You may have already heard about medicinal mushrooms and their exceptional virtues. But do you know about beta-glucans? These bioactive compounds, true hidden treasures at the heart of these mushrooms, are our allies for robust health. So, to help you learn more, we take you to French Mush to explore their mechanisms of action and their multiple benefits.
What should be remembered about beta-glucans?
What exactly is a beta-glucan? They are indeed polysaccharides, which are long chains of glucose molecules (a type of sugar). These glucose chains are naturally found in the cell walls of certain foods such as cereals, bacteria, yeasts, and, of course, mushrooms.
What makes beta-glucans so special is the way these glucose molecules are connected to each other. Most beta-glucans have a linear backbone with β-(1→3) linkages and branches via β-(1→4) or β-(1→6) linkages. These β-glycosidic linkages (that's the scientific name!) give them unique properties, including their ability to interact with our immune system.
Let's also specify that beta-glucans are valuable modulators of our immune system. They work by stimulating our natural defenses and enhancing our resistance to external aggressions. These bioactive compounds are capable of activating macrophages and modulating their production of cytokines.
⚠️ PS: Macrophages are immune cells that "eat" invaders, and cytokines are chemical messengers that coordinate the immune response.
What are the benefits of beta-glucans on the body?
The potential of beta-glucans in supporting our immune system and overall well-being is very remarkable. These bioactive compounds offer a multitude of benefits for our health.
The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects
After being ingested, beta-glucans pass through the stomach and reach the small intestine, where they are absorbed by intestinal cells and macrophages. That's where the magic happens!
Beta-glucans then reach the immune cells present in the Peyer's patches (specific areas of the intestine) and the lymphoid organs. They then bind to specific receptors, such as Toll-like receptors (TLR) and C-type lectin receptors, notably dectin-1.
This binding triggers a cascade of reactions inside immune cells, activating the nuclear factor k-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB). The production of certain essential molecules for our immunity is initiated. Specifically, these are:
● Cytokines: chemical messengers that coordinate the immune response
● Nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS): molecules that help destroy invaders
In summary, beta-glucans stimulate our immune system in a targeted and effective manner and help us better defend against external aggressions.
The effects on metabolic and gastrointestinal systems
Beta-glucans also have a positive impact on digestion and metabolism. How? First of all, it is important to note that beta-glucans are not digested by our body. They pass through our digestive system without being broken down by our intestinal enzymes. What may seem surprising is actually the key to their benefits! Indeed, beta-glucans act as regulators of intestinal transit.
By absorbing water, they form a gel that slows down the passage of food through our intestines. This action has several positive effects:
● It regulates blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates.
● It increases the feeling of fullness, which can be useful for managing weight.
● It feeds the good bacteria in our gut by acting as a prebiotic.
But that's not all! Beta-glucans also help to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Several mechanisms are involved:
● They increase the excretion of bile acids. This stimulates the production of new bile acids from cholesterol, thus reducing its level in the blood.
● They inhibit the intestinal reabsorption of bile salts by forming a gel on the surface of the intestine.
● They promote the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) by the fermentation of gut bacteria, which inhibit cholesterol synthesis.
In summary, beta-glucans act as true allies for your digestion and metabolism. They thus contribute to your overall well-being. ✨
Boost your well-being with the Complexe 5 Champignons from French Mush
Do you want to fully enjoy the benefits of medicinal mushrooms and beta-glucans for optimal health? At French Mush, we offer you the 5 Mushroom Complex, a unique and synergistic formula designed to support your immunity, vitality, and overall well-being.
This powerful combination brings together five exceptional medicinal mushrooms, carefully selected for their complementary properties:
● the Shiitake, rich in polysaccharides and beta-glucans to stimulate the immune system and help reduce cholesterol;
● the Lion's Mane, which enhances memory, concentration, and supports nerve regeneration and gut health;
● the Cordyceps, an ally to boost energy, physical endurance, improve athletic performance, and strengthen the immune system;
● the Chaga, a concentrate of antioxidants that protects against free radicals and boosts the immune system; and finally,
● the Reishi, known for helping to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and strengthen the immune system.
At French Mush, we go beyond merely selecting quality ingredients. We are committed to providing you with optimal bioavailability through our ultrasonic extraction technique, which achieves 92% bioavailability of active ingredients. This means that your body can truly benefit from all the advantages of our mushrooms, as our products are 4 to 8 times more effective than average.
Moreover, we are proud to offer you a product that is respectful of your body and the environment: our mushrooms are 100% organic, grown in France, Spain, and Finland according to organic farming standards. They are then processed in France to ensure impeccable traceability and quality.
So, ready to discover the power of the Complexe 5 Champignons from French Mush and give a boost to your overall well-being?
Source :
Edible Mushrooms and Beta-Glucans: Impact on Human Health
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8308413/