[Efficacy of beta-glucan] 3 reasons why beta-glucan is the strongest in immunity

[Efficacy of beta-glucan] 3 reasons why beta-glucan is the strongest in immunity

Introducing the strongest immunity, 'this'

Beta glucan efficacy
1. Improvement of immune function through NK cell activation
2. Reduction of upper respiratory infection symptoms
3. Reduction of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol

This is Jinny, the pharmacist.

If you listen to the stories of people who have recently had corona, there are people who are mild enough to be close to asymptomatic, and there are people who suffer from high fever for several days. This is because each person's immune system is different.

So today, for those who suffer from weak immunity, I would like to introduce beta glucan . Beta-glucan is a dietary fiber and a type of polysaccharide, which is present in cell walls of yeast, mushrooms, and grains. It is called ' the strongest in immunity' , and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has also recognized its functionality as 'it can help improve immune function' . Let's take a closer look at the benefits of actual intake through the thesis.
1. Improving immune function through NK cell activation

NK cells are a type of white blood cell responsible for innate immunity, and are also called natural killer cells. This is because it directly attacks and destroys virus-infected cells or cancer cells, and secretes chemokines and cytokines, which are substances that trigger an immune response. When NK cells are activated, it can be seen that the immune response is more active . However, beta-glucan directly induces the activation of NK cells .

In Nutrition research and practice in 2017, a paper was published reporting the result that the level of NK cell activity was significantly higher when beta-glucan was ingested .
" This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that supplementation with purified bacterial linear β-1,3-glucan can significantly increase NK cell activity compared to placebo without significant side effects. "
Reference Paper : Lee, YJ, Paik, DJ, Kwon, DY, Yang, HJ, & Park, Y. (2017) . Agrobacterium sp.-derived β-1,3-glucan enhances natural killer cell activity in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Nutrition research and practice , 11 (1), 43–50.
2. Reduces upper respiratory infection symptoms

Beta glucan not only activates NK cells, but also activates macrophages and dendritic cells, which are immune cells . Beta-glucan, which has a positive effect on improving immune function like this, has been found to help relieve symptoms of upper respiratory infections that are easy to appear when immunity is low.

A paper published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine in 2009 reported a significant reduction in upper respiratory tract infection symptoms in the group taking beta-glucan .
" Over the course of the 4-week study, subjects in the treatment group (250 mg per day, 500 mg beta-glucan) had significantly fewer upper respiratory symptoms (URTIs), improved overall health, decreased confusion, fatigue, tension, anger, and mood compared to placebo. reported an increase in vitality according to the Health Profile (POMS) survey. ”
Reference paper: Talbott, S., & Talbott, J. (2009). Effect of BETA 1, 3/1, 6 GLUCAN on Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms and Mood State in Marathon Athletes. Journal of sports science & medicine , 8 (4), 509–515.
3. Reduces Total Cholesterol and LDL Cholesterol

In the body, dietary fiber reduces blood cholesterol by blocking the reabsorption of bile acids produced from cholesterol in the liver into the bloodstream in the intestines . Beta-glucan, a dietary fiber, can also lower blood cholesterol by this principle.

In this regard , a paper was published in Nutrients in 2020 that showed that total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol decreased when beta-glucan was consumed .
" Beta-glucan reduced average LDL cholesterol levels at baseline by 12.2% after 4 weeks of supplementation and by 15.1% after 8 weeks of supplementation. Between baseline and 4 weeks, total cholesterol levels showed an average decrease of 6.5% during the beta-glucan course, whereas Plasma concentrations of non-HDL cholesterol were reduced by 11.8%, and total cholesterol (TC) levels were reduced by 8.9% and non-HDL cholesterol levels by 12.1% after 8 weeks of beta-glucan supplementation. ”
Reference Paper : Cicero, A., Fogacci, F., Veronesi, M., Strocchi, E., Grandi, E., Rizzoli, E., Poli, A., Marangoni, F., & Borghi, C. (2020 ). A randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Medium-Term Effects of Oat Fibers on Human Health: The Beta-Glucan Effects on Lipid Profile, Glycemia and inTestinal Health (BELT) Study. Nutrients , 12 (3), 686.

Today, through the thesis, we looked at the benefits of consuming beta-glucan. I don't think there's a time when immunity is as important as these days. Therefore , it is recommended to get enough rest and sleep to increase immunity, and to sunbathe for 20 to 30 minutes a day .

I hope you have a healthy day in body and mind. It was Jinny.
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