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The What, Where and Why of Beta Glucans
We all know that high cholesterol is not good for health. No doubt you have read many articles on increasing fibre and lowering saturated fat, but have you ever heard of beta-glucans? Here we look at the what, where and why of beta-glucans.
Beta-glucans are a natural occurring form of soluble fibre found in wholegrain oats. It is the beta-glucan portion of oats that is linked to their cholesterol lowering effect. Cholesterol enters our digestive tract from the food we eat. It is also released from the liver. A certain amount of this cholesterol will be absorbed back in to the blood stream, and contributes to the development of hypercholesterolemia, or high cholesterol. The beta-glucan portion of oats blocks the re-absorption of some of this cholesterol. It does so by forming a gel, which traps the cholesterol in the small intestine where it becomes part of the stools rather than being reabsorbed back into the blood.
Studies have shown that eating 3grams of beta-glucans per day from oats or oat products can help to reduce cholesterol re-absorption, ultimately helping to lower overall cholesterol.
So why not add some oats to your daily diet? It is another simple, non-pharmaceutical way to help reduce your cholesterol, contributing to better health. Oats are also low GI, leading to longer lasting energy and more controlled blood glucose levels.
Oats are fantastic when made into a porridge, but with the warmer weather coming up, why not try oats a little differently. Try making your own muesli with oats, oat bran, dried fruit, pepitas and sunflower seeds. Add some oats to yoghurt for a crunchy dessert. Add oats to muffins and biscuits for a healthier snack.
Added to site on : Monday, 28 November 2011