|
β-Glucans (beta-glucans) comprise a group of β-D-glucose polysaccharides naturally occurring in the cell walls of cereals, yeast, bacteria, and fungi, with significantly differing physicochemical properties dependent on source. Typically, β-glucans form a linear backbone with 1-3 β-glycosidic bonds but vary with respect to molecular mass, solubility, viscosity, branching structure, and gelation properties, causing diverse physiological effects in animals. The positive health effects of β-glucan have been demonstrated through extensive research, but differ by type: yeast and medicinal mushroom derived β-glucans are notable for their ability to modulate the immune system, while cereal β-glucan is known for cholesterol-lowering, glucose modulation, and cosmetic applications. More recent studies have shown cereal β-glucan may also exhibit immunomodulatory properties. β-glucans are further used in various nutraceutical and cosmetic products, as texturing agents, and as soluble fiber supplements, but can be problematic in the process of brewing. An increasing body of research has demonstrated the potential of β-glucans in pharmaceutical applications. == History == Cereal, yeast, and fungal products have been used for centuries for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, however the specific role of β-glucan was not explored until the 20th century. β-glucans were first discovered in lichens, and shortly thereafter in barley. A particular interest in oat β-glucan arose after their cholesterol lowering effect was reported in 1984. In 1997, after reviewing 33 clinical studies performed over the previous decades, the FDA approved of a claim that intaking at least 3 g of β-glucan from oats per day decreased saturated fats and reduced the risk of heart disease. This marked the first time a public health agency claimed dietary intervention can actually help prevent disease. This health claim mobilized a dietary movement as physicians and dietitians for the first time could recommend intake of a specific food to directly combat disease. Since then, oat consumption has continued to gain traction in disease prevention with noted effects on ischemic heart disease and stroke prevention, but also in other areas like BMI reduction, blood pressure lowering and highly corroborated evidence for reduced blood serum cholesterol.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Beta-glucan」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|