Antioxidants shield us from free radicals that can lead to conditions such as cancer and heart disease. Beta glucan, a substance found in plant cell walls and certain foods, boosts the immune system and regulates cholesterol and blood sugar.
Antioxidants are natural molecules that stand guard against the onslaught of oxidative stress that comes from environmental toxins, UV rays, or just plain old daily life.
They are chemicals that develop when food is broken down in your body or when you are exposed to radiation or tobacco smoke. (1)
Antioxidants aim to protect the body from dangerous free radicals that can damage cells. Free radicals might play a role in heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses.
Beta glucan, found naturally in oats, yeast, and barley, is primarily known for boosting immune health, but it also shows strong antioxidant properties, positive health benefits, and disease prevention. (2)
Free radicals are dangerous. They have been linked to many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. High levels of free radicals can cause damage to your DNA and other related molecules in the body. (3)
Antioxidants keep our bodies running smoothly by keeping those corrosive free radicals at bay.
The body does produce its own antioxidants to combat free radicals; however, they can also be found in plant-based foods (such as fruit and vegetables) as well as Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
Various factors contribute to the production of dangerous free radicals: (4)
Beta glucan enhances the immune system by stimulating every immune cell in the body. A stronger immune system helps to fight of sickness and disease.
Natural sources of glucans can be found in:
Medical studies prove that β-Glucan taken from barley contains significant amounts of antioxidant activity and is therefore a trusted agent in fighting free radicals. (5)
The amount of antioxidant activity was directly linked to the structure and molecule size of the beta glucan.
Over half a century of medical studies have been conducted on beta glucan, and there are currently over 200,000 of beta glucan research papers published on PubMed.
The health effects of antioxidants continue to be studied globally; however, certain medical studies have shown that men who eat 'antioxidant lycopene', which is commonly found in red fruits and vegetables, may be less likely to develop prostate cancer. (6)
Foods rich in flavonoids may also prevent diseases such as cancer and poor metabolic health.
Lutein, which can be found in maize and spinach, has been linked to a lower risk of eye lens damage in older people, which can lead to vision loss. (7)
Also, research shows that eating foods high in lutein may help your memory and may stop brain stagnation.
With potentially thousands of substances potentially known to act as antioxidants, there are some that are more common:
According to PubMed, a research study on the antioxidant abilities of beta glucan revealed how β-glucan shows promise as a polymeric ingredient in supplements and food additives.
The study went further to state that the potent antioxidants in glucans may improve health and beauty, among other benefits.
Beta glucan has been demonstrated to have a significant impact on cholesterol regulation. (8)
As a type of dietary fiber found in the cell walls of cereals like oats and barley, it acts almost like a broom, sweeping through our arteries and helping clear out unwanted LDL cholesterol, the bad kind that clogs up pathways leading to heart disease.
When you consume foods rich in beta glucans or add supplements to your diet, they transform into a gel-like substance within the digestive tract.
This process not only helps with feeling full but also binds with bile acids, which are made partly from cholesterol, and carries them out of the body before they can do any harm.
Blood sugar levels need to remain in balance on a daily basis.
Beta glucan helps regulate blood sugar levels, blood cholesterol levels, and diabetes.
Medical studies reveal that glucans have been tested to be effective in lowering blood glucose concentrations. (9)
In addition to blood sugar regulation, this potent fiber can slow down glucose absorption, meaning fewer spikes after eating carbohydrates and more stable energy throughout the day.
The body's ability to fight off free radicals is an essential step to health and well-being.
Antioxidants need to thrive to continue the good fight against oxidative stress, which can lead to far more serious health complications.
Found in a variety of food sources, beta glucan is an easy-to-use natural supply of immune strength and antioxidants to combat illness and improve your life.