You would have heard of the importance of fibre for weight management, improving digestive health and regular bowel movements. If you have been researching about how to improve gut health, you might have come across a type of fibre called inulin. Inulin has been linked to several health benefits such as improving gut, health and metabolic health.
Inulin is found in many plants and made up of chains of fructose molecules. While inulin comes in many different forms, what all types have in common is their prebiotic ability since they are unable to be digested by the small intestine. Instead, inulin travels to the lower gut where it helps support the growth of beneficial bacteria that live there, keeping the gut bacteria balanced.
Inulin takes up a lot of room in the digestive tract once eaten, helping to make you feel fuller; absorbs water, which helps to form stool; clings to cholesterol to help prevent metabolic syndrome, as well as the below benefits.
1. Reduces constipation
Inulin is a soluble fibre and its solubility is considered to be higher than many other types of fibres. Due to its chemical composition, inulin forms a creamy gel ideal for naturally relieving constipationwhen mixed with liquid, as well as helping to lubricate the digestive system and lessen the risk for conditions like haemorrhoids. Inulin also improves bowel habits because of how it improves gastrointestinal functions and rapidly ferment in the colon to produce healthy bacteria.
2. Improves gut health
Inulin is a non-digestible prebiotic, which allows it to pass through humans’ small and large intestines unabsorbed. During this process, inulin naturally ferments and feeds the healthy intestinal bacteria that can be found in the gut. It also significantly decreases the number of potentially harmful yeast, parasites and bacterial species living in the body which can trigger inflammation. A published report has stated that insulin can help improve gut health with very far-reaching benefits such as improved immune functions, protection from heart disease and diabetes, better weight management, improved nutrient absorption, and more.
3. Helps to curb appetite
Dietitians suggest that people who want to lose weight to eat plenty of fibre so that they will feel more satisfied and deal with fewer blood sugar fluctuations. When combined with water, inulin bulks up and forms a gel-like substance that expands in the digestive tract, helping to decrease appetite and cravings. This potentially helps with weight losssince it helps to slow down the process of food emptying from the stomach and takes up more volume, thus decreasing appetite hormones. As a result, you will feel full for longer after eating and deal with fewer hunger pangs.
4. Boosts heart health and lowers metabolic risks
Research has shown that soluble fibre may help lower blood cholesterol, and risk for arteriosclerosis and glucose levels. Inulin does not cause insulin to be secreted and will not raise blood sugar, thus it is considered suitable for treating diabetics and potentially helpful in managing metabolic syndrome risk factors and blood sugar-related illnesses.
5. Acts as a replacement for sugar and flour
While inulin has a very mild taste that makes it versatile in recipes, some people find that it tastes slightly sweet. The chicory plant, the most common and concentrated source of inulin, has chemical similarities to the sugar beet plant which is often used to derive sugar.
One advantage of its chemical properties is that inulin can be used in recipes to replace sugar, fat and flour, which in turn helps you make healthier, lower-calorie versions of some of your favourite meals or snacks. Since inulin is non-digestible and forms a gel when mixed with liquid, it can also be used in place of oil.
6. Increases calcium absorption
Studies have shown that inulin helps to improve absorption of electrolytes, including calcium and maybe magnesium. The proper absorption of calcium might offer more protection against disorders like osteoporosisin the long run. In addition, daily consumption of prebiotics like inulin has significantly increased calcium enough to enhance bone mineralization during pubertal growth.
Cheryl W is excited to announce our new and improved Ginger Champagne drink. Packed with Vitamin C, our Ginger Champagne drink now contains inulin as a newly added ingredient. With its enhanced prebiotics benefit, the drink will aid in your journey towards a healthy lifestyle more effectively! Get your Ginger Champagne drink at any of our branches and cheers to good health!