Thursday Nov 24, 2016 (foodconsumer.org) -- Beta glucan may be used to help lower bad cholesterol, according to a new review of trials in the FASEB Journal. Beta-glucan found in fungi and grains like barley has been found to have a therapeutic effect against many chronic diseases. Cholesterol is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. So this review indicates taking beta-glucan supplements may help lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
The review study considered data from 14 randomized controlled trials that lasted for three or more weeks, which were intended to assess the effect of diets supplemented with beta glucan isolated from barley on low density lipoprotein cholesterol and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol or apoB.
Low density lipoprotein cholesterol is considered detrimental to cardiovascular health. ApoB is a main component of bad cholesterol like low density lipoprotein cholesterol and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol.
The review found that daily supplementation with 6.5 grams per day and 6.9 grams per day of barley beta glucan for an average of four weeks significantly lowered low density lipoprotein cholesterol and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol, compared to control diets without beta-glucan supplemented. But the supplement did not affect apoB.
The review concluded that beta-glucan from barley can moderately lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol and inclusion of beta-glucan or foods rich in this dietary fiber may help lower cardiovascular risk. (David Liu)
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