Beta Glucans and Cancer May Be a Promising Partnership

The prevalent soluble fiber in beta glucans has multiple health benefits and shows promise as an adjuvant in cancer treatment.
Beta Glucans and Cancer May Be a Promising Partnership
Barley is one of the highest food sources of beta glucans, which have an impressive list of health benefits. Shutterstock/Regreto
Emma Suttie
Emma Suttie
D.Ac, AP
|Updated:
If you have been hearing a lot about beta glucans lately, it’s for a good reason. A growing body of research shows how beneficial they are to our health—especially for people with cancer.

What are Beta Glucans?

Beta glucans are a type of soluble fiber found in the cell walls of cereal grains such as oats and barley, different types of fungi such as shiitake and maitake mushrooms, as well as some yeasts, bacteria, seaweed, and algae. Their biological effects depend on their source, size, and structure, but they have been shown to be helpful in a number of conditions and support healthy blood glucose levels, aid in weight loss, improve the cardiovascular system, and benefit people with cancer.
As they are present in many foods, most people are likely getting some beta glucans from their diet, but they are also available in supplement form as pills, powders, and liquid for those who want more than their diet can provide.

Powerful Antioxidants

Studies demonstrate that beta glucans are powerful antioxidants and free radical scavengers that can help to repair DNA damage.
Emma Suttie
Emma Suttie
D.Ac, AP
Emma is an acupuncture physician and has written extensively about health for multiple publications over the past decade. She is now a health reporter for The Epoch Times, covering Eastern medicine, nutrition, trauma, and lifestyle medicine.
Related Topics