Cardiovascular Health & Beta Glucans

Dear Friends

Beta Glucan fibers from oat bran can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol blood levels; while the betalains, the red antioxidant pigment  found in the red beet root can raise blood levels of HDL cholesterol.  Thus improving one’s blood lipid profile and reducing the risk of heart disease.

This is in large part the reason that we included these two fibers in our Beta Glucan Synbiotic Formula.  But there are more benefits as you will see in the Clinical Notes below.

For the moment however let’s stay with the beta glucan story. Othman RA et al. in their 2011 research, Cholesterol-lowering effects of oat Beta-glucan, Nutritional Review, made the following points:

Significant scientific agreement continues to support a relationship between oat  Beta-glucan and blood cholesterol levels, with newer data being consistent with earlier conclusions made by the FDA and JHCI (the United Kingdom Joint Health Claims Initiative).

Results of this analysis show that studies conducted during the past 13 years support the suggestion that intake of oat Beta-glucan at daily doses of a least 3 g may reduce plasma total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by 5-10% in normocholesterolemic or hypercholesterolemic subjects.

Let’s look at the Beta Glucan Synbiotic Formula more fully in the clinical notes below.

Sincerely yours,

Seann Bardell

Clinical Notes:

The Beta Glucan Synbioic Formula contains three fiber sources: oat bran with 10% hydrocolloidal beta glucan fibers, organic red beet root fibers rich in betalains and inulin soluble fibers derived for organic chicory root.

To these prebiotic fibers we add five pedigreed highly researched probiotic strains of lactic acid bacteria: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Streptococcus thermophilus, and Bifido longum.  When a product contains both prebiotics and probiotics it can then be called a synbiotic formula.

We utilize a patented oat bran in this product.  The patent has to do with how the bran is manufactured.  Instead of using enzymes and acids to liberate the beta-glucans and starches within the cell wall of the oat bran we use a heat shearing technology, a patented thermomechanical process that disrupts the endosperm of oats, freeing the soluble fiber (beta-glucans).

The benefits of this process is that is liberates both the long chain beta glucans and the short chain beta-glucan.  Both have their unique benefits.  The short chain prime the immune system, balancing both the adaptive and the innate divisions.  The long chain beta glucan fibers set up a fiberous matrix withing the GI tract mucous membrane layer.  This mesh provides a home for the good probiotic organisms to attach to.  It gives them a reduced density and a food source both of which stimulates their multiplication, maximizing their growth.  The beta glucan fibers are acidic by nature and are a suitable home for these lactic acid probiotic bacteria, and not so for yeast, which gives the good bacteria an important growth and membrane colonizing advantage over the yeast.

Beta glucan fibers are very viscous and lower the glycemic load of any meal when consumed before or with the meal.  With good bugs and good fiber this is a great formula for any one wishing to maintain and protect their GI tract health.  It is a particularily important formula from those who are suffering from metaboic syndrome.

Recommended dosage is one to two heaping tablespoons a day.

 
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