Want to shed some fat? Crustaceans (shrimp, lobster, crab, crayfish, prawn, and other shellfish) may seem an unlikely source to help you lose body fat. But, think twice before you throw away those crab, lobster or shrimp shells. Those shells are made of chitin, a naturally occurring compound that has long been called a fat magnet by many researchers for ages. From chitin came chitosan, the natural and commercially available preparation used by millions of dieters around the world.
Chitosan from crustaceans is composed of a number of molecules of chitin strung together. As a matter of fact, it is these strings of fat magnets that seem to work miracles for weight loss! Although it is said to be chemically similar to cellulose or plant fiber, Chitosan is also said to be completely indigestible. Chitosans claim to fame lies primarily on the claims that it binds to fat molecules in the bowel, preventing those fats from being absorbed by the body. Instead, the chitosan is said to accompany the fats through the bowel where they are eliminated. Chitosan can, in fact, bind up to six times its weight in fat! As a result, you will absorb less fat and fewer calories, thus helping you to lose weight.
Many people still claim that chitosan will not work without proper diet and exercise. The stated reason is that chitosan - on its own - would not help you keep the weight off long term. So, according to some, if you want a maximum, long-term benefit, chitosan should be added to a proper diet and exercise. Experts also suggest taking chitosan for a minimum of 12 weeks to accurately see any changes in weight loss.
Some studies have shown that chitosan works in a similar way to the prescription-only drug, Xenical or Orlistat, which is also taken as a weight loss supplement. Both chitosan and orlistat apparently block the absorption of fat in the body. And, if used in association with a proper diet and exercise, both can help you lose weight.
The benefits of chitosan, however, go beyond weight loss. Exciting new researches have revealed the cholesterol-lowering powers of chitosan. Chitosan is much gentler than the conventional cholesterol-lowering drugs with potential side effects such as chest pains, itchiness, hair loss and sleep problems.
Chitosan has also been deemed effective for boosting the powers of insulin. According to a very recent study, how chitosan works for boosting insulin lies in the fact that it decreases blood sugar. The more chitosan is used, the more blood sugar is reduced.
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