Chitin is ... Chitin in the cell wall
Not all people know what chitin is. Few remember yet from the lessons of biology information about this element. Where does it occur in nature? Why is the body needed? The answers to these questions are presented in the article.
Description of the substance
Chitin is a natural compound of nitrogen-containing polysaccharides. In nature it occurs in the skeletons of crustaceans, wings of insects, tissues of fungi, as well as in stems and leaves of plants.
Until recently, chitin was considered a waste material,because it can not dissolve in various alkalis and in water. However, this element is of great importance for many living beings. It is worth considering that chitin is a substance that is a part of the human body. Thanks to him, we have very strong nails and hair.
Meaning in living nature
Chitin is the main part of the outer skeletonmany arthropods. This includes crustaceans, spiders and some insects. Since the bodies of such inhabitants of our planet are devoid of internal skeletons, something must protect their internal organs from damage. Therefore, with certainty it can be said that chitin performs a protective function.
However, this element does not exist by itself. It is combined with other substances, for example, with proteins, and this allows it to be harder, or vice versa, more flexible. First of all, the chitin cover is designed to protect internal organs. But besides this, it also protects the body from drying out and dehydration.
The disadvantage of such a shell is that it is notcan increase in size. Therefore, the animal has to drop it and wait until a new protective shell is formed. Time does not take much, but a fauna representative at this time becomes defenseless.
Chitin is a substance that is part of a shellonly small animals. Such a shell can not protect large individuals. It is not suitable for terrestrial invertebrate inhabitants. Over time, the outer skeleton begins to become heavier and bruised, which means that it becomes more difficult to move around in it.
Role in the human body
Chitin is responsible for the binding of lipids tohuman body. This suggests that the intestine becomes easier to work, lowering the body's level of cholesterol and other harmful lipids. Digestion is normalized, stomach work improves. This element also stimulates the mineralization of bone tissue in the human body. However, it can not be taken for a long time, since this can disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system and lead to the multiplication of pathogenic and opportunistic flora in the body.
Chitin is a source of fiber, andhelps to fight excess weight. With it, you can strengthen the bones of the skeleton, as well as increase the amount of bifidobacteria in the body. When exposed to the skin, chitin has an antimicrobial effect, promotes rapid healing of wounds, abrasions and cuts. The element also has a positive effect on the nails, skin and hair. Therefore it is a part of many cosmetics and vitamin supplements.
Chitin in mushrooms
Mushrooms are a valuable product for the humanorganism. They contain a lot of useful substances, such as selenium, potassium, zinc, copper, as well as a large number of B vitamins. However, this is not all. The composition of such products also includes chitin. Mushrooms are considered a unique species of organisms due to a special fleshy tissue called a mycelium. Such a structure and gives it a chitin, which is part of the mycelium. It is not surprising that mushrooms occupy a special place between animals and plants and fulfill their unique role for the human body.
Chitin in mushrooms will benefit the body only if you consume a moderate amount of this product.
Role in digestion
Scientists have proved that introduced into the dietchitin of animals has a positive effect on the digestive system. This substance is able to fight excess weight, as well as reduce blood pressure. If properly applied, it will relieve the stomach and intestinal ulcers, will ensure easy digestion of food. The use of chitin will relieve constipation, diarrhea, and also will remove toxins from the body.
Scientists have proved that eatinga moderate amount of chitin will provide an increase in the intestine of certain groups of beneficial microorganisms. Taking such a dietary supplement, you reduce the risk of malignant tumors and polyps.
Eating insects
As mentioned above, chitin consists ofnitrogen-containing polysaccharides. Since ancient times, people in Africa and the Middle East have eaten a large number of insects. At the same time, such a dish was not considered a dessert, but was a full-fledged meal. This is evidenced by the ancient records. For example, in some nations, locusts with milk were eaten. For other peoples, the real delicacy was termites or boiled ants.
However, today you can also trydishes made from insects. Of course, scientists were interested in eating insects by aborigines, so various scientific studies were carried out. It was found that eating insects is very useful for human health. First, chitin enters the cell membranes of insects, which is already an indubitable plus. However, this is not all. For example, the body of a grasshopper contains almost the same protein as in beef meat. That is why insects are considered to be full nutritious food products.
Chitin deficiency
Cellulose, chitin - are similar in their composition and functions of the substance. However, the first of these is a part of plant cells, and the second is part of the cell wall of arthropods.
The first thing you should pay attention to ishigh cholesterol in the body. Another symptom that indicates a deficiency of chitin is the improper functioning of the kidneys. However, this is not all the signs. Very often people who lack this element suffer from a decreased appetite, weakness, abnormal bowel function, slagging of the body, frequent allergic reactions, joint pain and obesity.
If you notice the symptoms listed above,always consult a doctor. If the doctor determines a deficit of chitin, he will pick up the correct diet for you, and also include multivitamin complexes.
Scope of use
Chitin is very actively used in many sphereshuman life. For example, with its help they produce strong and reliable surgical threads. It is also able to rapidly absorb liquids, so it is used to make various sponges and tampons. Do not forget that chitin has antibacterial properties. Therefore, it can be used for the manufacture of various dressings.
In addition, chitin has found its application in cosmetology, in the manufacture of animal feed, as well as in agriculture and microbiology.
