An Immune System Booster That Does Much More

Beta-glucans may be the most powerful nutrients you’ve never heard of. They have a profound effect on the immune system. And we’re discovering other ways they boost health all the time.

Best of all, studies show they can help with some of today’s most common health problems. And they may be just what you’re looking for.

Beta-glucans are a form of fiber. But they have some pretty amazing properties.

If your immune system needs a boost, Beta-glucans could help. According to researchers at the University of Hong Kong, Beta-glucans stimulate at least 5 types of immune cells – including certain white blood cells and natural killer cells.1

Beta-glucans support immune system function so well; they’ve been used in hospitals. Doctors at Boston’s Deaconess Hospital gave Beta-glucans to a group of high-risk surgery patients. A second group received a placebo.

After chest or abdominal surgery, the Beta-glucans group spent less time in intensive care, had fewer infections, and required far fewer antibiotics than the placebo group.2

A team in Brazil recently discovered Beta-glucans also promote higher levels of Interleukin-10, which can help calm reactions to pollen and other irritants. In a trial with 20 children, all the kids breathed easier when give
Beta-glucans.3

But Beta-glucans do more than support immune system health.

If you have blood sugar problems, Beta-glucans may be just what you’ve been looking for. Australian researchers report they promote lower levels of fats and sugar in the blood and healthier blood pressure.4

You may know that eating starchy foods raises your blood sugar. These blood sugar “spikes” can lead to serious health problems. And bread is a common culprit.

But in one trial, 10 healthy men ate bread made with a special flour rich in Beta-glucans. After eating, their blood sugar levels went up far less than expected. In fact, at the highest concentration of Beta-glucans, their blood sugar went up barely half as much as with regular bread.5

There’s even some evidence that Beta-glucans may support healthier cholesterol levels and weight loss.6

You can find Beta-glucans as a supplement in health food stores. These supplements are usually made with yeast extracts. But there’s a much tastier way to take advantage of Beta-glucans’ health benefits.

Mushrooms are among the richest natural sources of Beta-glucans. Shiitake, oyster and maitake (also called ram’s head or sheep’s head) mushrooms all contain a fair amount. Simply adding them to your recipes can give you a healthy dose of this healthy fiber.

Stay Healthy,

Dr Kenneth Woliner, M.D.
Best Life Herbals

1 Chan, G.C., et al, “The effects of beta-glucan on human immune and cancer cells,” J Hematol Oncol. Jun 10, 2009;2:25.
2 Babineau, T.J., et al, “Randomized phase I/II trial of a macrophage-specific immunomodulator (PGG-glucan) in high-risk surgical patients,” A

Surg. Nov 1994;220(5):601-609.
3 Sarinho, E., et al, “Production of interleukin-10 in asthmatic children after Beta-1-3-glucan,” Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2009;37(4):188–1922009;37(4):188–192.
4 Chen, J., et al, “Beta-glucans in the treatment of diabetes and associated cardiovascular risks,” Vasc Health Risk Manag. Dec 2008;4(6):1265–1272.

5 Östmana, E., et al, “Glucose and insulin responses in healthy men to barley bread with different levels of (1â3;1â4)-β-glucans; predictions using fluidity measurements of in vitro enzyme digests,” journal of Cereal Science. Mar 2006;43(2):230-235.
6 Rop, O., et al, “Beta-glucans in higher fungi and their health effects,” Nutrition Reviews. Nov 2009;67(11):624-631.

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