Are you familiar with the term "beta-glucan"? You may have heard of it in advertisements or nutrition discussions. If not, we're here to fill you in! This fiber, packed with goodness for your body, is found in many everyday foods, including the mushrooms we use in our MushUp coffees!
What are beta-glucans?
Beta-glucan is a fiber in the carbohydrate family (sugar polymer), found in certain plants, algae, yeasts, dairy substances, but also in cereal grains and certain mushrooms: oyster mushrooms, Asian mushrooms such as Maitake and Shiitake, and certain medicinal mushrooms .
Good for my body?
Yes! When consumed in moderation, foods rich in beta-glucans help maintain a healthy immune system—our natural defenses! Recognized as immunostimulants, they promote the function and response of immune cells. In this way, they help attack invading pathogens, thus strengthening our resistance to infections such as the flu, colds, respiratory infections, and allergies.
Another advantage: beta-glucan is a soluble fiber. Therefore, it delays gastric emptying, slows glucose absorption, helps absorb cholesterol particles, and stimulates immune cells in the intestine.
Beware of excesses
In Asia, beta-glucans are used as a supplement against cancer treatment, for their antitumor effect, their positive influence on immunity, quality of life and the side effects of chemotherapy.
Researchers, however, warn against the misuse of this type of supplement. Because the immune system relies on a very delicate balance, taking these substances in excessively high concentrations can cause adverse effects such as a weakened immune system, hearing problems during cisplatin treatment, allergic reactions, or other undesirable effects.
The power of beta-glucans in MushUp coffees
Our coffees made with medicinal mushrooms contain a wealth of nutrients, including beta-glucans, which are found in the cell walls of mushrooms.
Thanks to their immunostimulating properties, they will help you keep your immune system in top shape, in addition to playing a regulatory role in the assimilation of caffeine in the body.
And don't worry, unless you consume more than 5 MushUp coffees per day, the amount of Beta-glucans in our coffees is less than the maximum dose recommended by the European Food Safety Authority ( EFSA), which is 1,275 mg/day (a cup of MushUp coffee contains about 200 mg).
Reishi, Cordyceps, Chaga, Turkey Tail, Lion's Mane: all our varieties are here to allow you to enjoy your coffee for the best of your health!
