Here are two words you don’t hear every day: ‘Beta Glucans.’ The word ‘beta’ means ‘house’ in Greek and a glucan is a polysaccharide (such as glycogen or cellulose). So essentially, beta glucans are a tiny house of fiber. A powerful one.
Beta Glucans are fiber that's found in certain types of yeast, algae, plants like oats and barley, and even bacteria and fungi—a major source. Studies have shown this his fiber can stop the growth of microorganisms, stimulate the immune system, is anti-cancer, promotes healthy blood pressure, controls cholesterol and is an anti-diabetic, promotes bone health and is a probiotic. [1] They have even been used topically as a burn medication. That’s a lot of Beta bennies.
So how does one deliver these little gems into one’s system? Beta Glucan is commonly found in foods such as oats, barley, seaweed, nutritional yeast, and mushrooms.
There’s a fungus among us! That’s right--Fungus. Mushrooms are chock full of beta glucans and can be an integral ingredient in one of many delicious wellness products like gummies for adults and children or a product like Odyssey Functional Mushroom Elixir, a potent, organic, sustainable, and delicious sparkling beverage that delivers all the best that these mushrooms have to offer.
So, let’s meet our mushrooms—big beta blasters.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms, which are said to stimulate brain cells and help relieve anxiety—a perfect answer to work and life as it is today. It also, like the other species of functional mushrooms, aside from beta glucan, contains diverse phytochemicals, including polysaccharides and digestive enzymes that support immune health and promote healthy gut flora.
The Cordyceps mushroom may help improve immunity by stimulating cells and specific chemicals in the immune system.
Reishi mushrooms may enhance immunity, lower anxiety, and improve sleep. People also take Reishi mushrooms for health conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Turkey Tail Mushrooms are said to improve response to cancer medicines and radiation
Chaga Mushrooms are believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them a possible alternative remedy for conditions such as arthritis and high blood pressure.
Shiitake Mushrooms may protect against cell damage, boost the immune system, and boost white blood cell production for fighting off microbes.
Maitake Mushrooms may help in keeping arteries healthy and reducing cholesterol.
Let’s face it, the stress of everyday life, a post pandemic world, pollution, climate change and other factors, our bodies are taking a hit. For overall health, clean and natural products like Beta Glucan and other supplements that are plant-based and made without toxic chemicals can be a key resource for overall robust health benefits. So, get out there and cozy up to those grains; crush on those mushrooms and embrace the yeast. Remember that name: Beta Glucans. It’s certainly worth knowing.
[1] The gut- & heart-supporting fiber you need to know about + how to get enough. mindbodygreen. (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2022, from https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/beta-glucan-benefits
