HWN Suggests

Where Inulin Comes from and Why It’s in Processed Foods

Soluble, prebiotic inulin is a fibrous plant carbohydrate physically incapable of being processed by enzymes within the digestive system. In other words, it is considered “roughage” that moves other foods through the large and small intestine.

The good bacteria within your gut absolutely love feasting on inulin. Since the flora in your digestive system are your probiotics, their nutrition is known as prebiotics. Therefore, inulin has the distinction of being a prebiotic, which means it can be touted in pharmaceutical form as a “probiotic supplement” to increase the health of the microbial life within us.

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Featured

 Why You Should Pick Dandelion Greens

Dandelion greens are rich in a particular prebiotic fiber called inulin. Inulin, also found in foods like chicory root, Mexican yam, and Jerusalem artichoke, enhances the gut’s production of friendly bacteria, like the bifidobacteria group.

Articles of Interest

Good or bad fiber? Inulin promotes production of type 2 inflammation, study finds

Inulin, a dietary fiber frequently used in health supplements and known to have some anti-inflammatory properties, can also encourage allergy-related inflammation in the lung, gut and other body parts, according to new preclinical studies.

Inulin and Oligofructose: What Are They?

Inulin is a term applied to a heterogeneous blend of fructose polymers found widely distributed in nature as plant storage carbohydrates. Oligofructose is a subgroup of inulin, consisting of polymers with a degree of polymerization (DP) ≤10. Inulin and oligofructose are not digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract; therefore, they have a reduced caloric value. They stimulate the growth of intestinal bifidobacteria. They do not lead to a rise in serum glucose or stimulate insulin secretion.

Inulin and the power of prebiotic fibers

Inulin belongs to a group of non-digestible, plant-based carbohydrates called fructans. They can be found in about 36,000 species of plants, but the hearty chicory root is considered the richest source. All parts of the chicory plant, a member of the dandelion family, have been shown to have positive health benefits due to the high levels of polyphenols contained in the plant

What Exactly Is Inulin? + Why It Could Help Your Digestion

You may be familiar with fiber and prebiotics and the fact that they're associated with gut health. But what about inulin? The powder-like starchy substance seems obscure, but it's actually present in a lot of common food items—it just may not be labeled that way.

What is inulin, and why is it showing up in so many food products?

One of the most prevalent fiber-boosting ingredients is inulin. Like any fiber, it can cause gas, bloating and abdominal pain if consumed too quickly or in large quantities. Many of my clients who have complained about digestive discomfort don’t realize how much inulin they’re consuming each day. Most of them have never even heard of it.

What Is Inulin?

You probably have heard of fiber. But have you heard of inulin? It’s worth a look, because this new kid on the nutrient block has some important health benefits.

Resources

4 Benefits of Inulin You Didn’t Know

Inulin is the multitasker of functional ingredients. While its main purpose in food products is increasing fiber levels, there are many of benefits of inulin. Intestinal health enhancement? Check. Calorie reduction? Check. Fat replacement? Check. Prebiotic properties? Check.

InspiredbyInulin.com

Sensus offers a wide range of chicory root fibers with valuable benefits for food manufacturers to create tasty, healthy food products. Inulin is highly versatile for a broad range of food applications from texturizing, to sugar and fat replacement to fiber enrichment; it’s the natural choice.