The Need for More Beta Glucan Awareness for Heart Health
Australian scientists, Huges & Grafenauer, review large data on the use of beta glucan in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
The research scientists shed light on the need to communicate more and raise consumers' awareness of the goodness of beta glucan and its role as a supplement and food for heart health.
The claim that Beta Glucan lowers cholesterol has now been accepted by many countries around the world.
Abstract
Beta glucan is a type of soluble dietary fibre found in oats and barley with known cholesterol-lowering benefits. Many countries globally have an approved beta glucan health claim related to lowering blood cholesterol, an important biomarker for cardiovascular disease. However, the use of these claims has not been examined. The aim of this study was to explore the range and variety of oat and barley products in the Australian and global market within a defined range of grain food and beverage categories and examine the frequency of beta glucan health claims. Australian data were collected via a recognised nutrition audit process from the four major Australian supermarkets in metropolitan Sydney (January 2018 and September 2020) and Mintel Global New Product Database was used for global markets where a claim is permitted. Categories included breakfast cereals, bread, savoury biscuits, grain-based muesli bars, flour, noodles/pasta and plant-based milk alternatives and information collected included ingredients lists and nutrition and health claims. Products from Australia (n = 2462) and globally (n = 44,894) were examined. In Australia, 37 products (1.5%) made use of the beta glucan claim (84% related to oat beta glucan and 16% related to barley beta glucan, specifically BARLEYmax®). Of products launched globally, 0.9% (n = 403) displayed beta glucan cholesterol-lowering claims. Despite the number of products potentially eligible to make beta glucan claims, their use in Australia and globally is limited. The value of dietary modification in cardiovascular disease treatment and disease progression deserves greater focus, and health claims are an opportunity to assist in communicating the role of food in the management of health and disease. Further assessment of consumer understanding of the available claims would be of value. View Full-Text
Beta Glucan fibers can protect us from developing heart disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, leaky gut, as well as train our front line immune system.
Suggested use: one heaping tablespoon daily in a large glass of water.
References:
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Hughes, J., & Grafenauer, S. (2021). Oat and Barley in the Food Supply and Use of Beta Glucan Health Claims. Nutrients, 13(8), 2556.
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Mathews, R., Kamil, A., & Chu, Y. (2020). Global review of heart health claims for oat beta-glucan products. Nutrition Reviews, 78(Supplement_1), 78-97. Article
Sincerely yours,
Seann and Dohrea
We have developed our products based on scientific research and/or the practical experience of many healthcare practitioners. There is a growing body of literature on food based nutrition and supplements and their application in support of our health. Please use our products under the advisement of your doctor.
Green Facts:
More about Oat: Chu, Y., & Blatner, D. J. (2021). The Whole Grain Picture: Sharing the Science Behind Oats. article
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