4 Surprising Benefits of Beta-Glucans in Common Foods

• Protection against cardiovascular disease: Cereal beta-glucans can help improve long-term blood cholesterol levels. High blood cholesterol is a known risk factor for heart disease.
• Protection against type 2 diabetes: Cereal beta-glucans can help regulate the body’s response to sugar after eating. This may reduce insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes.

Preliminary data indicates yeast beta-glucans may offer similar health benefits. In one study, half of the participants took a yeast beta-glucan supplement for six weeks. They experienced:

• Blood pressure improvement
• Reduction in other markers of metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors tied to cardiovascular issues like diabetes, heart disease and stroke. This study shows yeast beta-glucans may help fight these conditions.

Patients interested in beta-glucan benefits for diabetes and heart disease should speak with their doctors. Physicians can explain the benefits and risks of different types and sources of beta-glucans.

3: Beta-Glucans May Benefit the Immune System

Early research suggests beta-glucans may interact with the immune system in positive ways. Potential beta-glucan benefits for the immune system include:

• Boosting the immune response to colds and flus: A review of clinical trials found beta-glucans helped strengthen the immune system. Specifically, they boosted defense against cold, flu and other respiratory infections.
• Decreasing seasonal allergy symptoms: In one study, beta-glucans decreased sneezing and nose-blowing related to cedar allergies. In a similar study, beta-glucans decreased symptoms of ragweed allergies.
• Helping children’s immune response to respiratory issues: In one study, researchers found that beta-glucan supplements can help treat chronic respiratory problems in children.
• Reducing inflammation due to intense exercise: In multiple studies, beta-glucans decreased exercise-related inflammation. Chronic inflammation may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. So this may be another way beta-glucans fight heart disease.
• Supporting the immune system during cancer treatment: Across multiple studies, beta-glucans decreased immune suppression caused by chemo and radiation. Beta-glucans also helped immune cell numbers bounce back after treatment.

Some studies reported conflicting results on some of these effects. More research is needed to better understand the immune benefits of beta-glucans.

4: Beta-Glucans May Help With Skin Conditions Like Eczema

Research into beta-glucan skin benefits is still in the early stages. Laboratory studies suggest beta-glucans can improve wound healing and eczema symptoms. A small number of trials have shown the same benefits in people.