Beta-Glucans: Immune Boosting and Heart Healthy Fiber

Somewhere near the front lines of the battle, the lieutenant ordered the private, “Get this message to the general immediately!”

“I’ll do my best, sir.”

“I don’t want you to do your best; I want you to get the message to the general.”

“I’ll do it or die, sir.”

“I don’t want you to die; I want you to get the message to the general.”

Sometimes just trying is not enough; you’ve got to do whatever it takes to defeat the enemy.

I once read a poem by an unidentified author with a couplet that says, “Fight on my men, Sir Andrew said. A little I’m hurt, but not yet slain. I’ll just lie down and bleed a while, and then I’ll rise and fight again.” As British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill inspired his people at the darkest days of World War II, “Never, Never, Never give up.”

In today’s world of stress, junk foods, and super bugs, just staying healthy is a war. Seriously, it can be brutal and perilous, but there are some effective weapons in this lifelong battle. Certainly, one of the best defenses in the armory is a natural substance found in baker’s yeast, certain types of mushrooms like reishi, shiitake, and maitake, as well as in the bran of cereals like oats and barley. In fact, barley has a higher concentration of this substance than any other grain. This Green Beret of nutrition is called beta-glucan . It’s a unique kind of soluble fiber polysaccharide that can be a real hero in your body’s combat against all kinds of health enemies.

If you find yourself behind enemy lines experiencing a sneak attack on your cardiovascular system, call in the cavalry with beta-glucans. It has proven effectiveness with decreasing cholesterol by up to 10%, as well as sending blood pressure into the foxholes. Research shows that it increases feelings of fullness, causing you to eat less and aiding in weight loss.

If you’re being invaded by an attacking enemy, whether it be a cold, flu, infection, fatigue or stress, call in the re-enforcements of beta-glucans to fortify and strengthen your personal Department of Defense, better known as your immune system. It activates and boosts the artillery of white blood cells and the body’s snipers called natural killer cells. In the case of serious, aggressive infection or following a surgery, beta-glucans are often even administered by IV or injection.

For those that may have been taken POW by the dreaded enemy of diabetes, beta-glucans can serve like a much needed battlefield medic. The soluble fiber in beta-glucans cause the stomach to empty more slowly and thus glucose to be absorbed at a more measured rate, diminishing insulin spikes.

Few adversaries are feared more than the arch invader of cancer. The mere mention of the big “C” can send even the bravest soldier into retreat or even be tempted to hoist the white flag of surrender. But a specific type of beta-glucan called Lentinan has been found in numerous studies to have strong anti-cancer and tumor suppressive properties, and its clinical application has even demonstrated a prolonging of lifespan.

Are you walking the minefield of allergies, fibromyalgia, digestive problems, asthma, or chronic fatigue syndrome? Win the war and improve your overall health with all natural beta-glucans. Got skin conditions like eczema, wrinkles, burns, or wounds? It’s beta-glucans to the rescue (taken internally). We all know that war is hell, but soldier on, staying healthy is worth fighting for, and the battle is winnable.