Knowledge Center

 

The Cerabeta blog is filled with the facts

Check out the Cerabeta blog to learn important information about barley beta-glucan, cholesterol, weight loss, prebiotics and more.

Psyllium husk

How does barley beta-glucan compare to psyllium husk?
Psyllium husk is a type of soluble fiber that comes from the Plantago ovata plant’s seeds and is primarily grown in Asia. Psyllium does naturally lower cholesterol but it’s not as effective as beta-glucan. 7g of psyllium husk is required daily to lower cholesterol compared to beta-glucan's 3g 3 grams per day. Additionally, beta-glucan can lower cholesterol to a much greater extent. Psyllium can lower cholesterol levels by up to 7.4% whereas with beta-glucan you can expect to see a reduction of up to 24%.

What is GLP-1?

Can you explain in detail what GLP-1 is and how it relates to weight loss?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a natural hormone secreted by L-cells in the gastrointestinal tract which signals you to feel full when you've eaten enough. GLP-1 helps maintain stable blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion when blood sugar rises, slowing down stomach emptying, and signaling the liver to conserve its energy stores (glycogen).

GLP-1 is also produced in our brain after we eat, as a physiological regulator of appetite and caloric intake. Imagine GLP-1 as a tiny switch in your gut and brain that tells you "I'm full!". When GLP-1 levels rise, we feel satiated and less likely to overeat.

The presence of the GLP-1 satiating hormone usually lasts for only a few minutes in our blood depending on what we eat. This is partly because an enzyme (DPP-4) breaks down GLP-1 hormone as a natural process in our body, and our kidneys also help eliminate GLP-1 from the bloodstream.

How to naturally produce GLP-1

Is there anything I can do to naturally produce the satiating hormone GLP-1 in my body?
Yes. Consuming protein and soluble and fermentable fiber can be powerful tools for weight management because they work together to increase satiety.

Protein triggers the initial production of GLP-1 in the small intestine. Beta-glucan in barley, a soluble and fermentable fiber, enhances GLP-1 production once it reaches the colon, providing a sustained and prolonged release of this satiating hormone.

This combination keeps you feeling fuller for longer, and at the same time nurtures your body and your microbiome, preventing muscle loss and gastrointestinal problems.

FODMAP diets

Is Cerabeta recommended for low FODMAP diets?
Yes, Cerabeta is suitable for low FODMAP diets. Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols (FODMAP) are short chain carbohydrates. They can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine, leading to digestive symptoms in some individuals.

Low FODMAP diets have gained popularity over the years to provide benefits for people with digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Low FODMAP diets work by reducing certain foods that contain specific carbohydrates that can cause irritation and problems in the gut.

Studies have shown that 76% of IBS patients that followed a low FODMAP diet have improved their symptoms.

Sleep, exercise, diet

What about things like sleep, exercise and a balanced diet?
While incorporating Cerabeta 4-in-1 Barley Beta-Glucan into your diet is a great step, it's crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep.