Several products in health stores, natural food stores and even grocery stores carry supplements that boast they contain this fiber.
What is it and what are the benefits of having it in your diet?
In brief, it is known to support the body’s immune system.
Beta-1, Glucan-3 (beta glucan 1,3) is a sugar obtained from the wall in a cell of baker’s yeast. There have been countless data based studies about this substance and the results have presented evidence that Beta-Glucan stimulates white blood cells to do their job.
White blood cells are an important part of the body’s immune system and they work to rid the body of dying cells, rogue cells and viruses.
There are more than 1,500 papers on the research about Beta-Glucan since the early 1960’s. These inquiries have shown that Beta-Glucan is efficient at triggering a variety of white blood cells called macrophages (a large phagocyte (a cell that engulfs and digests debris and invading microorganisms); some are fixed and other circulate in the blood stream).
Specifically, these cells compile the immune system’s first attack in defense of alien encroachers. The macrophage support the immune system in doing its job of immune defense.
Before you buy any Beta-Glucan items, make you sure are fully aware of the quality of the brand you are taking home with you. Several makers of Beta-Glucan supplements produce a product that is so high in protein and fat content that what you are putting into your body is essentially valueless.
Research has shown that if the fat and protein content is high, your body isn’t able to draw any of the product that you want through the intestinal walls. Make sure you get an herbal extract that goes through a testing and process procedure.
If you have concerns about the safety of Beta-Glucan, the FDA has come forth with a GRAS (generally recognized as safe) assurance; only if enough fats and proteins have been taken out.
In order to attain this rating, a substance must have no known adversity or perniciousness. Properly derived Beta Glucan fiber from baker’s yeast is safe.
The process of removing the unwanted fat and protein must be accomplished without unbalancing the exact molecules that allows for the cellular processes which are so thoroughly researched and touted in numerous articles.
People who hope to benefit from adding Beta-Glucan fiber to their diets are those who are fighting off the flu, are unresisting to infectious diseases, have impaired immunity, allergies, autoimmune disease, tardy and incomplete healing and cancer.
Individuals who are going through chemotherapy or radiation might want to consult their physician to discuss the possible benefits of adding Beta-Glucan fiber to their daily diet. Beta-Glucan fiber can be a wonderful immune system support for individuals over 40 and geriatric patients.
A possible benefit that is not supported by research at this point is that Beta-Glucan fiber might be able to help those who desire to slow the aging process.
Some people take beta glucan at the first sign of the flu. Or if someone in their home has the flu they give it to the person with the flu and then they take it themselves as a preventative measure. The typical daily dosage of a high quality extract can be placed anywhere from 10mg to 20mg a day.
The fiber has research and individual testimonials to support the product’s positive health benefits. A product with no known side effects or toxicity is a positive addition the diet of anyone who can benefit from its healing effects. As always, consult your physician and an experienced herbalist to make sure this supplement is right for you.
It is an ingredient that is included in Total Balance a high quality daily health supplement that the editors of this website have taken with excellent results. This way we get a measured amount in a standardized extract every day without having to think about it or pay extra for it.