What are β-Glucans

β-Glucans are a type of dietary fibre with the ability to form viscous water based solutions, which help to regulate the body’s blood cholesterol.

Unfortunately the body does not naturally produce β-Glucans and therefore must be consumed through outside sources such as wholegrains.

How do they help?

The FDA authorised a health claim relating to the consumption of β-Glucans in barley, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, they reduced the risk of coronary heart disease.

Possible mechanisms by which β-Glucans achieve these beneficial physiologic effects are:

  • delaying cholesterol and glucose absorption in the small intestine
  • improving conversion of cholesterol into bile acids through increased faecal bile acid excretion
  • inhibiting cholesterol synthesis through the production of short chain fatty acids
  • thickening the unstirred layer of gut lumen

View our BARLEYmax® Loves Your Heart infographics

β-Glucans and Cholesterol

BARLEYmax® whole grains are loaded with β-Glucans.
The consumption of β-Glucans helps to reduce or control serum cholesterol levels.

BARLEYmax® dietary fibre levels

BARLEYmax graph fibre levels compared to other grains

BARLEYmax® Fact

Did you know that BARLEYmax® whole grains are a rich source of β-Glucans?

According to a 2009 study, “Health practitioners should feel comfortable recommending barley β-Glucans to their patients to help reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations…”1