The ingredient is rich in beta glucan, the soluble fiber found in oats that studies indicate is effective in helping maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
"Food processors can now formulate foods to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, sustain the effects of meal gratification, help reduce after-meal fatigue, and sustain healthy energy levels," said GTC.
Clinical studies show that oat beta-glucan significantly reduces LDL and total cholesterol and the substance has carried a health claim, approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), since 1997. With increasing levels of obesity manufacturers are looking more and more to use functional ingredients with health-giving properties.
More than 100 million Americans have elevated cholesterol levels. For the 65 million who are 'borderline high', (200-239 mg/dL), lifestyle modifications such as diet can play a role in maintaining normal cholesterol levels, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP).