angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE), which is present in the body. This enzyme
causes blood pressure to rise as angiotensin I is converted into angiotensin II, a
substances that increases blood pressure. Normal blood pressure can be maintained
by inhibiting this enzyme. Eating less salt is another way to reduce high blood
pressure.
Crucially, while sodium ions (Na
+
) from the intake of salt (NaCl) into the body
have traditionally been viewed as responsible for rising blood pressure, recent
experiments with chitosan have shown the chloride ions (Cl
− ) to be the substance
causing the blood pressure increase (Xia et al. 2011).
Chitosan is a large molecule and a fiber that is partially excreted from the body
without being absorbed into the intestines when consumed. The chitosan structure
also contains an amino group (positively charged) that bonds with the chloride ions
in salt (negatively charged) or bile acid and allows it to be excreted from the body.
Bile acid assists the absorption of lipid as it is synthesized into cholesterol and
secreted into digestive organs when lipid is consumed. By blocking the reabsorption of lipid into the intestines, chitosan reduces cholesterol in the body and helps
expel chloride ions from the body.
As shown in Fig. 8.32, actual testing of blood pressure reduction in mice fed
chitosan and alginic acid has shown blood pressure to be reduced through chitosan
consumption (Je and Ahn 2011).
Table 8.8 Cancer suppression effects of chitosan oligosaccharides by molecular weight
*
P < 0.05 versus the control group
8.4 Functional Food Materials
285
causes blood pressure to rise as angiotensin I is converted into angiotensin II, a
substances that increases blood pressure. Normal blood pressure can be maintained
by inhibiting this enzyme. Eating less salt is another way to reduce high blood
pressure.
Crucially, while sodium ions (Na
+
) from the intake of salt (NaCl) into the body
have traditionally been viewed as responsible for rising blood pressure, recent
experiments with chitosan have shown the chloride ions (Cl
− ) to be the substance
causing the blood pressure increase (Xia et al. 2011).
Chitosan is a large molecule and a fiber that is partially excreted from the body
without being absorbed into the intestines when consumed. The chitosan structure
also contains an amino group (positively charged) that bonds with the chloride ions
in salt (negatively charged) or bile acid and allows it to be excreted from the body.
Bile acid assists the absorption of lipid as it is synthesized into cholesterol and
secreted into digestive organs when lipid is consumed. By blocking the reabsorption of lipid into the intestines, chitosan reduces cholesterol in the body and helps
expel chloride ions from the body.
As shown in Fig. 8.32, actual testing of blood pressure reduction in mice fed
chitosan and alginic acid has shown blood pressure to be reduced through chitosan
consumption (Je and Ahn 2011).
Table 8.8 Cancer suppression effects of chitosan oligosaccharides by molecular weight
*
P < 0.05 versus the control group
8.4 Functional Food Materials
285