There’s a lot of buzz around fiber, but it isn’t a singular nutrient.
While all fibers are types of carbohydrates, there are several varieties.
One example is beta-glucansbioactive plant compounds that have been linked to gut, heart, and immune health.
What are beta-glucans?
Beta-glucans serve as a source of energy and structure in these various plant species.
Beta-glucans from bacteria, fungi, and yeast are typically insoluble in water.
The research indicates that these bioactive polysaccharides can positively affect your immune system in a few unique ways.
These essential white blood cells help protect you from immunologic threats and infection.
Beta-glucans also help balance inflammation, a critical component of your body’s immune response.
Beta-glucans alsoact as prebiotics7, feeding the good bacteria in your gut and helping balance your gut microbiome.
More research will help to fully inform this hypothesis.
There’s a relatively small amount of research on beta-glucans as a topical treatment.
What are the best sources of beta-glucans?
So, how do you ensure you’re getting enough beta-glucans in your diet?
“Oat flour can be utilizedin place of regular flourin baking.
“Soups are another easy way to consume beta-glucans and also add some sparkle to your meal.
you could make ashiitake broth (dashi)with some kombu as an excellent healing broth.”
It’s a good idea to speak with your healthcare practitioner before taking it as a supplement.
The ideal dosage of supplemental beta-glucan remains unclear.
The average American doesn’t get enough fiberonly around16 grams16per day.
Beta-glucans work in different ways depending on thehealth benefit17you’re talking about.
Forimmune health, beta-glucans are antioxidant immunomodulators that help train our innate immune defenses and balance inflammatory responses.
What are the potential side effects?
There’s a lot of existing foundational science and future promise surrounding the health benefits of beta-glucans.
Beta-glucans are very well tolerated and have a strong record of safety.
And the same safety has been shown across the life span forbeta-glucan extracts from yeast, too.
One potential drug-nutrient interaction to mention is immunosuppressants.
These add up to a healthier life overall.
