Cholesterol is a type of fat that is present in our body which is essential for the production of hormones, vitamin D, and digestive substances. However, high levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Cholesterol levels are regulated by a complex mechanism of various factors, including dietary intake, genetics, and lifestyle choices. One such factor is β-glucan, which has been found to be effective in regulating cholesterol levels in the body.

What is β-glucan?

β-glucan is a type of soluble fiber found in certain foods like oats, barley, mushrooms, and yeast. It is known for its various health benefits, including better digestion, improved immune function, and lower cholesterol levels.

β-glucan is a complex sugar molecule that cannot be digested by the human body. Instead, it passes through the digestive system intact and binds to cholesterol, thereby reducing its absorption in the gut.

How β-glucan regulates cholesterol levels?

β-glucan has been found to be effective in reducing both total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. The mechanism behind this effect is as follows:.

1. Binds to cholesterol in the gut

β-glucan binds to cholesterol in the gut, forming a gel-like substance that cannot be absorbed by the body. This reduces the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Studies have shown that consuming 3 grams of β-glucan per day can reduce LDL cholesterol levels by up to 10 percent.

2. Increases bile acid excretion

Bile acids are made from cholesterol and are released into the digestive tract to help with the digestion of fats. β-glucan binds to bile acids, which are then excreted from the body.

This reduces the recycling of cholesterol in the liver, leading to a decrease in LDL cholesterol levels.

3. Activates the immune system

β-glucan has been found to activate the immune system by stimulating the production of immune cells such as macrophages and natural killer cells.

These cells help to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and tissues, further reducing the risk of heart disease.

4. Reduces inflammation

Chronic inflammation in the body can lead to the formation of plaques in the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart disease.

β-glucan has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce inflammation in the body and lower the risk of heart disease.

5. Improves gut health

β-glucan has prebiotic properties, meaning that it serves as food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut. This can lead to an improvement in gut health and a reduction in inflammation, both of which can contribute to lower cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

β-glucan has been found to be effective in regulating cholesterol levels in the body. It does so by binding to cholesterol in the gut, increasing bile acid excretion, activating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and improving gut health.

Including foods rich in β-glucan, such as oats, barley, mushrooms, and yeast, in your diet can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.