Beta-Glucan - Benefits and Sources
Beta-glucan is a fiber-type polysaccharide that is drawn from the cell wall of oat and barley fiber, some types of medicinal mushrooms, and baker’s yeast.
The two main uses of the complex sugar are to bolster the body’s immune system and to minimize blood cholesterol levels. Myriad experimental research programs conducted on animals have presented that the substance activates white blood cells. Studies indicate that one type of the polysaccharide — namely beta-1,3-glucan — is very effective in activating two types of white blood cells namely macrophages and neutrophils. Activated macrophages and neutrophils are an essential part of the human body’s immune system as they can clean up the cellular debris of oxidative damage, destroy tumor cells, further bolster the immune system by activating its other components, and accelerate the recovery of impaired tissue.
Beta-glucan is the primary element for the cholesterol-lowering benefit provided by oat bran. The substance also has the cholesterol binding effect exhibited by other soluble-fibers and as such, is very beneficial in minimizing cholesterol in the blood. Beta-glucan also regulates blood sugar levels in the body by impeding gastric emptying and consequently slowing down the absorption of dietary sugar.
As stated, the complex sugar can be derived from the cell walls of cereal and yeast fibers, which include wheat, oats, and barley. The polysaccharide is also available as a dietary supplement and can be had in liquid form or in tablets and capsules.
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