Squalene is a compound that occurs naturally in our body, but it is worth supplementing it additionally, because it has a very beneficial effect on our he alth. What exactly is squalene and what are its healing properties? In addition to shark liver, what else can we find it?

Squalene(from LatinSqualus , i.e. dogfish - one of the shark species) isan organic compound commonly found in nature, including tissues of humans, animals and plants. It is also present in our body, but the best source of it is shark liver oil. Its beneficial properties have been used by the Japanese for centuries, they even called itsamedawa , meaning "a cure for everything".

Squalene is calledcholesterol precursorbecause it is formed in the process of the formation of cholesterol particles, therefore it is included in the lipid category, although it is not a fat. Squalene is in the form ofclear liquidlightlyyellow in color and with a slight odor .

Squalene in the human body

Scientists have found that every human being is born witha small amount of squalenein the body, but between30. a 40.his level drops by the year of his life.

Interestingly, the most squalene can be found in:

  • our skin (in the lipid coat and sebum, i.e. sebum) - 30 mg of squalene per 100 g of skin fat;
  • earwax;
  • thyroid - 5 mg / 100 g;
  • inner layer of arteries - 4 mg / 100 g;
  • spleen;
  • heart;
  • kidneys;
  • intestines;
  • lungs;
  • brain.

Properties of squalene

Experts agree that squalene hasvery important functionsin our body:

  1. Creates ahydro-lipid coatof the skin that protects humans against harmful external factors, such as ultraviolet radiation, as well as against water loss, thanks to which our epidermis is well moisturized, elastic and less prone to irritation.
  2. Maantioxidant effect , i.e. it fights the excess of free radicals, which prevents the rapid aging and development of cancer.
  3. It isa natural antibiotic- has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.
  4. Regulates blood cholesterol levels.
  5. Prevents the formation of gallstones.
  6. It prevents the development of heart diseases.
  7. Together with alkylglycerols and omega-3s, it takes care of ourresistance .
  8. Participates in the synthesis of vitamin D, and therefore contributes to the proper bone structure.
  9. It protects our liver, helps to cleanse the body of toxins, especially those caused by industrial human activity (thanks to these properties, it is also administered to patients who have overdosed on drugs or have taken poison).

Natural sources of squalene

Squalene cannot be produced synthetically, it can only be obtained from various types ofnatural oils . The best and most digestible source of squalene is shark liver oil. However, we can also obtain it from plant sources, such as:

  • olive oil (685.5 mg / 100 g)
  • amaranth oil (630 mg / 100 g)
  • pumpkin seed oil (890 mg / 100 g)
  • amaranth seeds (590 mg / 100 g)

Squalene - why is it worth supplementing?

Although our body naturally produces squalene, the amounts are so small that it is worth supplementing them with supplementation. However, you should remember that the concentration of squalene in vegetable oils is3 to 10 times lowerthan in fish oil, so supplementing with shark liver tablets or liquid oil will be the best solution. However, it should not be confused with the popular cod liver oil, which is produced from cod fish.

Squalene - dosage and side effects

It is assumed that the minimum daily intake of squalene should be11 mg / day , but this dose does not take into account, for example, a Mediterranean diet rich in fish and olive oil. Countries with a daily squalene intake of400 mg / dayhave been shown to have less cancer. The amount of500 mg / dayincreases the level of good cholesterol and reduces the bad cholesterol, and the dose860 mgreduces the level of total cholesterol. In cancer patients, the usual doses are2000-5000 mg / day .

So far, there are no well-documented side effects from ingesting squalene. Some people have only seen temporary loose stools.

Squalene is not recommended forpregnant womenandbreastfeeding women .

due to the lack of reliable research.

Squalene vs Squalane

Some people can get it wrong, but in realitysqualaneisa synthetic derivativesqualene . Due to its properties, it has been widely used in the cosmetics industry, because:

  • moisturizes the skin;
  • protects it from the negative influence of external factors;
  • fights free radicals to prevent skin aging;
  • stimulates the production of collagen responsible for the elasticity of the epidermis;
  • soothes irritation and inflammation of the skin in the course of acne, psoriasis, eczema;
  • moisturizes the hair.

So far, these activitieshave not beenscientifically confirmed.

  • Tran - healing properties. How does fish oil work?

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