Fiber is important for the overall health of the digestive system, and oats contain large amounts of a special type called beta-glucan. Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber that partially dissolves when eaten and forms a thick gel in the intestine. Why is this process desirable?
Regular consumption of beta-glucans has been found to lower LDL (or bad) cholesterol as well as total cholesterol. It lowers blood sugar levels and the insulin response needed to process glucose. Beta-glucan promotes good gut bacteria. Another benefit is that you will feel fuller for longer.
Let’s talk a little more about these critical levels affecting our health. High cholesterol is one of the leading indicators of heart disease, which is the most common cause of death in adults. Beta-glucan increases the production of gastric juices that are rich in cholesterol, which leads to lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels and cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber, so it also improves blood sugar levels and insulin response to glucose. This is because the gel formed by beta-glucan slows the movement of contents from the stomach to the intestines. Therefore, glucose is released into the bloodstream more slowly and evenly, and so insulin is able to process it more easily.
