Why is the concentration of polysaccharides optimal in our mushrooms?

Properties and Uses of Medicinal Mushrooms: The Power of Beta-Glucan

Medical mushrooms are a real hit in traditional Far Eastern medicine, used for centuries. They have found their place as so-called functional food. According to the European Union, these are products that have a positive effect on health, which is confirmed by scientific research. Thanks to the active compounds contained in them, they are an important element in preventing and supporting the treatment of various diseases and ailments.

Polysaccharides are the main active ingredients of mushrooms, but not the only ones! Triterpenoids, ergosterols, lectins, statins, essential phospholipids, minerals, vitamins and enzymes are also important. Polysaccharides, or polysaccharides, are compounds made of monosaccharide residues and their derivatives. They belong to carbohydrates and biopolymers, which in the plant and animal world play a building and reserve role. The most important polysaccharide in medicinal mushrooms is Beta-glucan.

It is a natural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of bacteria, fungi and yeast. It is part of soluble dietary fiber. Beta-glucan has been recognized as a component of functional food, because its positive effect on the human body is scientifically confirmed. Additionally, it has a caring effect, so it can often be found in cosmetics.

Beta-glucans, which are linked by β-(1,3-) and β-(1,4-) bonds, are water-soluble and can be found, for example, in cereal products.

Beta-Glucan: An Effective Weapon in the Fight Against Cholesterol

Beta-glucan is a specific arrangement of sugars in a polysaccharide chain.

There are two types of beta-glucans:

• linked by β-(1,3-) and β-(1,4-) bonds – soluble in water, found in cereal products;

• or β-(1,3-) and β-(1,6-) – insoluble in water, originating, for example, from mushrooms or baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

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Beta-glucans from fungi and yeast have configurations (1-3), (1-6) beta-D-glucan and are the most potent in terms of biological activity. Good sources of beta-glucans are cereals such as barley, rye, wheat and triticale, as well as bran, oat flakes, corn and rice. However, these have a different configuration (1-4) and do not act like those (1-3) or (1-6).

Scientists believe that beta-glucan can help lower blood cholesterol levels. It binds with bile acids, which inhibits their absorption in the intestines, so they must be excreted from the body. This removes excess fat, including bad cholesterol, and beta-glucan forms a layer on the intestines that prevents the excess from being absorbed.

Beta-glucans with β-(1,3-) and β-(1,6-) linkages are not soluble in water.

Beta-Glucan: A Versatile Effect on Health and Fitness

Beta-glucan helps lower blood sugar levels , which is great if you want to avoid gaining weight. It makes you feel full longer because it slows down stomach emptying due to its viscosity. This helps control appetite, so you eat less and don't gain weight. Additionally, beta-glucan supports bowel regularity by increasing the frequency of bowel movements, which prevents the build-up of undigested waste (important for preventing colon cancer).

Studies show that beta-glucans have a positive impact on health:

• lowers cholesterol levels;

• increase the viscosity of food, which makes glucose absorbed slower, positively affecting sugar levels after a meal;

• bind bile acids;

• limit the absorption of harmful heavy metals (e.g. lead) from food;

• help prevent insulin resistance;

• may help you lose weight by prolonging the effects of the hormone cholecystokinin, which reduces appetite and keeps you feeling full longer;

• affect the intestinal microflora;

• regulate intestinal function; may help prevent coronary heart disease;

• control blood pressure;

• they are used in care and medical cosmetics, supporting the treatment of skin diseases, healing wounds, as well as nourishing nails and hair;

• may have anti-cancer effects.

Beta glucans β-(1,3-) and β-(1,6-) can be found for example in mushrooms or baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Neurigo: The Incredible Power of Beta-Glucans

Our Neurigo product is full of extracts from mushrooms rich in beta glucans: Lion's Mane (40%), Chaga (30%) and Cordyceps sinensis (40%). 50 g of the product contains as much as 20 g of polysaccharides! Products with a lower concentration, for example 10-20%, will simply be less effective. Concentrations of 30% and more are ideal when you need stronger support for the body - in acute inflammation, mental or physical exhaustion - situations where the body's natural defense mechanisms need to be strengthened.

Neurigo contains mushroom extracts very rich in beta-glucans: Lion's Mane (40%), Chagi (30%) and Cordyceps sinensis (40%). The total content of polysaccharides (ß - glucans) in 50 g of the product is as much as 20 g of polysaccharides!

Sources:

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