficial for the skin, nails and hair. This is because it has an easy adhesion to the hair and skin, helping to form a film in the hair fiber. In addition, chitosan influences the formation of collagen, a substance that strengthens brittle nails, promotes greater resistance, thickness, growth and shine of the hair and makes the skin more toned and reduces sagging. cholesterol levels:

Chitosan fibers produce physical effects in the small intestine with the formation of soluble gels that alter the absorption of cholesterol in the body, thus helping in the control of serum cholesterol levels and reducing cardiovascular risk. In addition, fermentation of soluble fibers in the large intestine generates components such as short chain fatty acids that could reduce the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. Provides satiety:

Because it acts as a fiber, chitosan stimulates satiety because Fiber-rich meals are processed more slowly, delaying gastric emptying, thus promoting a longer and more prolonged sensation of satiety, impacting on reducing food intake. Chitosan is obtained from the exoskeleton of insects or crustaceans - Photo: Getty Images

Prevents absorption of fats:

Animal studies have shown that chitosan can interfere with the digestion and absorption of fats through the intestinal tract, facilitating the excretion of these fats in the feces of animals. In a 23-fiber study, it was observed that chitosan absorbs at least 6 times more fat than any other fiber tested. So the research concluded that chitosan has a high capacity to promote the excretion of fats in the feces. Analgesic action:

Chitosan is attributed to potent topical analgesic action. Studies suggest that the main analgesic effect of chitosan is due to the capture of acid hydrogens released at the site of inflammation by ionization of the amine group to NH3. Chitosan would also have the property of absorbing bradykinin released at the site of inflammation. The immunomodulatory property of chitosan is due to its ability to almost exclusively activate the macrophage and explains not only its role in accelerating the cicatrazation of lesions but also the biodegradability of that polymer in the body. Allied bone:

Chitosan has the ability to accelerate the formation of osteoblasts for the elaboration of bones. In addition, it has calcium, a mineral essential for bone formation and maintenance. Recommended amount

The guideline is to ingest between 1 and 3 grams of chitosan, and the amount must be determined by the nutritionist or doctor nutrologist.

How to consume chitosan

Chitosan is usually consumed as capsules. It is interesting to ingest it 30 minutes before the main meals. For chitosan to provide its benefits, especially those related to weight loss, it is necessary to maintain a balanced diet and drink good amounts of water.

Caring for chitosan

Chitosan should only be ingested before a real need. As in the case of people with high cholesterol or who are overweight and even then this should always be done with the guidance of a nutritionist or doctor. Remembering that chitosan will reduce overall fat absorption, including good fats (from olive oil, nuts, avocado).

Chitosan improves intestinal transit - Photo: Getty Images

People with Allergy to Fruit should not ingest the chitosan.

Chitosan interactions

Chitosan may interfere with medicinal products containing potassium because it contains calcium.

Risks of excess consumption

Not yet observed Rita Cherutti, consultant of New Millen

Food Engineer Gerla Castello Branco Chinelate, Ph.D. from the Federal University of Ceará.

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