1、 Understanding Chitosan
Chitin is a natural high molecular weight polysaccharide mainly distributed in the shells of crustaceans, insects, and the cell walls of some lower plants (such as fungi and algae) in nature. Chitosan is the product of deacetylation of chitin.
Due to its triple regulation (immune regulation, pH regulation, hormone regulation), triple elimination (elimination of harmful cholesterol, elimination of metal ions in the body, elimination of pesticides and toxins such as free radicals in the body), and triple lowering (lowering blood lipids, blood sugar, and blood pressure) effects, chitosan is considered the second generation of health food after spirulina. At present, chitosan has been confirmed by the US FDA as a "Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)" substance.
2、 The nutritional value of chitosan
Chitosan is considered one of the six essential elements of life, along with protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It is the second largest living organism in the world after vitamins and a renewable organic resource. It has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food additive and has been studied to have high nutritional value.
01 Weight loss
The lipids in the human body are composed of two types of substances, namely fats and cholesterol, and chitosan has a very effective effect on both of them. Chitosan, as an ideal additive for weight loss foods, may have the mechanism of reducing fat by forming complexes with compounds such as triglycerides, fatty acids, bile acids, cholesterol, etc. These complexes are not easily hydrolyzed by stomach acid and are not easily digested by the digestive system, preventing mammalian animals from digesting and absorbing these substances, and promoting their excretion from the body.
02 Prevention and treatment of diabetes
Chitosan has the characteristics of dietary fiber, has a hypoglycemic effect, and is relatively safe. Experimental results have shown that water-soluble fibers have better blood glucose lowering effects than insoluble fibers, and chitosan is better than water-soluble fibers.
The body fluid of diabetes patients is often acidic, and the sensitivity to insulin is reduced. Chitosan has the function of regulating the pH value of body fluids, which can slightly shift the pH value of the gastrointestinal tract to the alkaline side by 0.5 units, which is beneficial for enhancing insulin sensitivity and utilization, thereby improving glucose metabolism and reducing blood sugar. Chitosan also has the function of regulating the endocrine system, which can promote the recovery of pancreatic beta cells, normalize insulin secretion, and maintain normal blood glucose metabolism. Chitosan also has certain therapeutic and preventive effects on the complications of diabetes.
03 Prevention and Treatment of Hyperlipidemia
Elevated blood lipids are one of the main factors leading to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Chitosan is the only polymer in nature with positively charged alkaline groups, which easily binds with negatively charged bile acids and promotes their excretion from the body. Without the presence of bile acids, cholesterol cannot be converted into cholesterol esters, thereby reducing cholesterol absorption in the body; The reduction of bile acids also promotes the liver to convert cholesterol into bile acids, reducing the cholesterol content in the blood. Chitosan can also reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), with a bidirectional regulatory effect. The mechanism of action remains to be studied. After oral administration of chitosan (2g/d) for 1 month, total cholesterol and LDL significantly decreased in 31 patients with hyperlipidemia, with a highly significant decrease in cholesterol and no significant effect on liver function.
04 Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension
Medical research has shown that hypertension is closely related to the level of Cl - in the blood. Chitosan exists in the form of polycations under acidic conditions in the stomach. After entering the blood, it can chelate with Cl -, reduce the concentration of Cl - in the blood, decrease the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme, slow down the breakdown of bradykinin, reduce the production of angiotensin II, and reduce the secretion of aldosterone, dilate blood vessels, reduce blood volume, thereby playing a role in lowering blood pressure.
05 Protecting the gastrointestinal tract
Chitosan can make bifidobacteria proliferate 120 times, improve the proportion of intestinal flora, prevent intestinal dysfunction, and reduce the incidence rate of enteritis and colon cancer.
The amino groups in chitosan molecules can bind with acidic substances to neutralize excessive stomach acid; It can form a gelatinous substance in gastric acid, attach to the stomach wall to form a protective film, reduce the stimulation and corrosion of the gastric injury surface, promote the repair of the injury surface, and facilitate the healing of gastric ulcers. It is an ideal antacid.
06 Anti tumor effect
Chitosan and its modified derivatives have excellent anti-tumor effects by activating macrophages, natural killer cells (NK cells), attacking tumor cells (LAK cells), T and B lymphocytes, and inducing interferon production in the body. Chitosan and its derivatives can attach to vascular endothelial adhesion molecules, inhibit the generation of tumor endothelial cells, block the adhesion and movement of tumor cells to blood vessels, prevent cancer tissue from infiltrating, spreading, and metastasizing to surrounding tissues, thereby achieving the goal of treating and preventing cancer. Therefore, it can be used as a therapeutic drug for early cancer.
07 Promote immune function
Chitosan directly activates macrophages, NK cells, LAK cells, B and T lymphocytes in the body, mediates cellular and humoral immune responses, and enhances the body's immune surveillance function. The combination of chitosan and bile acids makes the pH value in the human body more alkaline, creating an environment for lymphocytes to attack cancer cells and enhancing human immune function. Chitosan can activate immune dysfunction and effectively inhibit immune hyperfunction.
08 Enhance liver function
Chitosan can promote lipid metabolism, reduce cholesterol and fat, repair liver cells, enhance liver function, and thus protect the liver.
09 Detoxification
Chitosan can chelate with toxins, chemical pigments, heavy metals, and radioactive substances ingested into the human body, promoting their excretion from the body.