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Weak Immune System | Heart Disease | Diabetes | Cancer | Radiation | Free Radical Damage + Aging

Is there a single nutrient that can help protect you against many types of disease? Research in immunology and cancer over the past 50 years has revealed a team of workhorses called Beta Glucans. The necessary work they perform in the body provides a natural weapon against disease and enables a long an healthy life. Beta Glucans are a form of natural soluble dietary fiber found in foods, including grains (such as barley, oats and corn bran) and mushrooms (such as maitake, reishi, and shiitake). Beta glucans are sugar molecules (polysaccharides) bound together as a sugar/protein complex, They are absorbed into the body through the intestines.

Immune System and Infection

Clinical trials support several uses for Beta Glucans. First, Beta Glucans are proven beneficial for conditions related to immunity. Glucans seem to stimulate/irritate white blood cells called macrophages into action. Produced by the bone marrow, macrophages patrol the body, gobbling up such foreign invaders as bacteria and fungi. This increased white blood cell activity boosts immune response and stimulates the production of immune cells. As a result, Beta Glucans appear to indirectly intensify the immune system's ability to fight off infection.

Coronary Heart Disease Beta Glucans have also been proven to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol levels. Beta Glucans that are soluble in water can help reduce cholesterol levels when consumed as part of the healthy low-fat diet.

Cancer and the development of tumors

There are many different types of Glucans found to date. Research has proven that certain Beta Glucans enhance the function of natural killer cells, enabling them to recognize and attack any foreigner, whether yeast, virus, proteins from undigested food, pollens and pet dander, cellular debris, or cancer. Cancer researchers are conducting a variety of clinical trials to determine whether beta glucans can boost the ability of the body's immune system to kill cancer cells. In one laboratory study, antibody medications were more effective in killing cancer cells when given in conjunction with beta glucans.

Diabetes

Like other sources of soluble fiber, Beta Glucans are, according to prelimary studies, helpful in reducing the elevation in blood sugar levels that typically follow a meal. Beta Glucans work to delay gastric emptying so that dietary sugar is absorbed more gradually, as well as possibly increasing tissue sensitivity to insulin. These effects suggest possible benefits in blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

Radiation of Damage

Beta Glucan halts and reverses radiation damage. One of the most remarkable oral studies with specific types of beta glucan was done at the US Armed Forces Radiobiology Institute. In a well-controlled study, 70% of rats given a lethal dose of radiation were completely protected from radiation effects when given a dose of yeast beta glucan by mouth AFTER the radiation.

Dr. Myra Patchen discovered that beta-glucan is also a free radical scavenger. It is able to protect blood macrophages from free radical attack during and after the radiation allowing these cells to continue to carry their important functions in the irradiated body and release factors important to the restoration of normal bone marrow production.

In the light of what we know about free radicals today and their potential to accelerate aging, cause cancer and other diseases, this particular effect of beta glucan is especially important.

•  Beta Glucan is orally effective, completely non-toxic and safe

•  No side effects have been reported.

•  There are no known drug interactions with Beta Glucan

•  As a dietary supplement, Beta Glucan is available as capsules and in cream form.