What is Beta Glucan?

Beta glucan is a complex sugar derived from baker yeast's cell walls, barley, oat and medicine mushrooms. It is present as a combination of beta 1, 3 and beta 1, 6 glucan in the mushrooms and yeast. In oats and barley it is present as a combination of beta 1, 3 and beta 1, 4 glucan.

How Beta Glucan Works

We know that beta glucan is a fiber type sugar. Now previous research has revealed that fiber can reduce both cholesterol and blood sugar. This supplement is more effective than the normal fiber supplements and can reduce both cholesterol and sugar by smaller intake of beta glucan.

Cholesterol

Beta glucan fiber binds with the cholesterol and the bile acid. In the small intestine it surrounds them and prevents them from getting reabsorbed and reaching back to the liver. Lack of bile acid means the liver has to produce bile acid, for digesting fat, by taking cholesterol from the blood. Hence the cholesterol level is reduced and the extra bile is eliminated through waste material.

Sugar

Beta glucan is a soluble fiber and it delays the digestion of dietary carbohydrates. Due to this delay sugars in the diet are absorbed progressively. This effect can have a possible sugar control benefit for diabetics.

Beta Glucan and White Blood Cells

Beta glucan also appears to irritate white blood cells. These cells constitute human body defense mechanism and fight against foreign cells, bacteria, cancer cells, dying cells, etc.

The white blood cells or macrophages have to be activated in order to fight these infectious materials. Stimuli such as viruses, bacteria and other chemicals can be used to achieve activation but these stimuli are toxic. Where as the immune system can be enhanced by the use of beta glucan which is non toxic and safe too.

Beta Glucan Side Effects

So far no problem has been found for the use of beta glucan.

Percentage Decrease in Cholesterol and Sugar

Beta glucan is expected to reduce almost 10-15 % of body cholesterol and blood sugar. This figure is quite less if compared with some medicines but it is a safe option. Medicine supplements might have other side effects too.

To optimize the affect of beta glucan it may be recommended to take it with meals.

Beta Glucan Usage

To achieve significant reduction in cholesterol and blood sugar almost 10 grams of beta glucan may be required.

Who is likely to be deficient?

Beta glucan is not an essential nutrient for the human body, so no such deficiency may occur in humans.

Who will benefit from Beta Glucan?

Several types of people can benefit from beta glucan supplementation. These include people with reduced immunity, old age people, athletes who have a slight reduction in immune system due to excessive work out, people with high cholesterol and diabetes affected people.