Beta-Glucans: What You Need to Know
Better Nutrition|August 2020
These biologically active compounds have multiple—often profound—health benefits, including immune protection.
By Lisa Turner
Beta-Glucans: What You Need to Know

If you’ve been searching for ways to improve your immunity, you’ve probably heard about beta-glucans, a type of fiber found in the cell walls of foods such as cereal grains, mushrooms, yeast, and seaweed. Dozens of studies suggest that different kinds of beta-glucans can lower cholesterol and triglycerides, decrease blood pressure, reduce inflammation, improve insulin resistance, protect against diabetes, and reduce the risk of cancer.

Beta-Glucans Activate Immune Cells

What’s especially important right now—beta-glucans are one of the best-studied immune supplements on the market and may protect against viral, bacterial, and other infections. They’re thought to work by activating immune cells, enhancing the function of natural killer cells and white blood cells that engulf and consume foreign invaders, and improving the body’s potential to defend against invading viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.

Beta-glucans are especially important in the management and prevention of respiratory tract infections and can support the body’s natural immune response in times of stress and increased susceptibility to infection. In a study from the journal Nutrients of moderately to highly stressed participants, those who received either 250 mg or 500 mg of beta-glucans reported fewer upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, better overall health, increased vigor, and decreased tension, fatigue, and confusion.

Best Food Sources

この記事は Better Nutrition の August 2020 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Better Nutrition の August 2020 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

BETTER NUTRITIONのその他の記事すべて表示
Strike A Healing Chord
Better Nutrition

Strike A Healing Chord

Soothe your mind, body, and spirit with three simple sound therapy techniques for self-care.

time-read
7 分  |
January 2022
Laura's Gourmet Granola
Better Nutrition

Laura's Gourmet Granola

If you’re tired of granola that’s more candy than health food, chef and entrepreneur Laura Briscoe’s offerings are just what you’ve been looking for.

time-read
4 分  |
January 2022
News Bites
Better Nutrition

News Bites

Caffeine, Peanuts, CoQ10, and Iron Deficiency.

time-read
4 分  |
January 2022
The Overlooked Keys to a Healthy Gallbladder
Better Nutrition

The Overlooked Keys to a Healthy Gallbladder

Keep your bile thin and free-flowing by focusing on supportive foods, supplements, and physical activity.

time-read
6 分  |
January 2022
Go Nutty This Year
Better Nutrition

Go Nutty This Year

This über-healthy alternative to traditional lattes features homemadewalnut “mylk,” along with antioxidant-rich green tea and berries.

time-read
5 分  |
January 2022
The Three Stages of Infection
Better Nutrition

The Three Stages of Infection

What you need before, during and after an illness, and why you need different fixes for each stage.

time-read
6 分  |
January 2022
Better Nutrition

Taming the Flames

How to beat back chronic inflammation and protect yourself from related disease.

time-read
6 分  |
January 2022
Deconstructing the Flexitarian Diet
Better Nutrition

Deconstructing the Flexitarian Diet

How being a part-time vegan can make you healthier.

time-read
4 分  |
January 2022
Brain Regain
Better Nutrition

Brain Regain

How one senior used a leptin-focused diet (high-fat, no carbs) to recover from a cognitive injury, reconnect with his family, and reclaim his health.

time-read
4 分  |
January 2022
Healthy Aging— Head To Toe
Better Nutrition

Healthy Aging— Head To Toe

Science-backed supplements to protect all your parts.

time-read
5 分  |
December 2021