Beta glucan powder extracted from Oat is a kind of non-starch polysaccharide that exists in the cell walls of oat endosperm and aleurone layer. It is a water-soluble dietary fiber. The basic structure is composed of D glucose connected by β1-4, β1-3 glycosidic bonds. For linear polysaccharides, the ratio of these two glycosidic bonds is approximately 7:3. Because of its viscosity hinders the digestion and absorption of starch, protein and other substances, it can produce some extremely beneficial physiological functions for the human body.
Health benefits of oat beta-glucan
1. Lower cholesterol
As early as many years, scientists have discovered that oat β-glucan can reduce the rate of absorption of fatty acids in the stomach and intestines, and reduce the synthesis of cholesterol in the body. As the research on oat beta glucan powder matures, scientists have found that the effect of oat β-glucan on cholesterol is mainly to significantly reduce the total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDI-TC) in plasma. There is no significant effect on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride (TG).
There are currently 3 mechanisms for the mechanism of oat glucan to lower cholesterol:
①The short-chain fatty acids produced by the fermentation of oat β-glucan in the body can inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA), thereby reducing the synthesis of cholesterol.
②With high viscosity, it can wrap bile acids and get rid of the body, and promote the decomposition of cholesterol.
③It can form a high-viscosity environment in the digestive tract, which can inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in food.
2. Regulate blood sugar
Oat β-glucan has the effect of regulating postprandial blood sugar. This is because oat β-glucan is a non-starch polysaccharide, low calorie, low sugar, and its fiber structure can delay the absorption of sugar and the release of blood sugar, which can stabilize blood sugar. effect. For patients who need to take insulin, oat beta-glucan is particularly effective in regulating blood sugar. In a study evaluating the postprandial effect of ingesting 5g oat β-glucan, compared with the control group, the blood glucose concentration at 30 minutes after a meal was reduced by 19% (p<0.005), and the blood glucose concentration at 60 minutes was reduced by 16% (p<0.066).
3. Improve intestinal flora
Studies have confirmed that oat beta glucan powder can reduce E. coli in feces and intestines and increase the number of lactobacilli. It can ferment at the distal end of the colon to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which are quickly absorbed by the colonic mucosa, and regulate intestinal bacteria. Group function, can be used as a prebiotic for the human body.
