What is Beta Glucan?

Beta glucan (β-glucan) is a water-soluble polysaccharide formed by the combination of glucose molecules, available from oat and barley grains as well as mushrooms. Beta glucans are also found in some bacteria and algae species. Beta glucans, which have effects on the immune system, also support intestinal health.

What Does Beta Glucan Do?

Since beta glucan, a soluble fiber, cannot be digested structurally, it slows down the passage of food in the intestines, these carbohydrates are absorbed more slowly and stabilize blood sugar. It helps you stay full for a long time, reduces the risk of heart disease by preventing the body from absorbing cholesterol from food, and helps regulate the immune system to prevent infections.

In Which Foods Is Beta Glucan Found?

Beta glucan occurs naturally in a variety of foods. Foods containing beta glucan are listed as follows:

• Oat

• Barley

• Rye

• Sweetcorn

• Wheat

• Rice

• Mushroom

• Seaweed

Before focusing on the consumption of foods containing beta glucan, be sure to get information about your general health status from the specialist doctor.

What Are the Benefits of Beta Glucan?

Beta glucan provides many health benefits such as strengthening the immune system, regulating cholesterol levels, and improving cardiovascular health. In addition to these, beta glucan is used in weight control and, improvement of the digestive system. The known benefits of beta glucan can be listed as follows:

• Strengthens the immune system

Beta glucan stimulates the immune system and activates cells that are effective in immunity. This allows the body to take precautions against diseases that may occur. It strengthens the defense mechanism by increasing the resistance.

• Good for cardiovascular health

When beta glucan is consumed in the right proportions, it reduces the risk of heart disease and is good for cardiovascular health. It is rich in antioxidants, containing compounds that are effective in neutralizing free radicals, preventing inflammation, and protecting against heart disease.

• Balances blood sugar level

Beta glucan may increase fasting blood sugar levels by improving blood sugar management. In addition, adding beta glucan to foods containing carbohydrates reduces blood sugar and insulin values.

Beta glucans may have a protective effect against health problems. In addition, the benefits of beta glucan to the person may differ according to the amount consumed, health problems, age, and gender. Therefore, do not forget to get an opinion from a specialist doctor about supplements or beta glucan consumption.

• It has antitumor and anticancer effects

Acts as an immunomodulatory agent, and initiating immune cell responses can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis.

• Improves bone health

It has shown anti-osteoporotic activities related to osteoporotic fractures occurring in osteoporosis.

• Helps regulate blood pressure

It can reduce high blood pressure. Blood pressure was found to decrease in the experiments.