Glucanase is a digestive enzyme that breaks down cellulose in natural plant fibres known as glucan. Glucans are a polysaccharide made of glucose molecules linked together into long chains that humans cannot readily digest such as cellulose plant fibre, cereal bran fibre and parts of certain types of bacteria, fungi and yeast. As a kind of indigestible fibre, they may become viscous in the intestinal tract and slow peristalsis (intestinal contractions).
Consumption of glucanase rich foods can help to avoid this and will help with better digestion of heavy cereal grains such as wheat, barley and rye. This can relieve acid reflux, bloating, flatulence, heartburn and indigestion, and keep the bowel movements regular.
Studies show that beta glucan yeast products help lower cholesterol, especially “bad” low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Fibres and polysaccharides from mushrooms, yeasts, and cereals are beta glucan nutrients with proven antitumour, anti-microbial, anti-allergic, and immune-modulating effects.
Glucanase is also a powerful antifungal compound against infections such as candida and thrush and can help with the prevention and treatment of Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Once they are broken down into glucans by glucanase, grain and plant fibres can help with preventing and treating colon disorders, diabetes and high LDL cholesterol. The human body cannot naturally produce glucanase, therefore it has to be incorporated in the diet through foods.
Natural sources of glucanase in alphabetical order
- Barley
- Baker’s and brewer’s yeasts
- Mushrooms
- Oats
NOTE: People with a Herpes simplex virus infection should limit mushrooms and yeast products as they can cause flare ups of the virus.
Related subjects
- A-Z of nutrients
- Allergies
- Cancer
- Constipation and diarrhoea
- Diabetes
- Excretory system disorders
- Fungal and yeast infections
- Heart disorders (High LDL cholesterol)
- Immune system disorders
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