BETA-GLUCAN

Beta-glucan is a long sugar molecule found in the cell walls of cereals and fungi. It is usually extracted from oats, occasionally from barley. Beta-glucan has two amazing abilities: on the one hand, it has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and thus prevent vascular disease. On the other hand, it stimulates the immune system. It makes the immune system believe that there is a pathogen without being one. In this way it activates scavenger cells that mobilise other cells of the immune defence.

By activating the immune defence, beta-glucan ultimately reduces the risk of cancer. Beta-glucan also exerts this effect in the skin. In the lower epidermis, beta-glucan stimulates the Langerhans cells, which in turn mobilise cells of the immune defence.