Cartilage, a tissue composed of cartilage matrix and chondrocytes, is divided into fibrocartilage, hyaline cartilage, and elastic cartilage according to the shape and properties of the matrix. By acting as a cushion between bones, it not only acts as a buffer to reduce the impact on the bones due to activity and movement, but also plays a role in allowing the joints to move normally and smoothly. Real cartilage is known to withstand up to 10 times the body weight. Chondroitin is a mucopolysaccharide protein found in the cartilage of joints. It is known as a major component of cartilage along with water, polysaccharide, protein, and collagen, and the name chondroitin is derived from the Greek word meaning cartilage. Chondroitin is known to have various beneficial effects on the body, including joint health. Now, let’s take a look at the effects of chondroitin and various foods rich in chondroitin one by one.
Chondroitin main effects
1. Joint Health
Since cartilage, which acts as a buffer between bones and bones, does not have blood vessels and nerve cells, it is difficult to form once worn out. When the cartilage wears out, it causes severe pain, and when the pain gets worse, it can cause great difficulty in performing normal activities. In particular, when chondroitin is insufficient as we age, cartilage is more easily damaged and the synovial membrane becomes inflamed, which causes diseases such as arthritis.
Chondroitin, a major component of cartilage, inhibits enzymes that destroy cartilage and is involved in the regeneration of cell tissues. In addition, it effectively supplies nutrients to the cartilage without blood vessels and nerve cells, so that the cartilage does not easily collapse even from external physical shocks, and it also acts to absorb stress. These complex actions help suppress cartilage damage, and are said to be beneficial in relieving and preventing symptoms such as arthritis, frozen shoulder, and back pain.
2. Skin Health
Chondroitin is known to play an important role in the health and beauty of the skin. When the chondroitin component in the body is insufficient, the elasticity of the skin decreases and wrinkles easily form. Chondroitin helps to increase the elasticity of the skin with the effect of regenerating the tissue of cells, and it is said to have a beneficial effect on the prevention of aging of the skin. Due to this skin health promotion effect, chondroitin is widely used as a raw material for various cosmetics and skin-related functional products.
3. Body moisture control
Water, which constitutes about 70% of the body, plays an important role in regulating body temperature, discharging waste products, and delivering oxygen and immune substances to each organ in the body. This lack of water, which directly acts on life-sustaining activities, causes headaches and chronic fatigue. It causes various abnormal symptoms such as constipation, and when it is prolonged, it increases the risk of vascular disease and kidney disease. Because chondroitin controls and replenishes water in the body, it helps to prevent various physical abnormalities caused by lack of water and helps normal metabolism. In addition, it helps to improve normal blood flow by regulating water and relieves swelling in the body. Chondroitin also has major effects. Chondroitin Many Foods and Precautions
Chondroitin is known to be contained in large amounts in crucibles of cattle, skates, snails, snails, pigs’ feet, and cartilage and fins of sharks. In particular, the crucible, which refers to a special part around the cartilage of the hind leg knee, is known as a representative food rich in chondroitin. It has characteristics similar to human cartilage, so it effectively supplies nutrients necessary for the survival of cartilage cells and has beneficial effects on joint health, such as protecting cartilage.
Although there are no known side effects of chondroitin, the healthiest way to consume it is to consume it in moderation rather than consume it in excess. In particular, in the case of crucible, a representative food rich in chondroitin, it is recommended to consume within a range of not exceeding 100 g per day, as it is high in calories and can cause overweight if consumed in excess. In addition, when consuming chondroitin in the form of health functional food, it is recommended to check a product that has been certified for safety by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and to consume about 1,200 mg, which is known as the recommended daily intake.
