Food – Beta-Glucan & Oats

While you may know that the fiber in oatmeal is responsible for lowering cholesterol, as well as offering other health rewards, you may not know that it’s a very particular type of fiber called beta-glucan that’s responsible for the benefits.

Nutritionally beta-glucans trigger a cascade of events in the human body that help regulate the immune system, making it more efficient. Beta-glucans also stimulate white blood cells that bind to tumor cells and viruses and release chemicals to destroy these cells. Studies also show that beta-glucans reduced the incidence of infection in patients with high risk surgeries, as well as shortened intensive care unit stay and improved survival rate. Bottom line – of all the polysaccharides studied that act as immunostimulants, beta-glucans were found to be the most effective against infectious disease and cancer.

Beta-glucans have also been found to improve insulin response and restore the activity of gut organisms.

Beta-glucans form a viscous solution (gel) in the gut which slows digestion and absorption, giving a feeling of fullness for much longer and is the basis for many health benefits. This thick gel grabs cholesterol as it moves through the digestive system to prevent absorption, and then eliminates it from the body. Getting 3 grams of beta-glucan a day may help lower cholesterol levels by as much as 8 percent. One and a half cups of cooked oats provides 3 grams of beta-gluten.

https://www.breadbeckers.com/the-beta-glucans-of-barley-and-oats/cholesterol

Incorporate oats in granola, muffins, waffles, breads, crisps, cooked alone or with other grains in cereals, and in savory dishes to ensure an ample amount of beta-glucan in your daily diet.

 

Creamy Steel-cut Oats

Ingredients

1 14-oz. can light coconut milk

1 ½ cups water

1 cup uncooked steel-cut oats

dash sea salt

Process

Pour can of coconut milk and water into pot; bring to low boil over high heat.

Add oats; stir. Immediately reduce heat to low. Gently simmer, covered, for 1 hour, stirring several times throughout cooking. Portion into bowls. Add desired garnishes: chopped medjool dates, raisins, shredded coconut, toasted walnut pieces, fresh fruit, etc. Creamy and delicious!