A groundbreaking study has revealed that beta-glucan fiber, a type commonly found in oats and barley, may be the most beneficial form of dietary fiber for weight loss and blood sugar control. Researchers at the University of Arizona and the University of Vienna conducted a trial on mice fed a high-fat diet, and found that beta-glucan significantly reduced fat content and body weight within 18 weeks.
The study’s lead scientist, Frank Duca, explained that while fiber is known to be beneficial, there are many different types with varying effects. The team tested several forms of fiber, including oat beta-glucans, wheat dextrin, pectin, resistant starch, and cellulose, and found that only beta-glucan had a positive impact on weight loss and glucose homeostasis.
Beta-glucan was found to increase the number of Ileibacterium in the mouse intestine, which has been linked to weight loss in previous studies. The fiber also increased energy expenditure and led to reduced body fat content compared to mice fed other forms of fiber.
The study’s findings suggest that beta-glucan may have additional benefits beyond just regulating appetite and body weight, including improving gut barrier health and targeting peripheral organs like the liver. However, further research is needed before these results can be extended to humans.
Currently, less than 5% of people in the US consume the recommended daily amount of fiber, leading to a growing demand for fiber supplements and ‘invisible fiber’-infused foods. With so many different types of fiber available, it’s essential to identify which ones are most beneficial for weight loss and insulin control. This study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of beta-glucan fiber and highlights the importance of further research in this area.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/a-type-of-fiber-could-have-weight-loss-benefits-similar-to-ozempic