Q: I had heard some talk recently about beta-glucans and how good they can be for you. Can you enlighten me about what these are and what they do? Do they play a role in inflammation control?
A: Beta glucans are glucose polymers found mainly in oats and barley. They represent soluble fiber and delay the absorption of dietary carbohydrates, thus lowering the resulting insulin response. By reducing insulin, you also reduce the driving force to cause the formation of arachidonic acid thereby reducing inflammation.