Contents
Cellulose is found in most plants. It is an odorless, tasteless and water-insoluble organic compound. It is a type of fiber. What is the application? What is its significance for man?
Cellulose – basic information
Cellulose belongs to the group of complex carbohydrates and is found mainly in plants. In plant cells, it can be found in the cell walls, as it is an essential building block. In some cases, cellulose accounts for up to half of the plant’s components, although usually it does not exceed 1/3. Interestingly, in the case of cotton, it accounts for as much as 90% of all ingredients.
It is resistant to water and binds it strongly. It does not dissolve in either warm or cold water. It also does not dissolve in ether and alcohol. Cellulose is obtained both naturally (from wood) and synthetically. It has no smell. When isolated, it takes the form of long threads. It consists of at least 3000 glucose particles, which makes it a linear chain of considerable size.
Digesting cellulose requires a special enzyme that the human body cannot produce. Nevertheless, its presence in the diet is advisable. It has many health-promoting functions and acts as an insoluble fiber. It is partially fermented by intestinal bacteria. Cellulose can be consumed by herbivorous animals. In their digestive tracts there are bacteria capable of digesting this enzyme.
Cellulose in nutrition
Most animals do not have the enzyme to digest cellulose. Only ruminants, such as cows, have this ability, thanks to the special bacteria that live in the stomach. Man doesn’t digest cellulose. So it has no nutritional value for humans, but it is essential in nutrition. What is its role (as well as other types of fiber)?
It is mainly cellulose that swells in the stomach, giving a feeling of fullness and thus reducing the body’s need for calories. That is why it is so valued in slimming diets. It should only be remembered that when you consume more fiber, you need to drink plenty of fluids.
Other beneficial effects of cellulosis are:
- regulating bowel movements, preventing constipation,
- reducing the absorption of cholesterol and triglycerides,
- lowering blood pressure
- reducing the need for insulin,
- influence on the development of beneficial flora of the digestive tract.
Vegetables are a rich source of cellulose, e.g. Brussels sprouts, peas, green beans, potatoes, asparagus, and kale.
Cellulose is also an additive to many food products. It demonstrates the ability to thicken food, prevents caking and improves the consistency of the product. It is added, inter alia, for powdered soups and sauces, for salads, ice cream.
Cellulose in dietary supplements
Micorrystalline cellulose is a polysaccharide consisting of D-glucose molecules. It is also known as MCC and is a completely natural substance that does not contain GMOs. In laboratory conditions, it is processed into a white powder, thoroughly purified, without smell and taste. Sometimes it is gray in color. It is marked with the symbol E460.
The ingredient can be found in the capsules of many popular supplements. People who use it believe that it is a great substitute for milk sugar and starch. When microcrystalline cellulose is added to food products such as bread, ice cream and sweets, they do not crystallize or clump together. Moreover, the substance absorbs moisture well and interacts with other substances.
The substance is best combined with ingredients that perform a similar function to it. As a result, the products will stay fresh for much longer, even if they contain highly hygroscopic compounds. The presence of microcrystalline cellulose also improves solubility. Thanks to it, the preparations are better absorbed. It also makes processing and manufacturing processes more efficient.
Cellulose in cosmetics
Due to the fact that it is a consistency substance, it has been used in the production of cosmetics such as powders, masks and emulsions. Various types of ingredient are used in the cosmetics industry, but the most popular is the aforementioned microcrystalline cellulose. In addition to it, we also distinguish:
- carboxymethyl cellulose – improves the consistency of cosmetics because it thickens them. Thanks to it, a permeable layer is created on the skin that does not trap gases. It is often in the form of the sodium salt. It has the symbol E466.
- methylcellulose – it is a derivative of cellulose, used both in the food and pharmaceutical industries. It is also used for the production of textiles. In the medical industry, it is used as a laxative as it increases the volume of fecal masses and water retention. Its symbol is E461.
- ethyl cellulose – is another derivative of celosis. Although it has a similar application to methylcellulose, its properties are slightly different. The substance has no smell and taste, it dissolves in alcohols, but not in water. It connects with oils and waxes without any problems, so it is suitable for plasticization.
- hydroxyethyl cellulose – its presence in the cosmetic creates a thin layer on the skin, which, however, does not penetrate the skin, but protects it. This cellulose derivative has found application in hair and body care products. In addition, it is also included in toothpastes.
Read more on how to care for dry hair
Cellulose – application in medicine
In the medical industry, bacterial cellulose is considered one of the materials of the future. It is a chemically highly reactive nanobiomaterial and has magnetic and electrical properties that distinguish it from other materials. This means that the use of bacterial cellulose, e.g. in medicine, will probably be more and more widespread from year to year. Its advantage is the economical method of obtaining, not requiring the use of specialized equipment.
Properties of bacterial cellulose, such as resistance to UV radiation and humidity, place it high in the ranking of nanomaterials. The substance consists mostly of water and a small amount of sugars. The medical industry appreciates that it is hypoallergenic and biofunctional. The body also reacts well to it, treating it as a natural component of the entire system after implantation.
Recently, the Lodz University of Technology has developed a technology for the production of cellulose films for dressings useful in the treatment of severe burns. They are durable and flexible, gas-permeable (anaerobic bacteria cannot grow on the wound). By maintaining constant moisture, dead tissues can dissolve.
Another use of bacterial cellulose in medicine is for the production of blood vessel implants. Due to the use of various forms, implants can differ in diameter and length. What’s more, after appropriate modification, they will work as nerve fiber sheaths.
Read more on what modern medicine looks like
Cellulose and slimming
Eating cellulose-containing products is recommended for people who want to lose weight. Thanks to them, it is much easier to reduce the consumption of fats. The substance suppresses the appetite because it acts as a healthy “clog”. Foods containing it are more filling. Cellulose in the human body, although it is healthy, also has its drawbacks. In excess, it can harm the intestines and act as a laxative.
Cellulose is a source of fiber and is not soluble in water. Thanks to this, it becomes a probiotic, i.e. it provides food for probiotic bacteria that help the human body. Here it is especially worth mentioning the microcrystalline type of cellulose. It is a valuable source of fiber and does not provide calories.
In the world of athletes and people attending fitness classes, there is a myth that the substance in question inhibits anabolism. However, it should be said that there are still no studies supporting this thesis. However, it has been proven that it is biodegradable and does not harm the environment.
Where is cellulose found? The ingredient can be found in: potatoes (with skin), nuts, seeds, legumes, apples, pears, avocados, blueberries, radishes, turnips, kohlrabi, kale, broccoli, arugula. It is also found naturally in cereal grains, groats, rice and cereals. People on a reducing diet who want to consume cellulose are also advised to eat cruciferous and cruciferous vegetables.
Microcrystalline cellulose – harmfulness
When we deliver the substance in a standard amount, no health complications will arise. The harmfulness of microcrystalline cellulose is almost zero. Both doctors and nutritionists have not even established an upper limit of consumption. However, people with food hypersensitivity are exposed to possible unpleasantness, such as flatulence.
In any other case, ingestion of the ingredient should not interfere with other substances. Not only does it not react in a harmful way, but it also does not cause allergies. Nevertheless, it is worth mentioning that there have been reports of harmful effects of microcrystalline cellulose. However, these were people suffering from celiac disease who consumed cellulose derived from wheat.
Bacterial cellulose and its application in the food industry
The substance has properties that distinguish it from plant cellulose. Above all, it is cleaner and retains water much better. As a result, it has greater economic value. Interestingly, this was discovered by producers of drinks and sweets. In the Philippines, for example, we will buy a delicious dessert called Nata de coco, made on the basis of bacterial cellulose. Its advantage is a small amount of calories and an interesting taste.
Another popular food product that demonstrates the inventive use of plants by humans is kombucha (or kombucha) tea. This traditional Asian fermented drink is made from a deposit of bacterial cellulose. Its advantage is the high presence of bacterial and yeast strains.
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.Now you can use e-consultation also free of charge under the National Health Fund.