One of the extremely useful natural compounds is squalene. What it is? Not everyone will answer this question. It turns out that squalene is a polyunsaturated hydrocarbon that prevents the occurrence of oxygen deficiency in the human body. But this is not its only useful property. This substance is the enemy of cancer and many diseases of the skin. Read on for more information about the benefits of this hydrocarbon and where it is found.
Squalene: what is it?
Probably almost everyone has heard about this hydrocarbon. But few people know about its beneficial properties and where squalene is contained. What it is is well understood by fans of cosmetics, which are produced with the addition of the above substance. After all, this is the most common use of this hydrocarbon.
It turns out that even in everyday life we often use squalene. What is it and why is it needed? Let's try to figure it out.
In Latin, "squalene" means "shark". This name was given to himit is no coincidence, since it was first discovered in the liver of this particular fish.
Squalene characteristic:
- liquid hydrocarbon, polyunsaturated, acyclic;
- boiling point -242 degrees Celsius;
- main distribution area: plant and animal tissues.
This substance is the main component of the human skin. Squalene is very similar in composition to body cells. Through interaction with water, it captures oxygen and saturates human organs and tissues with it.
Discovery of squalene
This substance was first discovered at the beginning of the 20th century (in 1906) by the Japanese scientist Mitsumaro Tsujimoto. Squalene was isolated from the liver of a shark by special methods, from which it got its name.
Biochemists call it a special compound, a natural unsaturated hydrocarbon. In 1931, Swiss professor Claur proved that shark squalene does not have 12 hydrogen atoms. This prevents it from reaching a stable state. Therefore, this hydrocarbon captures them from any sources available to it. More often, squalene reacts with water, since this liquid is the most common source of oxygen.
Sharks that are at a decent sea depth, squalene helps to survive in conditions of low oxygen content (hypoxia). It saturates their tissues and organs with this component.
Useful properties of squalene
This hydrocarbon has manyabilities, with the help of which it can have a positive effect on the functionality of the human body. How did squalene earn its popularity? Useful properties of the substance:
- differs in a unique ability to regenerate cells, saturate them with oxygen;
- slows down the aging process, that is, acts as a powerful antioxidant;
- maintains the water balance of the body, moisturizes the skin;
- increases immunity (has an immunostimulatory, bactericidal, detoxifying and anti-inflammatory effect).
Some experts consider squalene to be a powerful antitumor factor. Its properties in this direction are quite effective. It is known that oxygen deficiency and cellular destruction, which is caused by an excess of oxidants, are precisely the main causes of the formation of various types of tumors. Squalene also prevents the development of cancer. Useful properties of it are observed in obesity. It perfectly controls weight (affects blood cholesterol levels, lowers its level, improves fat metabolism, takes part in the synthesis of hormones, fat cells and even some vitamins).
Where is squalene found?
Sources of this polyunsaturated hydrocarbon are:
- shark liver;
- vegetable oils: olive, amaranth, cottonseed, linseed;
- rice bran;
- yeast;
- wheat germ oil;
Surely shark liver is nota reliable source of squalene, since this product is quite exotic.
Olive oil only cold pressed contains the above valuable component. What is usually used for frying, of course, does not have it.
Amaranth oil is of particular value to humans, as experts found 8% squalene in its composition!
Use of squalene
In our time, this polyunsaturated hydrocarbon is actively used in the following industries:
- official medicine;
- dietology;
- Cosmetology;
- food production.
As for cosmetology, squalene has been used for the production of anti-aging products for more than 100 years. Its use here is due to its unique abilities in this regard:
- This hydrocarbon protects the tissues of the human body from various kinds of damage by active oxygen formulas. It successfully "extinguishes" aggressive singlet oxygen, thereby preventing aging processes and prolonging life.
- Squalene well saturates the skin with oxygen, thereby moisturizing it and mucous membranes well. It makes it more elastic, silky and soft, smoothes wrinkles and inhibits the development of pathogenic bacteria. It is with the help of the latter property that the protective barrier of the skin is increased. In addition, this hydrocarbon restores the supply of many useful substances in the body, thereby preventing the development of many skin diseases.
- Squalene helpscontrol the weight of a person, because it has the ability to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood.
- This polyunsaturated hydrocarbon strengthens hair and nails.
Indications for the use of squalene
Products containing this polyunsaturated hydrocarbon are recommended by experts for people with diseases such as:
- eczema;
- trophic ulcers;
- psoriasis;
- atherosclerosis;
- high blood pressure;
- strokes, heart attacks;
- arthritis;
- chronic fatigue syndrome;
- vision problems;
- colds;
- diabetes mellitus;
- oncology;
- respiratory infections.
In addition, squalene is recommended by specialists of official medicine against radiation radiation and as an effective tool that reduces the side effects of radio and chemotherapy. Also, the above polyunsaturated hydrocarbon cleanses the body of various kinds of pollution.
Squalene: contraindications and side effects
The above substance is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Also, squalene should not be given to children under 16.
It should be noted that in some people, experts noted increased sensitivity to this substance. In case of individual intolerance to squalene, the consumption of foods containing it should be reduced to a minimum.
Besides, this liquidhydrocarbon may cause allergic reactions. This is its main side effect.
Squalene: patient reviews
Today you can meet a lot of responses from patients who used drugs with the above polyunsaturated hydrocarbon. Some of them concern people who used squalene to strengthen nails and hair. Feedback on the use of the drug by this group of patients indicates a positive result. Moreover, these people claim that after taking this drug they became balanced, self-doubt disappeared.
Women especially appreciate squalene. Their reviews say that preparations with this hydrocarbon have a positive effect on the state of the body during PMS. Patients claim that attacks of aggression have disappeared these days, in addition, tearfulness and irritability are no longer observed.
A significant part of the responses are from people who, on the advice of a nutritionist, took squalene to normalize their weight. Feedback on the use of the drug in this group of patients is also only positive. People claim that in addition to losing weight, their skin condition has improved, their nerves have calmed down.
Also written by patients who got rid of high blood pressure helped squalene. Their reviews testify to the significant effectiveness of the drug with the above hydrocarbon. Their blood pressure returned to normal, their mood improved, and their vitality rose.
Squalene is a natural compound found in exclusive and hard-to-find products. But hevery necessary for man. Eating some vegetable oils and other foods listed above will enrich the body with this valuable polyunsaturated hydrocarbon, which prevents oxygen deficiency.
