Glucosamine is a compound that occurs naturally in the human body and those of other animals. It plays an important role in the body's cartilage, connective tissue, and bones. It helps to strengthen the body's bones and cartilage and minimize musculoskeletal injury, reports the Nutrition Research Center.
Glucosamine is synthesized in the body from the amino acid glutamine and glucose. As a supplement, it is often taken in combination with chondroitin, a glycosamianoglycan which is found in cartilage, the Mayo Clinic reports. People usually don't eat the food sources that contain glucosamine, but foods that contain glutamine may lead to the production of glucosamine in the body.
Shellfish
One of the more common sources of glucosamine is chitin, which is a polysaccharide found in the hard shells, also known as exoskeletons, of shrimp, crabs and lobsters. Although people don't eat the shells of these popular seafood items, the chitin in these shells is often used in glucosamine supplements. Chitin is also the primary ingredient in chitosan, which is used in various diet supplements, reports the European Chitin Society.
Gristle
Although some people may choose to avoid it, gristle is a rich source of glucoasmine, reports the Nutrition Research Center. Gristle is cartilage, and appears in meat as tough, rubbery tissue near the bones of meat. Gristle most frequently can be found in meats that are derived from shoulder, leg and haunches of livestock animals, according to The Kitchn website. Such cuts of meat include top round and chuck.
Raw Spinach and Parsley
Although spinach and parsley don't contain glucosamine, they do contain high levels of the amino acid glutamine, which, combined with glucose, forms glucosamine, reports the Nutrition Research Center. The process of cooking can easily destroy the glutamine in these foods, so it's important that you eat them raw in order to derive the benefits. Glutamine is sometimes also taken own its own in supplement form, primarily to build muscle mass, reports IronMag.com.
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