What Are the Benefits of Beta Glucan Cream?
Beta glucan is a naturally occurring compound that can be isolated from several sources. The compound has been found to have profound effects on the body's immune system. Researchers have been studying beta glucan's effect on skin as an anti-aging product. There are several skin care products now available with beta glucan as the active ingredient. Does this Spark an idea?
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Sources
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Beta glucan is found in grains such as oats and barley. It is also found in the cell walls of yeast and in fungi. The source of most beta glucan used in skin care products is baker's yeast, known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Structure
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Beta glucan, also called Beta 1,3/1,6 D-glucan, is a polysaccharide comprised mostly of the sugar glucose. The structure typically forms a long chain, which can wind around and around. This gives it the appearance of a helix, the same shape of human DNA.
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Immune System Benefits
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Beta glucan's most important benefit is that it stimulates macrophages, which are a white blood cell that specializes in ingesting foreign particles, like viruses. Beta glucan increases the size and number of these macrophages, which enhances their ability to digest microorganisms that can cause disease. In turn, macrophages stimulate the production of more T and B-cells, which are also important to the immune system.
Anti-Aging Benefits
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The skin also has immune cells, called Langerhans cells. Beta glucan used in creams helps stimulate these cells to become functional again, bringing back healthier, younger-looking skin. The Langerhans cells in the skin become damaged over time by the sun's ultraviolet rays, chemicals in makeup and cleansers, and chlorine in water. This damage creates wrinkles and causes the skin to look dull and grainy.
In addition, beta glucan stimulates collagen formation. Collagen is a protein found in connective tissue, and more collagen helps decrease the depth of wrinkles.
Products
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There are oral supplements containing beta glucan that help boost the immune system. It is also found in skin-care products, including eye creams, lotions and more. The manufacturers of these products market them as nature's new miracle, helping us to not only look younger, but to stay healthier, fighting off diseases like cancer and heart disease.
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