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Economic Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Forget ozempic, this natural fibre mimics its effects, aiding dramatic weight loss and blood sugar control, say experts
We've all heard about Ozempic, the diabetes drug that's become popular for its strong weight loss effects. But what if a simple, natural ingredient like fibre could do something similar? That's what a new study from the University of Arizona and the University of Vienna suggests. Researchers have found that beta-glucan, a special type of fibre found in oats and barley, may help with weight loss and blood sugar control, just like Ozempic, but without any medication. For a long time, fibre wasn't the star of the nutrition world. People mostly focused on carbs and protein. But now, fibre is making a comeback, especially as we learn more about how it helps our gut and overall health. Our gut is home to trillions of tiny bacteria, known as the gut microbiome. These bacteria love fibre. In return, they help us digest food, fight off illness, and even manage weight. In the new 2024 study, scientists gave different types of fibre to mice who were on a high-fat diet. Only one type worked for weight loss: beta-glucan. Beta-glucan is a soluble fibre. That means it dissolves in water and can be easily used by gut bacteria. You can find it in common whole grains like oats and barley. In the study, mice that ate beta-glucan didn't eat less food, but they still lost weight and fat. Their metabolism changed. One of the biggest changes was an increase in a helpful gut bacterium called Ileibacterium, which other studies have also linked to weight key change was the production of a chemical called butyrate. This is made when gut bacteria digest fibre. Butyrate helps your body release GLP-1, a hormone that reduces hunger. Ozempic works by mimicking this same hormone. So in simple terms, beta-glucan might help your body make more of this hormone doesn't just help with weight. It also protects the lining of your gut, supports the liver, and may lower inflammation. Scientists say we still have a lot to learn, but the early signs are said, remember: this research was done in mice. We still need more studies in humans to be sure it works the same beta-glucan to your diet is easy. Here are some foods that naturally contain it: Oats Barley Sorghum Rye Maize (corn) Triticale (a wheat-rye hybrid) Wheat and durum wheat Rice Mushrooms Seaweed These foods slow down digestion, which keeps you full for longer and helps your body manage blood sugar better. Inputs from TOI
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Forget ozempic, this natural fibre mimics its effects, aiding dramatic weight loss and blood sugar control, say experts
Fibre's comeback moment What's so special about beta-glucan? Live Events More than just weight loss Foods that are rich in beta-glucan Oats Barley Sorghum Rye Maize (corn) Triticale (a wheat-rye hybrid) Wheat and durum wheat Rice Mushrooms Seaweed (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel We've all heard about Ozempic , the diabetes drug that's become popular for its strong weight loss effects. But what if a simple, natural ingredient like fibre could do something similar?That's what a new study from the University of Arizona and the University of Vienna suggests. Researchers have found that beta-glucan , a special type of fibre found in oats and barley, may help with weight loss and blood sugar control , just like Ozempic, but without any a long time, fibre wasn't the star of the nutrition world. People mostly focused on carbs and protein. But now, fibre is making a comeback, especially as we learn more about how it helps our gut and overall gut is home to trillions of tiny bacteria, known as the gut microbiome . These bacteria love fibre. In return, they help us digest food, fight off illness, and even manage weight. In the new 2024 study, scientists gave different types of fibre to mice who were on a high-fat diet . Only one type worked for weight loss: is a soluble fibre. That means it dissolves in water and can be easily used by gut bacteria. You can find it in common whole grains like oats and the study, mice that ate beta-glucan didn't eat less food, but they still lost weight and fat. Their metabolism changed. One of the biggest changes was an increase in a helpful gut bacterium called Ileibacterium, which other studies have also linked to weight key change was the production of a chemical called butyrate. This is made when gut bacteria digest fibre. Butyrate helps your body release GLP-1, a hormone that reduces hunger. Ozempic works by mimicking this same hormone. So in simple terms, beta-glucan might help your body make more of this hormone doesn't just help with weight. It also protects the lining of your gut, supports the liver, and may lower inflammation. Scientists say we still have a lot to learn, but the early signs are said, remember: this research was done in mice. We still need more studies in humans to be sure it works the same beta-glucan to your diet is easy. Here are some foods that naturally contain it:These foods slow down digestion, which keeps you full for longer and helps your body manage blood sugar from TOI
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
THIS fibre mimics ozempic and can help in dramatic weight loss
We've heard about Ozempic, the diabetes drug making waves for its dramatic weight loss effects. But what if something as simple as a fiber found in oats and barley could offer similar benefits—naturally? That's the idea behind new research from the University of Arizona and the University of Vienna, which suggests a particular kind of fiber—beta-glucan—might help with weight loss and blood sugar control in ways that mimic Ozempic, without the medication. For years, fiber has taken a backseat in nutrition discussions, overshadowed by protein and carbs. But in recent times, it's making a serious comeback, especially as scientists continue to discover how important it is for our gut health. Our digestive system is home to trillions of bacteria, often referred to as the gut microbiome. These microbes feed primarily on fiber, and in return, they help regulate everything from digestion to immune function. Now, researchers are starting to uncover how specific types of fiber might also play a role in managing weight. In the 2024 study, researchers fed various fiber supplements to mice on a high-fat diet. These included common fiber types like wheat dextrin, pectin, resistant starch, and cellulose. Surprisingly, only one fiber stood out—beta-glucan. Mice that consumed beta-glucan lost weight and body fat within just a few weeks, while the others didn't see those benefits, even though their gut bacteria changed. That's an important distinction: it's not just about feeding your gut—it's about feeding it the right kind of fiber. What makes 'Beta-Glucan' special? Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber, meaning it dissolves in water and can be easily fermented by gut bacteria. It's naturally found in whole grains like oats and barley—foods you probably already have in your pantry. In the study, mice that ate beta-glucan developed higher levels of a beneficial gut bacterium called Ileibacterium , which other studies have already linked to weight loss. These mice didn't even reduce their food intake, but they still lost weight—because their metabolism changed. One key change? The production of a gut chemical called butyrate, which is made when bacteria digest fiber. Butyrate helps trigger the release of GLP-1, the same appetite-suppressing hormone that Ozempic is designed to mimic. So in essence, eating more beta-glucan may help your body naturally produce GLP-1, helping regulate your appetite and blood sugar without the need for medication. More than just weight loss But the benefits don't stop there. Butyrate may also improve gut lining health, support liver function, and reduce inflammation. Scientists believe there's still more to uncover about how these compounds work together to support weight management and overall wellness. However, it's important to note: this research was done in mice. While the results are promising, human trials are still needed to confirm whether beta-glucan works the same way in people. Sources of Beta-Glucan Beta-glucan slows the passage of food in the intestine. This increases the time taken by the body to digest food, which in turn keeps you full for a longer time. And they are also easily available naturally. Here are a few foods that you can include in your daily diet oats barley sorghum rye maize triticale wheat durum wheat rice mushrooms seaweed One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
