Benefits
Healthy cholesterol
A meta-analysis of randomized trials confirmed that barley beta-glucan lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, supporting cardiovascular risk reduction.
Steadier blood sugar
The viscous fiber slows carbohydrate absorption, blunting the rise in blood sugar after meals.
Digestive and gut health
As a fermentable soluble fiber, barley beta-glucan supports regularity and feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
Mechanism of action
Viscous fiber gel
Beta-glucan forms a thick gel in the gut that traps cholesterol and bile acids, increasing their excretion and prompting the liver to clear more LDL cholesterol.
Slowed glucose absorption
The gel slows the absorption of sugars, supporting steadier post-meal blood glucose.
Clinical trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials of barley beta-glucan on LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and apoB. (Ho et al. 2016, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition)
Adults across multiple RCTs.
Barley beta-glucan significantly lowered LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and apoB versus control.