Beta glucan

Beta glucan is a soluble fiber nutrient commonly derived from the cell wall of baker’s yeast, cellulose of plants, some mushrooms (maitake) and fungi, and from the bran of cereal grains.

Special Precautions of Beta glucan

Although beta-glucan is generally considered safe, there's some concern that it may lower blood sugar. Therefore, people with hypoglycemia (or anyone taking medications to reduce blood sugar) should consult a physician before using beta-glucan.

The benefits of Beta glucan are

Different studies have evaluated the benefits of beta glucan in promoting better health and preventing diseases. In its long list of health benefits, beta glucan’s significance in cancer prevention has received more positive observations from different clinical studies.

Beta glucan comes in the form of Beta-1, 3 glucan as manufactured food supplement. A study showed beta-1, 3 glucan’s potency in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and tumors in laboratory animals. The compound was also found to improve the effects of chemotherapy treatment. The mortality rate of cancer patients was observed to be lower with the use of beta-1, 3 glucan than with chemotherapy alone. The compound demonstrates potency in lowering blood cholesterol levels and enhances the immune system by improving the macrophages’ ability to respond to infection.

• Beta-Glucan and Cholesterol : The beta-glucan found in oats may help keep cholesterol in check, according to a 2011 report from Nutrition Reviews. Looking at studies conducted over the previous 13 years, the report's authors determined that oat-derived beta-glucan may significantly reduce levels of total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol. On average, the authors note, daily oat consumption is associated with 5 percent and 7 percent reductions in total and LDL cholesterol levels, respectively.
• Beta-Glucan and Diabetes : Beta-glucan may help manage diabetes, a 2008 research review from Vascular Health and Risk Management suggests. Analyzing previous research on beta-glucan and diabetes, the review's authors found that dietary intake of beta-glucan may help protect against diabetes-related complications by controlling blood sugar levels, lowering cholesterol, and keeping blood pressure in check.
• Beta-Glucan and 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.
• Beta-Glucan and 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.