In recent years, beta-glucans have attracted the attention of scientists, doctors and those interested in natural health because of their positive impact on the body.
These natural compounds, found in foods such as mushrooms, oats and barley, are known for their ability to enhance immune response, protect the heart and promote general wellbeing.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of beta-glucans, explaining how they act in the body and the positive effects they can have on health. We will also show you which foods and supplements you can find them in.
If you are looking for natural ways to strengthen your body and improve your quality of life, beta-glucans are an exceptional resource that should not be missing from your diet or supplement routine.
What are beta-glucans?
Beta-glucans are polysaccharides, i.e. complex carbohydrates made up of long chains of glucose molecules linked by beta bonds.
These compounds occur naturally in the cell walls of certain organisms, such as fungi, mushrooms, cereals (such as oats and barley), yeasts and some algae. Their unique structure gives them biological properties that make them particularly beneficial to health.
Origin and natural sources
There are different sources of beta-glucans and their composition and properties may vary depending on their origin:
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Mushrooms and fungi: these are one of the richest sources of beta-glucans, especially in species such as Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake mushrooms. Beta-glucans from mushrooms are often recognised for their ability to boost the immune system and fight infection.
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Cereals such as oats and barley: beta-glucans in cereals have more prominent effects on cardiovascular health. They help reduce LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol levels and promote metabolic health.
- Yeast and algae: beta-glucans extracted from yeast are used in supplements because of their ability to stimulate the immune system.
Unique structural properties
The secret of beta-glucans lies in their molecular structure. The beta bonds that form these chains allow them to interact with specific receptors in the human immune system.
This means that beta-glucans not only function as dietary fibre, but also have immunomodulatory effects, helping to prepare the body to fight infections and other external agents.
How do they act in the body?
Beta-glucans are notable for their ability to interact directly with the immune system and other physiological processes, thanks to their unique molecular structure.
Unlike other carbohydrates, beta-glucans are not simply a source of energy, but act as bioactive agents that positively influence health.
Absorption and mechanism of action
When beta-glucans are consumed, they pass through the digestive system virtually intact because human enzymes cannot break them down completely.
Once they reach the gut, they begin to interact with gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), a crucial part of the human immune system.
Specific receptors on immune cells (such as macrophages and dendritic cells) recognise the beta-glucans and process them, stimulating the activation of various defence cells.
- Macrophages: act as ‘soldiers’ of the immune system, phagocytosing pathogens and alerting other immune cells.
- Natural killer (NK) cells: these cells are activated to directly attack infected or cancerous cells.
- T and B cells: beta-glucans modulate their activity, helping the body to develop a more efficient and specific response to potential threats.
This process not only strengthens innate immunity (the body's first line of defence), but also enhances the adaptive immune response, which is more specific and longer-lasting.
Key benefits of beta-glucans
Beta-glucans have gained popularity due to their ability to improve several areas of health.
From their role as immune system modulators to their positive impact on cardiovascular and metabolic health, these polysaccharides offer multiple benefits backed by scientific research.
Strengthening the immune system
One of the most studied benefits of beta-glucans is their ability to stimulate and balance the immune system. They act as immunomodulators, meaning they not only ‘activate’ the immune system, but also adjust it to respond in a more effective and controlled way. Notable immune benefits:
- They help the body fight bacterial, viral and fungal infections.
- Increase the activity of macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells, which are essential for destroying infected or cancerous cells.
- Improve immune response in people with weakened systems, such as cancer patients or the elderly.
- They support recovery after prolonged illness or treatments such as chemotherapy.
They lower cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health
Beta-glucans, especially those from cereals such as oats and barley, have a proven effect on lowering LDL cholesterol.
This is because they form a slimy substance in the digestive tract that traps cholesterol and removes it before it can be absorbed by the body. Some of their cardiovascular benefits are:
- Reduction of LDL cholesterol by up to 7% with regular consumption.
- Reduced risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
- Blood pressure regulation, thanks to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Regulating blood sugar levels
Beta-glucans slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the gut, which helps prevent blood glucose spikes after meals. This benefit is especially useful for people with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance.
Improve digestive health
As soluble fibre, beta-glucans are not only beneficial for the cardiovascular system, but also for gut health. When they reach the colon, they act as prebiotics, feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome.
- They support the balance of the gut microbiota, increasing the presence of healthy bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
- Help prevent problems such as constipation by promoting healthy intestinal transit.
- They contribute to the reduction of inflammation in the digestive system.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Beta-glucans play an important role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, two factors that are directly related to ageing and the development of chronic diseases.
Weight management support
As soluble fibre, beta-glucans promote satiety, helping to control appetite and prevent excess calorie intake. This makes them an ally for those seeking to maintain a healthy weight.
What mushroom supplements can we find them in?
Beta-glucans are present in a variety of natural sources, but one of the most prominent sources of beta-glucans is mushrooms.
Mushrooms are not only rich in essential nutrients, but also contain beta-glucans with specific properties that boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and provide multiple health benefits.
In supplement form, mushrooms are a convenient and concentrated option for those wishing to incorporate these bioactive compounds into their daily diet.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi is known as the ‘mushroom of immortality’ in traditional Chinese medicine, and for good reason.
The beta-glucans present in Reishi have immunomodulatory properties, helping to balance the immune system and reduce chronic inflammation. This mushroom is also associated with benefits such as improving sleep, reducing stress and supporting cardiovascular health.
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
Shiitake is one of the most popular mushrooms worldwide for its medicinal properties.
Its beta-glucans help fight infections, regulate cholesterol levels and strengthen the body's defences. It has also been studied for its ability to support the immune system against viral infections.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
Although best known for increasing energy and improving physical performance, the properties of Cordyceps support the immune system and have antioxidant effects.
This mushroom is especially popular with athletes and people looking for a natural boost to combat fatigue.
Why choose mushroom supplements with beta-glucans?
Although it is feasible to obtain beta-glucans through diet, mushroom supplements are a practical and concentrated way to ensure an adequate dose of these bioactive compounds.
Supplements are especially useful for people with specific needs, such as improving immunity, lowering cholesterol or combating oxidative stress.
How do I choose the best one for me?
When selecting a mushroom supplement, it is important to consider a few key points.
Origin of mushrooms
The quality of the mushrooms used in supplements is key to ensuring their safety and efficacy. It is important that mushrooms are grown under optimal conditions, without exposure to contaminants or the use of pesticides or herbicides.
In addition, cultivation on certified organic farms ensures a product free of harmful chemicals and with higher concentrations of bioactive compounds such as beta-glucans.
For example, Mushilab supplements are sourced exclusively from organic farms located in various parts of the world.
These farms meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability, strictly adhering to EU regulations for European organic certification.
This means that the mushrooms are grown in clean environments, without the use of synthetic chemicals that could compromise their purity or potency. Choosing our supplements is a guarantee of quality and safety, backed by responsible agricultural practices.
Extraction method
The method of extraction is one of the most important factors in determining the effectiveness of a mushroom supplement. Not all forms of processing are able to extract and concentrate the bioactive compounds efficiently.
In the case of Mushilab, only mushroom extracts are used in its supplements, ensuring a product of high potency and purity.
The mushrooms are carefully harvested and dehydrated, leaving a high quality powder which is then subjected to a hot water extraction process. This method concentrates the bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides and beta-glucans, maximising their efficacy in the body.
Certifications
Quality certifications are a crucial aspect when choosing a supplement. These not only ensure that the product complies with current regulations, but also verify its purity, potency and safety. Some of the most trusted certifications include:
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GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices): guarantees that the product has been manufactured in facilities that meet strict quality and control standards.
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Organic certification: ensures that the product comes from organic sources, free of pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals.
At Mushilab, we guarantee the quality of our supplements through rigorous purity and potency testing in a GMP-certified German facility.
Thanks to these controls, Mushilab supplements meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy, giving consumers the confidence that they are purchasing a pure, high quality product.
Ultimately, if you want to take advantage of all the benefits beta-glucans have to offer and improve your quality of life naturally, C-Boost and Reistore supplements are a fantastic option to integrate into your daily routine.
These products are designed to boost your wellbeing with high-quality mushroom extracts, rich in beta-glucans and other bioactive compounds.