What is Inulin? Benefits of this natural sugar alternative dietary fiber prebiotic
What is Inulin?
Inulins are a group of naturally occurring polysaccharides, also called fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), produced by many types of plants. It is a slightly sweet, water soluble dietary fiber, approved as a GRAS dietary ingredient by the FDA back in 2003.
Like all fibers, dietary inulin is not digested in the small intestine but instead travels intact onto to the colon (large intestine), contributing to one of its many functional properties as a prebiotic. Recent studies have shown that inulin is a potential chemopreventative agent, playing a key role in prevention of colon cancer development.
Other health benefits of inulin include: weight management, bone health, digestive health, diabetes health, all natural, and has great taste and texture.
WHAT IS INULIN?
Inulins are a group of naturally occurring polysaccharides, also called fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), produced by many types of plants. It is a slightly sweet, water soluble dietary fiber, approved as a GRAS dietary ingredient by the FDA back in 2003.
Like all fibers, dietary inulin is not digested in the small intestine but instead travels intact onto to the colon (large intestine), contributing to one of its many functional properties as a prebiotic. Recent studies have shown that inulin is a potential chemopreventative agent, playing a key role in prevention of colon cancer development.
This is why inulin has become a key functional ingredient and can be found in a wide range of products today.
OTHER BENEFITS OF INULIN
Weight Management
Inulin is a natural sugar substitute that is high in dietary fiber and low in calories. It is also diabetic friendly, making it a great sweetener in functional nutrition such as energy bars, cereals, breads, granolas etc. boasting high fiber content while simultaneously reducing fat. Soluble fibers also slow down the time it takes for a food to travel the length of the bowel, aiding in satiety after meals and potentially more modest effects on blood sugar.
Digestive Health
As a natural fiber, and a prebiotic, Inulin is a source of nutrition for the good gut bacteria. These beneficial bacteria in turn assist with digestion and absorption of food and play a significant role in immune function. As stated earlier, there are research findings that indicate inulin's role in being a potential chemopreventative agent in preventing colon cancer.
Bone Health
Various studies have shown that inulin consumption increases the absorption of calcium and magnesium. These minerals are essential for human health and vital for bone health. Most noticeably, human clinical trials have indicated significant increases in young adolescents and post-menopausal women.
Diabetes Health
Inulin may lower the risk of diabetes through promoting increased antioxidant activity in the gut microflora. Studies have shown that women with type 2 diabetes who took a high performance inulin had decreases in fasting bloog sugar, while their A1c (a measure of long-term blood sugar control) dropped by 10.5 percent.
Great Taste and Texture
Due to its odorless, colorless, water soluble and binding nature, inulin is a able to hold water and gel up into a viscous texture. This makes it a popular additive to foods for its moisture-enhancing and creamy texture-providing properties. Inulin is widely used in low fat or dairy free yogurts/ice creams and in ready-to-drink protein shakes for the creamy mouthfeel it imparts.
Inspired by Nature
Inulin is naturally found in fruits and vegetables that have been consumed for years, such as blue agave, jerusalem artichoke, asparagus, onion, wheat, garlic etc. We take pride in carrying USDA certified organic inulin that is sustainably grown and harvested.