Chitosan (deacetylated chitin) is a naturally occurring biocompatible extracted from the shells of shellfish, shrimp and crabs. It is purified and treated for weight loss and cholesterol management. 

 Chitosan, a natural fiber derived from the shells of crustaceans like shrimps, lobsters and crabs, is now deemed as one of the most effective solutions to maintain a balanced body. There is what many people call as “body balance chitosan” which monitors the levels and proportions of circulatory fats, blocking the fats in the digestive tract, thus reducing the bad cholesterol while providing the appropriate effect which may possibly aid the natural production of the body’s good cholesterol.

    Further worth noting is the claim that when you eat food that contains fat, the body finds it easier to store those fats than to use them for body fuel. Aside from this, both the fats and lipids are absorbed into the bloodstream. They then carry cholesterol around the body where it can collect in arteries, veins as well as around organs. It is during this stage actually that the arterial blockages, fatty liver and other serious health problems can occur.

CHITOSAN AND CHOLESTEROL

   Chitosan is designed to be a highly acid-soluble product with superior fat binding capability. . There are a number of clinical trials which indicate that Chitosan Plus can absorb as much as five times its own weight in fat, bile and cholesterol in the digestive tract. Chitosan Plus, being derived from chitin, is different from other fiber-based products. Claims have it that the particles of chitosan are positively electrically charged during its purification process. And, since opposites attract, this is what cause Chitosan to be a fat magnet as it attracts fat molecules, which are negatively charged. . What’s more interesting to know is that ingesting Chitosan Plus with its Garcinia not only aids reduce cholesterol levels, but also aids to scavenge the oxidizing effect of oxidized cholesterol in the system.

   Studies have noted that as Chitosan passes through the digestive tract, it tends to bond with the ingested fat and carry it out in the stool. It is for this reason actually that Chitosan has been tried as an agent for lowering cholesterol and reducing weight.

   Taken together, it is clear that Chitosan has not been proven to help a person lose weight, increase their HDL cholesterol or decrease the LDL cholesterol. And, although companies selling chitosan claim that it is very effective and even claim to have medical research about how well their product works, the medical studies on chitosan still suggest to better be careful when considering chitosan-based products.

   One of the most commonly cited studies on Chitosan by te marketers and manufacturers of Chitosan based products is the 1994 ARS Medicina ( Helsinki ) Report. In this study,it was found out that test subjects lost eight percent of body fat and reduced cholesterol by thirty-two percent in four weeks.

   By absorbing fat, Chitosan also eliminates not only cholesterol but many of the building blocks for cholesterol. As a result, cholesterol production in the body is reduced. In addition to electro statically binding fats, chitosan hydrophobic links to other neutrally-charged fats, including cholesterol. In addition, it is believed that Chitosan's continuous partial removal of bile acids triggers the body to break down already absorbed cholesterol to produce replacement bile acids. In study after study Chitosan has been shown to reduce cholesterol in the body. A 1991 Norwegian study showed a 65-69% reduction of serum cholesterol with 5% dietary Chitosan. A 1995 study reported a 54% reduction of cholesterol in blood plasma and a 64% reduction in the liver. A large number of studies have shown that Chitosan has the unique ability to lower the "bad," LDL cholesterol (results have varied from 25% to 69% reduction) while boosting the "good," HDL cholesterol.
About 25% of bodily cholesterol is obtained from food and 75% is manufactured in the liver. In someone with high cholesterol, the liver constantly tries to get rid of cholesterol by dumping it into the intestines as bile acids. As the bile acids travel down the intestine, the cholesterol is reabsorbed. However, if it meets up with Chitosan, Chitosan binds the cholesterol and prevents its reabsorption.

OTHER BENEFITS:

Other benefits which chitosan claims to have other than weight loss include inhibiting LDL cholesterol and boosting HDL cholesterol. It can also promote the healing of ulcers and lesions, help control blood pressure, reduce blood levels of uric acid, help prevent constipation, act as an antacid, help prevent irritable bowel syndrome, enhances calcium to strengthen bones, inhibits plaque/tooth decay, and offers anti-tumor action.

• Research has shown that chitin and chitosan are non-toxic and non-allergenic, so the body is not likely to reject these compounds as foreign invaders.
• Its proven health benefits are enjoyed by millions of user’s world wide where it has been shown to reduce HDL cholesterol's, triglycerides, enhance bowel function, and make nutrients more absorbable as well as produce more T-cells which attack tumor cells.
• It also has been shown to increase the bifido bacteria in our intestines. Increasing bififo bacteria helps fight harmful microorganisms like the E coli and salmonella reduces toxins, reduce diarrhea and constipation, and facilitate liver function.

Several research studies also indicate Chitosan's contribution in fighting cancer and other diseases. Increased body weight and fat storage increase the incidence of specific cancers, such as prostrate and colorectal cancer as well as breast, cervical, uterine, and endometrial cancers. Digestion of bile acids in the intestine releases two toxic and carcinogenic secondary bile acids that contribute to the formation of gallstones and to bowel cancer. An animal study published in 1991 showed that Chitosan increased the elimination of these secondary bile acids, thereby lowering the risk for these disorders. Chitosan also seems to have a protective effect against bodily absorption of cancer-causing pesticides and heavy metals carried into the body through fat in meats.