Carbohydrates are one of the biological molecules necessary for human survival and yet much is still unknown regarding human processing, storage, and use of these amazing chemicals. Glyconet aims to further enhance our understanding of carbohydrates through research networks.
We can classify carbohydrates a number of different ways. They may be simple sugars, consisting of just a single ring, or joined together into longer chains. When these rings are joined together in chains in a very specific manner, they are called beta-glucans. In simple terms, beta-glucans are glucose molecules that are bonded at specific carbons within the carbon ring, often between the 1-carbon of one molecule and the 3-carbon of the next molecule in the chain. What makes these carbohydrates particularly unique though, is their interesting effect on the immune system. The Beta-glucan Overview link above gives the basics of what these carbohydrates do. Opinions have begun to develop surrounding the use of diet therapies. Should traditional medical techniques be abandoned in favour of new evidence that diet can cure cancer? Or is classical medicine the most appropriate choice for cancer patients? You will 'listen' to both sides of this argument and then present your recommendations as an Infographic. Version française |