According to a new study, increased intake of beta-glucan (a soluble fibre) decreased the glucose and insulin response in overweight men.

Lead author Kay Behall from the USDA ARS in Beltsville, maryland, stated:

"Acute consumption of barley beta-glucan, but not resistant starch, in muffins was effective in reducing glucose and insulin responses in men who were mildly insulin-resistant.

Beta-glucan, a non-starch polysaccharide found in oats and barley, has been the subject of increasing attention with some reports showing the soluble fibre can decrease LDL-C levels.

Published in the journal Nutrition Research, this new study investigated the effect of barley beta-glucan and preformed resistant starch separately or together on glucose and insulin responses in overweight men.

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