Betcha want more Beta Glucan!

Have you have heard that Beta Glucan is good for you? Are you quizzical if this true? Or are you simply ready to find out how much you need and how to fit more in your diet?

Either way, I have answers for you!

Here is the breakdown:

What is Beta Glucan?

A form of soluble fibre found in foods such as oats, barley, mushrooms and lesser amounts in wheat and rye grains.

What’s the Buzz?

Health Canada has approved health claims linking beta glucan to blood cholesterol lowering.

How does Beta Glucan work?

Beta Glucans work by preventing the absorption of cholesterol from food in the stomach and intestine; therefore, lowering blood cholesterol.
Beta Glucan works for enhancing immunity by stimulating macrophages (white blood cell) that helps in protecting and enhancing immune function.

Health Benefits:

• Cholesterol Lowering
• Blood sugar control (diabetes & diabetes prevention)
• Boost immunity (Cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, flu etc.)
• Inflammatory bowel conditions (ie ulcerative colitis & crohn’s disease)

How much do you Need?

Daily intake of 3 grams of beta glucan; this amount is significant for lowering the ‘lousy’ (LDL) cholesterol.

Additions to your Diet:

• ½ cup cooked pearled barley provides 60% (1.8g) of beta glucan
• ½ cup cooked oat bran provides 100% (3g) of beta glucan
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms provides between 0.2-0.5g of beta glucan

Bottom Line:

Beta Glucan is a beneficial addition to your diet.  Enjoy adding sources of oats and barley to your diet 🙂