How chitosan stops fat from being stored in the body

Chitosan prevents the absorption of dietary fats into the bloodstream. It is a revolutionary natural weight loss product. It helps to lower bad cholesterol levels and raise good cholesterol. Slimming products come and go, but Chitosan, with its unique ability to prevent fat from being absorbed into the body, is in a league of its own.

What is Chitosan?

Chitosan (pronounced ky-toe-san) is derived from a material called chitin which is an amino polysaccharide extracted from the powdered shells of crustaceans like shrimps and crabs. In chemical structure Chitosan is similar to cellulose (plant fibre) and has many of the same properties, with the exception that Chitosan is active (has a positive charge) which makes it attract fat.

For around 30 years Chitosan has been used to control environmental disasters like oil and toxic chemical spills and for water purification. When sprinkled over an area such as an oil slick, Chitosan works like a pollution magnet to soak up pollutants and make them easier to remove. Chitosan is widely used for this purpose because it is both effective and natural.

How does Chitosan assist weight loss?

Chitosan is an indigestible fibre which passes through the digestive system without being absorbed and without contributing any calories. However, a zero calorie count is just the beginning of this amazing story. Not only is Chitosan a fibre which contributes no calories, but it actually binds to dietary fats and prevents them from being absorbed also. This is the function that has gained so much interest amongst those trying to lose weight. When you eat food that contains fat, the body finds it easier to store those fats than to use them for body fuel. Fats or lipids are also absorbed into the bloodstream and carry cholesterol around the body where it can collect in arteries, veins and around organs, and thats when arterial blockages, heart disease, fatty liver and other serious health problems can occur.

The fat bound to Chitosan cannot make its way into the bloodstream or be stored as a fuel source because it forms a fat ball too big to fit through the lining between the digestive tract and the bloodstream. One half to two-thirds of the fat content of a meal can be absorbed by Chitosan; the fat and Chitosan is then eliminated via the bowel.

Chitosan and a healthy heart

Chitosan, like most fibres, has many uses in the body, including an antacid action, an ability to help control blood pressure and reduce uric acid. But apart from its work as a fat binder, Chitosan is most effective in reducing blood cholesterol levels. By preventing cholesterol from reaching the bloodstream, Chitosan is able to reduce the bodys accumulation of Low Density Lipoproteins (LDLs) which are a harmful form of cholesterol. The bodys natural production of High Density Lipoproteins (HDLs) or good cholesterol is not affected by Chitosans fat blocking action. Reducing levels of LDLs and increasing HDLs can have a beneficial effect on the health of the heart and arteries. What cant Chitosan do?

Chitosan cannot make you lose fat that is already stored in the tissues of the body. Only regular exercise at medium intensity and nutrients like Carnitine which improve fat burning and energy levels can remove fat once your bodys decided to accumulate and store fat cells and fatty tissue. Chitosan does not provide a licence to eat large amounts of fatty food or to not exercise or eat healthily. For those people who want to lose weight or are concerned about the amount of fat in their diet, Chitosan can help by inhibiting the absorption of fat by the body, providing a feeling of fullness and allowing you to get to work on removing existing body fat without it being replaced. Reducing fat intake and using Chitosan will produce far better results than using Chitosan alone as it is unable to remove every bit of fat you eat. As a preventative measure, Chitosan can be used when consuming a food you know is fatty, or to guard against hidden fats.

What else should I know about Chitosan?

Taking Chitosan before a meal will reduce the amount of fat being absorbed by the body, but it will also trap the beneficial fat soluble vitamins such as A and E, as well as other fat based supplements or medicines. The fat soluble vitamins in food and any dietary supplements will be absorbed by the Chitosan, so it is best to use supplements separately from Chitosan. If lunch or dinner is your fattiest meal of the day, use Chitosan then and take fat soluble vitamins in the morning with breakfast. As far as human consumption in this country is concerned Chitosan is still a relatively new product. However, there has been extensive testing for toxicology and other side-effects, and the product has been deemed safe for most people, excluding pregnant women and those with allergies to shellfish.

The key to using Chitosan is to stay smart about the product and remember there are no miracle cures for weight loss. Some fat in your diet is important, and thats why you should balance short term use of Chitosan with sound dietary habits and regular exercise.

The Righ Kind of Chitosan

Choosing a particular brand and form of Chitosan is also a matter of playing it smart. Ensure the product is made by a well known company with an established reputation of quality health care products and not weight loss gimmickry. It should also be mentioned that Chitosan has a synergistic relationship with Vitamin C and works best when combined with other fibres like psyllium seed which absorbs water and helps to create the bulk needed to carry Chitosan through the intestines.

There have been many amazing slimming products over the years, all claiming to have the answer to fat, but Chitosans remarkable ability to neutralise the fat we eat makes it a unique weight loss discovery.