Beta Glucans
Help regulate the blood cholesterol
Beta Glucans are a type of dietary fibre with the ability to form viscous water based solutions, which help to regulate the body’s blood cholesterol.
Unfortunately the body does not naturally produce β-Glucans and therefore must be consumed through outside sources such as wholegrains.
How beta glucans help
The FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) have authorised a health claim relating to the consumption of B-Glucans in barley. As part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, B-Glucans in barley may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
Possible mechanisms by which beta glucans achieve these beneficial physiologic effects are:
improving conversion of cholesterol into bile acids through increased faecal bile acid excretion
delaying cholesterol and glucose absorption in the small intestine
inhibiting cholesterol synthesis through the production of short chain fatty acids
thickening the unstirred layer of gut lumen
β-Glucans and Cholesterol
BARLEYmax® whole grains are loaded with β-Glucans.
The consumption of β-Glucans helps to reduce or control serum cholesterol levels.
BARLEYmax® dietary fibre levels.
BARLEYmax® Fact
Did you know that BARLEYmax® whole grains are a rich source of β-Glucans?
According to a 2009 study, health practitioners should feel comfortable recommending barley β-Glucans to their patients to help reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations.
