*Cancer : Preliminary research indicates that beta-glucan may activate a number of cells and proteins that fight cancer (such as T-cells and natural killer cells). What's more, tests on animals have shown that beta-glucan may inhibit the spread of cancer cells. However, a 2009 report in the Journal of Hematology and Oncology cautions that there are "no good quality clinical trial data" for the effectiveness of beta-glucan in treating cancer.
*Immunity : Currently, there is a lack of clinical trials supporting the claim that beta-glucan can rev up the immune system and stave off colds, flu, and other types of infection. However, some preliminary research suggests that beta-glucan may strengthen the immune system and knock out viruses. In a 2004 study from Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, for instance, tests on mice revealed that beta-glucan may offset the negative effects of exercise-induced stress and increase the immune system's defense against upper respiratory tract infections.
* allergies : beta glucan not only helps ease seasonal allergies, but also perennial allergies. It works year round! ==Food Sources==Yeast and medicinal mushroom derived β-glucans are notable for their ability to modulate the immune system. One study has shown that insoluble (1,3/1,6) β-glucan, has greater biological activity than that of its soluble (1,3/1,4) β-glucan counterparts. The differences between β-glucan linkages and chemical structure are significant in regards to solubility, mode of action, and overall biological activity.* The [[shiitake]] mushroom contains beta-glucans.* One of the most common sources of β(1,3)D-glucan for supplement use is derived from the cell wall of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). * β(1,3)(1,4)-glucans are also extracted from the bran of some grains, such as oats and barley, and to a much lesser degree in rye and wheat. The β(1,3)D-glucans from yeast are often insoluble. Those extracted from grains tend to be both soluble and insoluble.** Oat is a rich source of the water-soluble fibre (1,3/1,4) β-glucan, and its effects on health have been extensively studied the last 30 years. Oat β-glucans, together with barley β-glucans, are the only dietary fiber currently recognized by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to be able to reduce a disease risk. Oat β-glucans can be highly concentrated in different types of oat brans** Barley has more beta glucan fiber than any other grain" claims a report on DiabetesHealth website; 11 sources are listed.* Other sources include some types of seaweed, and various species of mushrooms, such as reishi, shiitake, Chaga and maitake.
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[[Category:polysaccharides]]