Beta-glucans are soluble fibers that come from the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and some plants. They might lower the risk for heart disease.
Beta-glucans might prevent the body from absorbing cholesterol from food. They might also stimulate the immune system by increasing chemicals that prevent infections. The US FDA allows products containing at least 750 mg of beta-glucans to have a health claim stating that they might reduce heart disease risk.
Beta-glucans are most commonly used for heart disease and high cholesterol. They are also used for many other conditions, such as eczema and diabetes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.
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