Shark Cartilage

Shark cartilage is a nutritional supplement, which has a number of health benefits. Through this article will discuss about some of the benefits of shark cartilage and how effective it is when it comes to treating maladies...

The field of medicine is forever evolving, with new breakthroughs emerging from unbelievably marvelous quarters. A recent research has found out that certain parts of animals have medicinal values and have been known to cure a number of human ailments. Amazed? But it is true. Shark cartilage is one such 'miracle' nutritional supplement that is known to treat even cancer. The research for this alternative medicine began during the 1950s, when a New York surgeon by the name John Pruden, studied the use of bovine cartilage in healing health disorders. The study involved injecting this supplement into the body of cancer patients and the end result was that the cancerous tumors had shrunk in size considerably. Researchers have discovered that shark cartilage, which is a rich source of amino acids and collagen can cure a number of ailments that man suffers from. The cartilage is the skeletal, bone like structure of which the shark's body is made of. The medicinal supplement, shark cartilage, is derived from the cartilage tissue (or the connective tissue) of the fins and head of the sharks. This supplement is formulated from the dried cartilage, which is then powdered and sold in the form of capsules, liquid extract and powder. However, one of the drawbacks is that this healthy supplement can be quite smelly. This medicinal remedy is available under many brands in various health stores. Read further to know about the benefits of shark cartilage and if there is a relationship between shark cartilage and cancer cure.

Shark Cartilage Benefits

There are a number of benefits of shark cartilage for the overall health of an individual. Shark cartilage supplements are prescribed to cure various ailments related to the various organ systems of the body. Let us take a look at the different benefits of using shark cartilage.

A recent medical research has shown that sharks are not susceptible to cancer. Shark cartilage is a rich source of protein which is known to curb the unnecessary development of tumor forming cancerous cells. A few components present in this alternative medicine has the tendency to shrink the tumors and finally destroy them. Hence, research is under process to check whether shark cartilage for cancer treatment is fruitful.

Shark cartilage has anti inflammatory properties and can treat the inflammation in the joint caused due to degenerative diseases like rheumatism, osteoporosis and arthritis. Using shark cartilage for arthritis alleviates the pain and allows easy mobility of the joints.

Another benefit of shark cartilage is that this dietary supplement keeps skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema at bay. It prevents the thickening and shedding of the skin as seen in psoriasis symptoms. Scaly patches on the scalp can also be treated with the regular use of this remedy.

Side Effects of Shark Cartilage

Though shark cartilage has been used to treat infections and diseases in an effective manner, taking excess of this remedial supplement is known to create some unnecessary complications. Here are some shark cartilage side effects, which may arise due to an overdose and which must be reported to a health care provider.

Since there is a high content of calcium and phosphorus in the shark cartilage, it can lead to deposition of calcium in the bones and blood vessels. There have been instances of hypercalcemia in cancer patients who have been on a regular dose. Another health hazard of this medicinal supplement is that shark cartilage contains unhealthy levels of heavy metals like mercury and cadmium, which are carcinogenic in nature. If these metals enter the body, then they can result in metal poisoning or metal toxicity and can even lead to cancer.

This was all about shark cartilage with its positive and negative effects on the body. Since the research for this supplement is still in the developmental stages, consult a medical practitioner before incorporating shark cartilage in your routine.