Today, the spotlight has fallen on health and wellness. People are constantly seeking ingredients that contribute to well-being. One such fascinating compound that stands out for its numerous health benefits is beta glucan.
Beta glucan, a type of soluble fiber, is generally found in the cell walls of plants, fungi, and bacteria. It is gaining immense popularity for its potential health benefits such as immune-boosting properties and cholesterol-lowering properties.
Are people really into compounds like beta-glucans? Well, the statistics say so. The global beta glucan industry is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period, totaling US$ 1020.6 million by 2030. High consumption of food products containing beta glucan for overall wellness is a key factor boosting sales growth.
What Exactly is Beta Glucan?
Beta glucan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in cell walls of yeast, fungi, bacteria, and certain plants. It is receiving wider acclaim for its remarkable immune-boosting properties.
There are different types of beta-glucans depending on the source and their structure. These include yeast beta-glucan (1,3-glucan with beta-1,6 side chains) and oat beta-glucan (1,3-glucan with beta-1,4 side chains, among others. These beta glucan types find application in a variety of industries.
A key feature of beta glucans is their capacity to function as biological response modifiers. They can reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and improve the body’s defense mechanism. This they do by activating neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer cells.
What are the Potential Beta Glucan Health Benefits?
- Beta Glucan for Immune Support
The first and foremost benefit of taking beta glucan is its ability to boost the immune system. Beta glucan has become a powerful immunomodulator that improves the body’s ability to fight off infections.
Beta glucan has the tendency to enhance the body’s immune response by triggering the activity of neutrophils, macrophages, and other immune cells. These substances play a crucial role in defending the body against infections.
Individuals looking to strengthen their immune system find β-glucan appealing. As a result, there has been an uptick in the usage of beta glucan supplements, and the trend is expected to continue in the coming years.
- Beta Glucan for Cholesterol Reduction
Beta glucan can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol by forming a gel-like substance in the gut. This gel binds to cholesterol and bile acids, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream. As a result, cholesterol levels decrease, lowering the risk of heart disease.
- Controlling Blood Sugar
Beta glucan-rich foods and supplements are becoming highly popular among people with diabetes. This is because they can effectively improve blood sugar regulation.
Beta glucan slows down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. This leads to better blood sugar control. Courtesy of this, beta-glucan supplements are becoming popular among diabetic patients.
- Gut Health Promotion
Being a type of fiber, β-glucan nourishes beneficial gut bacteria. It acts as a prebiotic and promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
Other Benefits
Beta glucan also improves skin health. Similarly, research is being conducted to explore its potential anti-cancer properties. With growing awareness about the beta glucan supplement benefits, sales are expected to rise rapidly during the forecast period.
