Let’s explore the benefits of beta glucan

With the gradual liberalization of crown epidemic control policy, people are increasingly concerned about the enhancement of immunity in the post-epidemic era. In this article, we will introduce a functional ingredient called beta glucan, which contains a dietary fiber component with immune-enhancing effects, and thus beta glucan is greatly welcomed by the food and supplement industry. In the following article, we will introduce in detail the definition and benefits of beta glucan, its daily application, and its consumption recommendations. Let's learn together.

Definition of beta glucan

Beta glucan is a natural gum with a structure different from other polysaccharides, which is linearly connected with β-1,3D as the main chain and β-1,6D as the side chain. Its linear molecular structure enables it to be relatively stably attached to the cell walls of many plants, grains, or bacteria and fungi so that it has a very good regulating effect on the function of the human body's immune system, provides the activity of immune cells, thus clearing and killing virus cells, resisting inflammation, improving the overall immunity and maintaining the body's immune balance. Therefore, beta glucan is known as "immune gold" and is widely applied in the fields of medical, pharmaceutical, food, and maintenance products.

Benefits of beta glucan

Research has confirmed that beta glucan may have the following health benefits:

1.Strengthen immunity

Beta glucan can promote the production of antibodies in the body and improve the body's immune ability. According to research, long-term consumption of beta glucan can significantly improve the body's immune function and enhance resistance.

2.Improve intestinal tract and digestion

Beta glucan can promote intestinal digestion. It can combine with bile in the intestines to accelerate cholesterol metabolism and promote defecation, which can improve the symptoms of constipation and gastrointestinal upset.

3.Lowering blood lipids and cholesterol

Beta glucan can reduce the speed of fatty acid absorption in the stomach and intestines, blocking the synthesis of blood lipids, thus lowering cholesterol and blood glucose levels in the body, while reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

4.Anti-aging and skin care

Beta glucan can affect skin care. Beta glucan is added in most of our daily skincare products, which can form a protective film after contact with the skin, effectively blocking the external ultraviolet rays and dust infringement, and can activate the synthesis of proliferating cells in the skin, promote skin regeneration and lock moisture, so that the skin becomes moist and elastic, reducing fine lines.

5.Reduce inflammation

Beta glucan accelerates the speed of wound healing, beta glucan is also added to the burn cream we commonly use, which can improve the skin cell activity to kill bacteria, and provide epidermal cell immunity, thus promoting wound healing, to achieve an anti-inflammatory repair effect.

6.Moisturizing effect

Beta glucan has a strong moisturizing effect and can form a transparent, elastic, and breathable film on the skin surface, locking in skin moisture to provide a high moisturizing effect. A randomized controlled trial of 200 patients with dry skin showed that the use of a moisturizer containing beta glucan significantly improved the moisture content and elasticity of the skin.

In addition to the above effects, beta glucan can play a good synergistic effect when taken together with other elements, working with lipids to reduce fat, with vitamins and minerals to enhance immunity, and with specific probiotics to promote intestinal smoothness. With some antioxidant substances such as selenium and vitamin E can be anti-aging and anti-tumor.

Applications of beta glucan

The physicochemical properties of beta glucan mainly include rheology, foaming properties, and emulsifying properties, etc. beta glucan is commonly used in the food processing industry as a thickener, emulsifier, etc., and can also be used in the pharmaceutical industry as a carrier, dressing, and skincare products.

1.Beta glucan is widely used in the manufacture of skin care products as a moisturizer and repair agent. It hydrates the skin, promotes cell regeneration, lightens fine lines, and slows down aging;

2.Beta glucan is used in the field of medicine as a medicinal aid in the treatment of some inflammatory diseases, immune system disorders and certain types of tumors;

3.Beta glucan is used as an additive in the food industry to improve the taste, viscosity and stability of food products and to prolong their shelf life;

4.Beta glucan is also used in animal feed in the livestock breeding industry, where it improves the immunity of the animals and promotes their growth and development, thus increasing their yield and quality.

Consumption recommendations of beta glucan 

Beta glucan can be supplemented in two forms, one is most recommended to supplement through a daily diet, eating cereals, oats, barley, beans, mushrooms, corn, reishi and other foods. The second is to take supplements. It is recommended to buy beta glucan in powdered and take with protein, which will be more easily absorbed.

A healthy diet and exercise can increase the absorption effect.

Conclusion

To summarize, beta glucan has a variety of benefits for human health and the benefits of beta glucan have been proven in many studies. It’s widely used in various fields, such as skin care manufacturing, medical treatment and the food industry. However, the effects of beta glucan may vary from person to person. Therefore, it is important to control the amount consumed to avoid an overdose of beta glucan, and patients with other medical conditions should consult their doctors or professionals for advice before taking beta glucan. To enhance immunity, it is recommended to intake high-quality protein foods and strengthen physical exercise.