Beta Glucan is a natural substance that is found in bakers yeast, oats, barley, and several mushrooms. It is recognized by the FDA and is given a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) rating. Beta glucan is usually taken on an empty stomach. In order to be effective, beta glucan has to be processed first, because it is not readily useable in its natural state. Aside from this, it has to contain the proper glucan purity level and 1,3-D/1,6 molecular linkage.1 Health Benefits There have been a lot of documented studies on beta glucans health benefits. Actually beta glucan is probably the most powerful immunity enhancer known to science. Beta Glucan can boost the immune system, as well as lower cholesterol and triglycerides. In addition, beta glucan can also fight infections, improve intestinal flora, and help with irritable bowel syndrome, diabetic conditions, ulcer, digestion, tumors, and cancer growth. Cancer In Japan, extracts containing various types of Beta glucan have been used to successfully assist in treating cancer patients for the last 20 years. Beta glucan has anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties. A study at the Mayo Clinic, Tokyo University, and Wuhan University revealed the anti-cancer activity of beta glucan in cancerous mice. Also, a study made with patients suffering from gastric cancer found that taking beta glucan made from shiitake mushrooms actually prolonged their survival times. Cholesterol Beta glucan is also found to lower cholesterol, particularly those that are obtained from oat bran and barley. Beta glucan is a safe, effective, powerful, proven and inexpensive way to lower your cholesterol levels, yet most people have never even heard of it.4 A study was made in the University of Syracuse in New York wherein seventy-one men and women with high cholesterol were given beta glucan. Bad cholesterol levels dropped by as much as 17%, while good cholesterol levels increased. The one that had the best results had a low fat diet while taking beta glucan supplements. Beta Glucan Effectivness Each and every one of us is different, and so is our immune system. The effectiveness of the beta glucan is not dependent on a higher milligram content, but rather, on the immune systems response to the beta glucan. Aside from this, the beta glucans effectiveness is also dependent on the source from which it is obtained, its manufacture processing, size, as well as the uniformity of the beta glucan particles consumed. Choosing a Beta Glucan Supplement So we now know that beta glucan is definitely good for the body. But how do we choose the right supplement with the many brands out there in the market? Well, we can do that by simply checking a supplements report card, either by calling in and asking the company questions about their product, or by seeing how much the trust their product wether they have a money back guarantee or not. |
