Managing your cholesterol level

BETA-glucan obtained from oats is known for its ability to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. The Malaysian Ministry of Health recommends 3g of oat beta-glucan to be consumed daily to produce cholesterol-lowering effects.

Taking less than the recommended amount will incur minimal or have no effect on LDL cholesterol levels.

A study by the University of Toronto, Canada, revealed that the ability of oat beta-glucan to lower LDL cholesterol (efficacy) is related to its molecular weight and viscosity while in the gut.

Consumers need to ensure that they are taking the recommended amount of 3g oat beta-glucan daily to ensure that the ingested oat beta-glucans produce an effect enough to reduce cholesterol in the human body.

Consuming oat bran cereal containing 3g of high-molecular weight oat beta-glucan daily has been proven to lower LDL cholesterol by 5%.

Higher molecular weight oat beta-glucan (more than 2,200kDa) is shown to produce a higher viscosity effect in the upper gut or small intestine, thus having a greater effect on reducing LDL cholesterol levels.

Low molecular weight (less than 210 kDa) oat beta-glucan, on the other hand, had minimal or no effect on LDL cholesterol levels.

To ensure that a product’s performance lives up to its claim, the molecular weight and viscosity effect of oat beta-glucans in the human body should be taken into consideration when choosing a brand to use.

There are five reasons why Biogrow Oat BG22 Oat Bran Powder and Biogrow Oat BG22 Crispy Cereal are effective for cholesterol problems.

Both are made purely of natural ingredient(s) – Swedish oat bran. They are free of artificial ingredients, thickeners and fillers.

Two scoops or sachets (about 18g) of oat bran powder or one packet (30g) of crispy cereal provide 3g and above of high molecular weight oat beta-glucan.

They are high in fibre. Both choices offer a balanced combination of soluble (for cholesterol health) and insoluble fibre (for gut health).

They have good solubility and viscosity effect. The powder dissolves well in cold or lukewarm water. Both the powder and crispy cereal are scientifically shown to produce good viscosity or gelling effect in the gut to produce optimal cholesterol-lowering effect.

There has been proven cholesterol-lowering effects from more than 30 clinical studies (European Food Safety Authority Journal 2010).

How to consume

Biogrow Oat BG22 Oat Bran Powder: Mix one scoop or one sachet with 200ml of cold or lukewarm water and drink immediately before meals.

Take at least twice a day for optimal cholesterol-lowering effect. You can also mix in honey, soy milk, a chocolate drink or fruit juice.

Biogrow Oat BG22 Crispy Cereal: Can be eaten straight from the packet as a high fibre snack or enjoyed with low fat milk, soy milk or yogurt.

For more information, call 03-7956 2220 or e-mail info@biogrow.com.my