Inulin

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Inulin is a natural polysaccharide found in the tubers of some vegetables and plants. It is found in the largest quantities in chicory, but can also be found in asparagus, onions, apples and dandelions.

The word inulin comes from the Latin name of white oman (Inula helenium), in whose roots the ingredient was first discovered. Inulin is valuable for the intestinal microflora because it supports the beneficial bacteria in it.

Benefits of inulin

Inulin is essentially a reserve polysaccharide, which means that it is a temporary supply of carbohydrates. For this reason, it is used as a substitute for sucrose in the meals of people with diabetes. Inulin is also used to make dietary supplements that are taken to suppress appetite and normalize body weight.

But how does this happen?

To answer this question, we must explain that blood sugar plays an important role in the feeling of hunger-satiety. If its level drops to a certain critical value, the feeling of hunger immediately appears, which makes us immediately start eating, because that is the only way to feel full. For people who are overweight, the feeling of satiety should occur as soon as possible after eating.

This is because, in general, the feeling of satiety occurs about 15-20 minutes after eating - minutes in which a person can consume large amounts of food and too many unnecessary calories. This is where nutritional supplements come in handy inulinbecause if taken before meals, they will reduce the amount of food consumed.

Inulin has a number of other health benefits. It is resistant to the process of digestion in the stomach and small intestine - it passes through the body without being digested in the upper part of the digestive tract, reaching the colon intact.

As inulin is undissolved when it reaches the colon, where it becomes the perfect food for good bacteria.

All this makes inulin an excellent prebiotic that supports the production of bifidobacteria in the stomach. The unique role of inulin makes it a valuable helper in maintaining a healthy and strong immune system.

Inulin improves lipid metabolism - phospholipids, cholesterol and triglycerides. This helps prevent cardiovascular disease and alleviates the effects of those that have already occurred.

Inulin activates the overall functioning of the circulatory system and helps to remove heavy metals from the body faster. Inulin accelerates the excretion of plaque and unprocessed food, helps with constipation and diarrhea.

Inulin prevents the occurrence of some cancers, has a very good hepaprotective effect (protects the liver). It lowers blood sugar in people with diabetes, while preventing the occurrence of complications associated with diabetes, such as diabetic retinopathy.

It is recommended to take supplements with inulin in arthritis, kidney stones, ischemic disease, heart attack, osteochondrosis, atherosclerosis and obesity. A number of studies show that inulin helps the body better absorb calcium, which in turn strengthens bones.

Beautification with inulin

Except for health inulin is also extremely useful for hair. Any woman who wants beautiful and voluminous hair can replace aggressive cosmetics with organic products with inulin. These products protect the hair without damaging it, prevent it from breaking, add volume and make it easier to comb.

Sources of inulin

As it turned out, inulin is extremely useful, but if taken incorrectly, all its benefits can turn into serious drawbacks. Inulin in the form of a dietary supplement may not be as useful as inulin obtained from its natural sources. Therefore, it is best to get it from food - beets, apples, asparagus, chicory.

In the food industry, inulin is used to improve the taste of low-fat foods as well as low-sugar foods. It is often used as a substitute for sugar, fat or flour.

Intake of inulin

As a dietary supplement inulin occurs in the form of tablets, capsules and powders. Take no more than three times a day - 10 tablets or capsules. For prophylactic purposes, take 1-2 tablets daily. Drink with water. Inulin powder is dissolved in water, juice or yogurt, but they should always be at room temperature. The liquid with which inulin is taken should not be cold.

In food supplements, inulin is combined with other valuable natural ingredients that enhance its action - rose hips, ginseng, celery, parsley and others.

Harms from inulin

There are no data on serious adverse effects on the body when taking inulin, as long as it is taken properly in the form of a dietary supplement. However, if you decide to take it, it is best to consult a doctor, because it is possible that allergic reactions may occur.

It is recommended that a specialist determine the optimal dose to avoid unwanted side effects. Inulin is not recommended for children under 12 years of age, and pregnant women must consult a specialist before taking such a dietary supplement.