Beta-glucan is a type of soluble dietary fiber. It shows not only a healing effect, but also a caring one, which is why it has been used in cosmetics. Beta-glucan lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels, strengthens immunity and reduces wrinkles. Check what other properties beta-glucan has.

Beta-glucanis a component of the soluble fraction of dietary fiber, found, among others, in in cereals (such as oats and barley). Itshealing effect has been scientifically proven, therefore it is recognized as an ingredient in functional foods. In addition, it has care properties, which is why it was usedin cosmetics .

Beta-glucan lowers cholesterol

Beta glucan lowers cholesterol, which has been scientifically proven. In 2006, specialists from the University of Minnesota conducted a study on a group of 75 people - men and women with hypercholesterolaemia.

A therapy consisting of administering a daily dose of about 2 g of β-glucans reduces cholesterol levels by 9.5%.

They were administered 6 g / d of dextrose and 6 g / d of oat β-glucan, respectively, for a period of 42 days. There has been a significant decrease in total cholesterol and its "bad" LDL fraction.

However, it is still unclear how it can have a positive effect on the body's lipid metabolism. It is believed that beta glucan binds bile acids, which inhibits their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. This increases their excretion from the body, which translates into the reduction of "bad" LDL cholesterol. In addition, beta gluten forms a thin protective layer on the inside of the intestine that limits the absorption of cholesterol.

Beta-glucan lowers blood sugar

Beta glucan increases the viscosity of food, forms a sticky solution in the stomach, thanks to which glucose is absorbed gradually and there is no large fluctuation in blood sugar after a meal.

1 g of beta glucans in 50 g of a carbohydrate substance can lower the glycemic index of a food by 4 units.

Oat beta-glucan has been scientifically shown to significantly lower postprandial glycemia. Changes in blood sugar levels also lead to a reduction in the feeling of hunger caused byrapid drop in blood sugar. Beta glucan can therefore be considered as an ingredient that reduces appetite and reduces the amount of food consumed. Therefore, it is recommended to people with diabetes, as well as he althy people - in order to prevent its occurrence.

Beta-glucan can prevent obesity

The feeling of fullness lasts longer after consuming food containing beta-glucan. The feeling of fullness slows down the emptying of the stomach and the passage of the contents into the small intestine, thanks to the aforementioned property of dietary fiber - viscosity. In addition, beta glucan has the ability to increase the concentration of cholecystokinin after a meal - a gastrointestinal hormone that suppresses the appetite. Thanks to this, beta glucan can prevent obesity. In clinical trials, Japanese scientists observed that consumption of β-glucan from wheat, in addition to lowering cholesterol, also reduces waist circumference and abdominal fat content.

Worth knowing

Beta glucan - use in cosmetics

Beta glucan not only has a healing effect, but also a care. It increases the level of skin hydration, improves its elasticity, and reduces wrinkles. Therefore, it is recommended for the care of dry, irritated, damaged and sensitive skin, including skin with signs of aging that requires regeneration.

Beta-glucan strengthens immunity

Beta glucan strengthens the body's immunity by activating cells of the immune system - macrophages, T lymphocytes - responsible for the elimination of foreign substances and cells from the body.

There are also reports on the possibility of using β-glucans in the treatment of neoplastic diseases, diabetes, faster healing of wounds and alleviation of skin inflammations.

In 2002, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement saying that: "3 g of β-glucan / d in combination with 30-35 g of dietary fiber brings nutritional effects and increases activity the body's immune system ”. This dose was considered to be the minimum to achieve the expected he alth effect. These amounts correspond to: 2/3 cup of oatmeal, 1/3 cup of wheat bran, less than 1/2 cup of oat groats³

Beta glucan should be consumed by all people with a weakened immune system - the elderly, people during or after severe illnesses (surgeries, cancer), poorly nourished people and those working in extreme conditions (athletes, professional competitors, hard work) physical), or exposed to radiation, fieldselectromagnetic radiation, UV radiation.

Beta-glucan regulates the work of the intestines

Several mechanisms may be responsible for the beneficial effects of beta-glucan on the functioning of the intestines. Most of them focus on its fermentation in the colon. In addition to increasing the mass of stools, it affects the mobility of the digestive tract and the consistency of fecal masses, it also reduces the intestinal transit time and increases the frequency of bowel movements. In addition, it increases the total water content of the stool, making it softer. Higher frequency of bowel movements helps to neutralize toxic compounds in the body.

Important

Ingestion of beta-glucan can cause a laxative effect, in many cases, but too much of it can contribute to diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, belching and abdominal discomfort .

Beta-glucan - where is it?

Its main sources are: grains (oats, barley), yeast, fungi and algae. The content of β-glucan in selected food products (in 100 g of dry matter) is presented in the table below:

Lentinan (Shiitake mushrooms)220 mg
Pleurotus (mushrooms of the genus oyster mushroom)414 mg
Barley2-20 g
Oat bran3-8 g
Rye1.3-2.7 g
Sorgo1.1-6.2 g
Corn0.8-1.7 g
Wheat0.5-1 g
Triticale0.3-1.2 g
Rice0.13 g
Worth knowing

Beta glucan tablets - what is the price? Where to buy?

Beta glucan is also available in the form of a dietary supplement, which is used as an adjunct to strengthen the body's immunity. The price of such preparations depends primarily on the amount of beta glucan in the tablet. For example, a package of 30 tablets containing 10 mg of beta glucan costs about PLN 20. However, for a package of tablets with 300 mg of beta glucan you have to pay about PLN 40.

Bibliography:

1. Gibiński M .: oat β-glucans as components of functional food, "FOOD. Science. Technology. Quality" 2008, 2 (57) 2. Gibiński M., Gumul D., Korus J., Pro-he alth properties of oats and oat products, "FOOD. Science. Technology. Quality" 20053. Krupińska P, Zegan M. ,, β-Glucan - selected he alth benefits with particular emphasis on its impact on lipid metabolism, "Bromatology and Toxicological Chemistry" 2013

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