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What are Beta-Glucans and Why Do They Matter?
There are a plethora of different compounds found in mushrooms, many of which can be valuable to your health. This includes several types of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These ingredients have been lauded for their myriad of health benefits including neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting.
Beta-glucans have been getting a lot of attention lately thanks to their wide range of wellness benefits. They’re often present in mushrooms. But what exactly are beta-glucans and why are they good for you? Read on to learn more!
What is a Beta-Glucan?
A type of polysaccharide, beta-glucans are soluble fiber molecules that live in the cell walls of mushrooms as well as certain bacteria, yeast, and even some plants. They have been found to aid in digestion by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates and cholesterol. Further analysis found consuming beta-glucans can help reduce “bad” cholesterol levels in the body, thereby promoting cardiovascular health.
In addition to aiding in controlling bad cholesterol, beta-glucans may also benefit heart health by boosting metabolic function. They may also help keep blood sugar levels in check, further helping prevent and treat diabetes.
Beta-Glucans and Immune System Function
Beta-glucans have also been shown to help boost immunity. The compounds act as immunomodulatory agents, stimulating certain cells within the immune system to help it perform better. Beta-glucans also boost white blood cell function, making it easier for them to fight back against attack.
Beta-glucans have been used in Japan to help aid cancer treatments for decades. One Japanese study saw beta-glucans reduce tumor cells in mice, leading healthcare professionals in the country to encourage the use of the compounds in immunoadjuvant therapy.
Final Thought
With so many different mushroom products on the market, it can be hard to determine which are the best. Blends chock full of beta-glucans can help promote heart health as well as immune system function so always be sure to check for them before purchasing.
Slim Winkel’s line of functional mushroom extracts contains high levels of beta-glucans. Want to try them for yourself? Sign up for our newsletter now and you’ll get a discount code for 10% off your first order!
What is a CoA and Why Does it Matter?
Understanding what we consume goes deeper than the ingredient list on a package. We also need to trust the ingredients themselves are safe and exactly what they claim to be. But how do we know what a brand says is true?
One way is through proper documentation throughout the supply chain. Required regulatory checks, as well as the voluntary third-party examination of manufacturing practices and products themselves, help companies put out dependable and effective offerings.
A certificate of analysis (CoA) is one tool brands use to guarantee product quality. Some heavily regulated industries require the use of CoAs to ensure consumer safety and maintain compliance.
But what exactly is a CoA and why is it important? Read on to find out!
What is a Certificate of Analysis?
According to Law Insider, a certificate of analysis is “a document, signed by an authorized representative of the manufacturer, describing specifications for, and testing methods applied to the product, and the results thereof.”
In layman’s terms, a CoA helps ensure product makers receive exactly what they ordered while simultaneously increasing consumer confidence. These verified documents outline product specifications, laboratory testing results, manufacturing and transport dates, and other pertinent information that proves a company is delivering what it promises.
CoAs live at the intersection of materials suppliers, production facilities, and labs with the function of confirming important data while also providing a chain of custody. They may differ slightly between industries but serve the same purpose: to guarantee safety and quality.
Differences in CoAs - Going Above and Beyond
As we mentioned previously, CoAs may vary from supply chain to supply chain. They can also differ within industries depending on the type of business or individual brand preference.
Some companies can add on certain types of testing to boost confidence, going above and beyond to prove their products are the best. For example, they may choose to opt-in to check for the presence of certain toxic compounds even if not required in order to show they’re willing to go the extra mile for their customer. Slim Winkel, unlike very few other companies, chooses to make their CoAs available for the end consumer to offer full transparency.
Final Thought
A certificate of analysis is an important part of the production process for many finished goods. It confirms company claims, protects consumers, and provides an opportunity to boost consumer confidence.
Curious about what Slim Winkel has in their Mycowerx Infinite 6-in-1 blend? Check it out now!