Chitin has become an essential sugar derivative with wide applications in medicines, carcinoma treatment, and nutritional supplements

 

Chitin is a glycidyl ester of N-Acetyl-Glucosamine, a sugar derived from glucose. This glycosyl ester is also a constituent of the cell wall in various fungi, the exposes of arthropods, molluscs, amphibians, flatworms, cephalopods, marine ichneumonema, and the cutaneous scales of certain lizards. It was also used as a food additive for preservation and for medical purposes in China, India, and Korea. Nowadays, chitin has been extensively used as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, cell membrane stabilizer, and anti-cancer agent.

Chitin is highly resistant to oxidation and possesses a high degree of resistance against the actions of hydrochloric acid, hydrogen peroxide, oxygen radicals, and nitric oxide. Chitin's effectiveness as a natural health supplement is due to its antioxidant properties. Chitin is effective in lowering blood sugar levels, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. It also improves immune functions, protects against cardiovascular disease, and lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Chitin has a wide range of uses in daily life. It can be used in sauces, dressings (for example, Thai and Chinese), ice cream, sauces, marmalades, pickles, and soups. It is also added as flavoring to certain foods, especially sweet sauces. It is also used in food supplements for improving absorption and retention of nutrients. Other applications include treating periodontitis, rheumatic diseases, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, oral cavity infections, sinusitis, as well as treating kidney stones and lung cancer.

In certain Asian cultures, chitin is combined with white or wheat flour for the production of noodles (also called miso). In Japan, it is also added to miso-based drinks and foods such as green tea and cream. In the West, chitin has been used to replace vitamin C in supplements and is now an important ingredient in a variety of antioxidant-enriched diet supplements. Chitin is also sometimes included in the composition of dietary fat-burning oils. Chitin is highly useful in the prevention and treatment of free radical damage. By inhibiting the reactions that produce free radicals, chitin protects cells from premature aging and disease. Studies suggest that chitin can reverse and prevent the aging process and may help in the prevention of some types of cancer. Chitin reduces the symptoms of arthritis, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

Chitin has also been found to be effective in treating skin diseases. Some of these include psoriasis, acne, eczema, burns, blisters, wounds, boils, abscesses, urinary problems, rashes, insect bites, blisters, dandruff, oily scalp, diaper rash, and abscesses. Chitin can be used topically in the form of ointments, lotions, shampoos, and soaps. Some researchers believe that chitin may help prevent certain types of cancer. Chitin may also inhibit the replication of the Human Immuno Virus, or HIV. Chitin may even prevent certain types of cancer. Chitin may also help to prevent diabetes and other health conditions. It is believed that chitin improves the immune system and helps to make skin healthier. Chitin is often called the "vegetable of life" since it is one of the few foods that contains all eight main, essential amino acids. Chitin is also the main component of many of the vitamins and minerals our bodies need.