Polysaccharides are long chains of many monosaccharides joined together such as cellulose, dextrin, glycogen, pectin and starch and are known as complex carbohydrates. Some can be used as potential sources of energy, whereas others can provide anti-inflammatory and immune modulating effects.
Bioactive polysaccharides
- In animals (chondroitin sulphate, heparin, and hyaluronan)
- In plants (pectin, inulin, Ginseng polysaccharides, xylans, and arabinans)
- In bacteria (exopolysaccharides, capsular polysaccharides, and peptidoglycans)
Polysaccharides stimulate the activity of macrophages which are the white blood cells that destroy bacteria, fungi, viruses, other foreign invaders and even wayward cells within the human body.
The dietary polysaccharides, including arabinogalactans, fucoidans, galactomannans, glucans, glucomannans, heteroglycans and pectin have been shown, in scientific studies, to provide these effects in tissues, including the blood, gastrointestinal tract and spleen.
These substances are absorbed through the colon and move from the intestinal walls into the lymphatic system. When in the lymph, they interact with macrophages to activate or suppress immune response. They are also able to modulate mucosal immunity of the large intestine, an essential part of immune functions and healthy gut flora.
Polysaccharide intake also dampens the allergic response to respiratory inflammatory agents and improves survival in cancer patients. They also help to stabilise cholesterol levels, blood pressure and blood sugar so are an important dietary requirement for diabetics and individuals with heart disorders.
In animals and humans, glycogen is a storage polysaccharide that acts as an energy reserve stored primarily in the liver and muscles. While vital for biological function, it is not a major natural dietary source compared to plant-based polysaccharides. Cellulose is the most abundant polysaccharide in nature that makes up about 50% of the cell wall of plant cells.
Natural sources of polysaccharides in alphabetical order
- Aloe vera
- Apples
- Bananas
- Barley
- Beans
- Bran
- Buckwheat
- Bulgar
- Cassava
- Corn
- Dates
- Echinacea
- Goji berries
- Lentils
- Lucuma
- Mushrooms (reishi)
- Oats
- Peas
- Pears
- Potatoes
- Rice (brown)
- Rye
- Wheat
Related subjects
- A-Z of nutrients
- Allergies
- Antimicrobial healing plants and foods
- Bacterial infection and natural antibiotics
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Feed your friendly bacteria
- Fungal and yeast infections
- Heart disorders
- Immune system disorders
- Pain and inflammation
- Respiratory disorders
- Sports nutrition
- Virus infections
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