Also Known As:
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Type:
Fat Storage Inhibitor |
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WHAT IS IT?
Chitosan (pronounced
kite-o-san) is a form of soluble fiber, derived from shellfish, designed to reduce the number of fat calories your body
absorbs. Chitosan is typically found in dietary
supplements for reducing cholesterol levels and promoting weight loss.HOW DOES IT WORK?
Because fatty acids are negatively charged and Chitosan is a positively charged compound, it is able to
attract and bind to fatty acids. As such, Chitosan can absorb many times its weight in fat (including
cholesterol) and prevent that fat from being absorbed into the body. Chitosan,
like a little magnet for fat, literally wraps itself around fat molecules, and instead of being absorbed by the digestive enzymes in your
small intestine, the fat is allowed to pass naturally through the body and
excreted.
Dr. Ivan Furda, a senior research scientist at General Mills, was
granted a patent (US patent # 4,223,023) after discovering Chitosan's fat
binding properties in the late 1970's. Animal research holds the body of
wealth of information on
chitosan – where it has been shown to
effectively bind to fats in the digestive tract and prevent their
absorption. In one study, high doses of chitosan reduced fat absorption by
almost half.
Impressive results have also been
obtained with human studies. One particular Italian study
shows that a combination of chitosan supplements and a 30-day low-calorie
diet was highly effective at promoting weight loss (16 pounds) compared to
a placebo (7 pounds). Scientists at the American Institute for Biosocial
and Medical Research have also shown that subjects using Chitosan lost weight without restricting
their calorie intake. The group who didn't use the supplement put on
nearly four pounds of weight in the same period. These are significant and
positive results for this shellfish compound.
Perfect for cheat meals, Chitosan is designed for anyone who wants to lose weight while
still enjoying the rare luxury of an infrequent high fat tastey gourmet
meal. Most other diet supplements, such as thermogenics, work by increasing the rate at
which you lose stored fat. Chitosan actually stops fat from being
stored in the first place, by converting it into a form that your body
does not and cannot absorb. Since this compound is non digestible it
yields no calorific value. The fat binds to the Chitosan and becomes a large mass,
which is then eliminated from the body.
Chitosan will allow you to lose weight while still enjoying the
occasional "cheat" meal. You will, however, still need to eat
correctly most of the time. Chitosan should be used no more than 3-4
times each week — not every day — as it is essential to get some fat
in your diet.
HOW MUCH AND WHEN?
Chitosan should be taken at the same time as a high-fat meal.
Although there is no evidence to show that it has any adverse side
effects, those who have severe allergic reactions to shellfish should not
use this product. Because Chitosan is a fibre found in shellfish (such
as crab or lobster), there are no side effects, apart from the fact it
suppresses your appetite slightly. Some people consider this to be a
benefit, as it stops them from eating too much food in one sitting.
Chitosan can be combined with any other diet supplement. However,
at high intakes, Chitosan may interfere with the absorption of
fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and the carotenoids (such as
beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin). To avoid a vitamin deficiency, Chitosan should not be used all the time.
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