It has been shown scientifically that the regular consumption of natural roughage in the form of beta-glucan from barley results in a proven reduction of cholesterol in the blood and is extremely effective because beta-glucan forms a gel which captures the "bad" LDL cholesterol and transports it out of the body, without any detrimental effect on the "good" HDL cholesterol.
The positive effect on cholesterol levels is achieved with the consumption of 3 g of beta-glucan from barley per day. This amount can be included already with the consumption of 3 slices of betabarley bread or with 6-8 tablespoons of betabarley flakes.
Barley beta-glucan not only regulates cholesterol levels, it is also an effective antioxidant: it is able to neutralise free radicals, which otherwise could damage important molecules in cells.
The reducing effect of beta-glucan on blood sugar levels is also scientifically proven, as is the improvement of insulin levels. Behind this is a slowdown in the rate the stomach is emptied, a better feeling of satiation and a delay in the uptake of the carbohydrates in the food. Closely associated with this is a positive effect on body weight.