Cholesterol Research

Most research on Beta Glucan and Cholesterol has involved grain-derived glucans (oat & barley) and the effects of oat-derived Beta Glucan on Cholesterol are well documented, but there is no reason to expect that yeast-derived Beta Glucan would not have the same effect. In a 2007 study [See Study], where four different types of glucans (grain-derived, mushroom-derived and yeast-derived) in soluble and insoluble form were compared for cholesterol-lowering activity.

The yeast-derived Beta Glucan showed significant reduction on cholesterol level in the blood when used regularly over a 50-day period. The soluble mushroom-derived Glucan also showed cholesterol-lowering activity. Interestingly, both the yeast-derived and mushroom-derived glucans outperformed the grain-derived on lowering cholesterol levels.

This same study feed a diet with added cholesterol to mice and measured blood cholesterol levels after two weeks. The high-cholesterol diet was followed by 40 days of feeding with the same widely available glucans (grain-derived, mushroom-derived and yeast-derived in soluble and insoluble form). The study showed that all glucans provided immediate cholesterol-lowering benefits but only the yeast-derived Beta Glucan continued to provide activity over the long term.

LDL, HDL & Triglycerides

The primary chemicals that are associated with a body's cholesterol levels are the LDL (Low Density Lipoproteins) and commonly refered to as the "bad" cholesterol; HDL (High Density Lipoproteins) and commonly refered to as the "good" cholesterol; and, Triglycerides which is the "fat" in your blood.

LDL as Bad Cholesterol

LDL Colesterol is a cholesterol that damages the circulatory system which leads to the development of conditions such as atherosclerosis and risk of heart attack, stroke and even death. LDL is carried within a lipoprotein in the blood having a low density. The blood deposites the LDLs beneath the artirial linings, where the LDLs are oxidized and stimulate the formation of cholesterol filled foam cells. These foam cells are the abnormals cells which are responsible for the increased health risks such as previously-mentioned atherosclerosis, etc.

HDL as Good Cholesterol

HDL stands for high density lipoprotein, a form of "good" cholesterol. Lipoproteins are made of fat and protein. They carry cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fats, called lipids, in the blood to various parts of the body.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat.

Not only does your body naturally makes some triglycerides, the triglycerides also come from the food eaten and is a derviative of the way the body utilizes calories. Energy from your food is measured in calories, and your body uses those calories for immediate energy. When you consume more calories than your body needs for immediately fuel, those excess calories are turned into triglycerides and stored in fat cells for later use. The potential bottom-line is that if you eat more calories than your burns, triglyceride level may be high.

HealthLine has a wonderful article on cholesterol & testing.