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Chitosan
FACTS
Chitosan
is a "fat blocker," a supplement that
enhances weight loss by preventing the absorption
of fat. Derived from chitin, which is found in
the exoskeletons of shellfish such as shrimp and
crabs, chitosan is similar to plant fiber in that
it is not digested by the body. When taken orally
chitosan acts like a "fat sponge." As
it passes through the digestive tact it can absorb
four to six times its weight in fat, thereby flushing
it out of the body before it can bee metabolized
and stored as excess pounds. In other words, you
can have your cake and eat it too-as long as you
use chitosan!
Alas,
chitosan is not a cure for chronic overeating.
It should only be used occasionally-perhaps as
a tool to "jump-start" a diet, and not
for more than two weeks at a time. The problem
is that while chitosan is chasing the fat out
of your body it can also rob you of fat-soluble
vitamins, such as vitamins E, A, D, and K. Therefore,
I cannot recommend it for long-term use. If you
are taking chitosan, you must supplement your
diet with fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty
acids. Otherwise, chitosan appears to be safe,
and some studies suggest that it may be beneficial
beyond its potential as a weight-loss tool. For
example, one recent study showed that when mice
were fed a known carcinogen, the mice eating chitosan-supplemented
diet had fewer precancerous lesions of the colon
than mice not given chitosan. Studies have also
shown that chitosan can dramatically lower total
blood cholesterol levels and raise the levels
of HDL, or good cholesterol, which protects against
heart disease. This versatile supplement is also
reputed to prevent tooth decay and is an excellent
antacid.
POSSIBLE
BENEFITS
Can
help promote weight loss by blocking absorption
of fat.
Lowers
cholesterol levels.
May
protect against colon cancer.
THE
RIGHT AMOUNT
Take
up to three 250-mg. tablets daily with meals.
Be sure to drink 8 ounces of clear filtered water
with each tablet.
CAUTIONS
Do
not use chitosan if you have an allergy to shellfish.
This supplement ( or any other fat blocker) should
not be used by pregnant or lactating women or
by children.
GENERAL
ADVICE
If
you are taking chitosan, or any other fiber supplement,
be sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
Chitosan
works best when combined with a sensible diet
and exercise regimen.
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