Bodybuilding.com - Clayton's Health Facts: Chitosan.

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Clayton South writes for many major health magazines and publications!

Clayton South, SPN (ISSA), is a recognized expert in the bodybuilding / fitness industry with over 150 bodybuilding, fitness and nutrition publications to his credit.

Chitosan.

By: Clayton South

What Is It?
And Where Does It Come From?

shrimp Chitosan (pronounced "kite-o-san") is a dietary supplement that is from the shells of shellfish such as shrimp and crab. It's a unique and natural source of fiber.

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Chitosan has the amazing ability to bind to fats and cholesterol, encapsulating them before they can be absorbed by the body. This may be a dieter's dream!

Lots Of Chitosan!

What Does It Do?
And What Scientific Studies Give Evidence To Support This?

Chitosan is a naturally-occurring indigestible fiber that is lipophilic, which means it is highly attracted to fat. Chitosan binds to fat and pulls it out of the body before it is absorbed.

What Does Lipophilic Mean?
First off, "-philic" means "having an affinity for; loving". Lipophilic, then, literally means "having a strong affinity for fat" or "fat absorbing" - like a sponge. In other words, "attracting, dissolving in, or tending to absorb fat".

This effect is due to its positive ionic charge. Chitosan may have the ability to attract and discharge these fats and therefore prevent it from being accumulated as bodyfat (adipose tissue).

There are no calories in Chitosan since it is not digestible. The fat binds to the Chitosan fiber and becomes a large mass, which the body cannot absorb. This large mass is then eliminated from the body through normal processes.

Chitosan can trap as much as seven times (7x) its weight in fat. Studies have shown that Chitosan can effectively lower serum cholesterol levels.

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Cholesterol And Your Body's Health!
Just what is this matter we call cholesterol, anyway? Find out what you need to know about cholesterol and your bodies health!
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Chitosan not only lowers harmful LDL and VLDL levels, but it also raises beneficial HDL levels. When taken before or during a meal, it will bind to the fats before they are absorbed into the blood stream. Research has proven that it can significantly reduce the intake of dietary fat.

How Much Should Be Taken?
And Are There Any Side Effects?

Chitosan has no adverse side effects. Because it is a shellfish product, however, those who have severe allergic reactions to shellfish should not use this product. Additionally, if you are pregnant or nursing, you should not take this product.

Note: pregnant and lactating mothers require a certain amount of fat to ensure the health of the fetus or newborn.

To View Top-Selling Chitosan Products, Click Here.

Crab photo courtesy of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

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