Inulin: better blood sugar levels and healthy intestines

1. Inulin is a fermentable, prebiotic fiber that cannot be digested by our body. When you eat foods that contain inulin, our body transports the inulin to the colon where it is used by the microflora in the colon. Inulin, like many other dietary fibers, is classified as fructan.

2. Inulin is a fermentable, prebiotic fiber that cannot be digested by our body. When you eat food that contains inulin, our body transports the inulin to the colon where it is used by the microflora in the colon. Inulin, like many other dietary fibers, is classified as fructan.

1. Inulin has numerous health benefits due to its prebiotic effects and other gut health benefits.

1. The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the major health benefits of inulin fiber, including its ability to stimulate the growth of health-promoting bifidobacteria.

1. These bifidobacteria have a beneficial effect on mineral absorption and are known for their ability to stabilize blood sugar, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

1. Research shows that inulin can have a beneficial effect on intestinal health and digestion.

1. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study conducted by researchers at the Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, University of Leipzig, suggests that inulin may stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria in the gut. This study used Jerusalem artichoke inulin and chicory inulin in the form of snack bars and involved forty-five volunteers.

2. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study conducted by researchers at the Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, University of Leipzig, suggests that inulin can stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria in the gut. This study used Jerusalem artichoke inulin and chicory inulin in the form of snack bars and involved forty-five volunteers.

1. Bifidobacteria has been shown to have many different beneficial health effects.

1. For example, they have been proven to inhibit certain pathogens and harmful bacteria in the gut, strengthen the immune system, help prevent constipation and aid in the synthesis of certain vitamins.

1. There is a great deal of scientific evidence that calcium and magnesium are largely absorbed from the colon. In fact, magnesium is mainly absorbed from the colon. Fermentable carbohydrates such as inulin are used in the colon by the local microflora.

1. These microflora then release short chain fatty acids (SCFA) into the body during fermentation. These short chain fatty acids change the acidity in the gut, which in turn helps improve the absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

1. Research conducted on live animals and humans shows that inulin has a beneficial effect on the absorption of minerals.

2. Research conducted on live animals and humans has shown that inulin has a beneficial effect on the absorption of minerals.

1. The human body cannot break down inulin into monosaccharides. As a result, inulin does not cause blood sugar to rise. One consequence of this is that inulin can be useful in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

1. Type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting an increasing number of people in the United States, Europe and Australia. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin the body produces.

2. Type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting an increasing number of people in the United States, Europe and Australia. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin that the body produces.

1. Insulin is an important hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood by promoting the use of glucose by our body. This process is important to meet the energy needs of certain cells. This is especially important for muscle and fat cells.

1. In addition to the fact that diabetes confuses many different metabolic processes in the body, diabetes can put a person at an increased risk of various secondary complications if the person does not make lifestyle changes.

2. In addition to the fact that diabetes confuses many different metabolic processes in the body, diabetes can put a person at an increased risk of various secondary complications if the person does not make a lifestyle adjustment.

1. Examples of lifestyle changes include changing diet and eating healthier and being more physically active. In addition, the use of diabetes medicines can also help with proper treatment. Secondary problems with diabetes can include cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, impotence, and ulcus cruris (open leg).

1. As a type of fermentable fiber, inulin has numerous health benefits. Whether you want to improve your digestion or improve insulin sensitivity slightly, everyone can benefit from eating more foods containing inulin.

1. This is a list of some of the sources of inulin that we encounter in nature.

Chicory root

1. The root of the chicory plant (Cichorium intybus) is one of the best known sources of inulin. Many different health supplement makers use chicory root as the main ingredient in their inulin supplements.

1. In addition to being widely used by these manufacturers, chicory root is also used as a coffee substitute and as a natural additive for various foods. In some countries it is also grown as a forage crop for livestock.

Jerusalem artichokes

1. Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), sometimes referred to as Jerusalem artichoke, tuberous sunflower, Jerusalem artichoke, or simply Jerusalem artichoke, is also one of the best food sources of inulin. It is also an excellent source of many other health-promoting nutrients. Just 100 grams of Jerusalem artichoke provides 13% of the recommended daily value for vitamin B1 and almost 20 percent of the recommended daily intake of iron. Eating Jerusalem artichokes also provides a lot of potassium and a fair amount of copper and vitamin C.

Dandelion Root

1. Like chicory root, dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) can be roasted, ground and used as a coffee substitute. But that is not the only characteristic that these two roots have in common: like chicory root, dandelion root contains a good amount of inulin. Dandelion root may contain less inulin than chicory root, but it is still a good source compared to other sources of inulin in our modern diet.

Big Burdock

1. The burdock, also known as burdock (Arctium lappa), belongs to the Asteraceae family of flower plants, just like Jerusalem artichoke. It is therefore not surprising that burdock root also contains large amounts of inulin. In Japan, burdock (known in Japanese as 'gobo') is grown in gardens and the root is often used in Japanese cooking. The slender roots of the burdock have a taste similar to salsify and are a tasty addition to salads, soups and stir-fries.

Purple Morning Star

1. The Purple Morning Star (Tragopogon porrifolius) also called purple salsify, kitchen maid sorrow, boxing beard, oyster plant, white salsify, poor asparagus and oat root, belongs to the same Asteraceae family of plants such as chicory, Jerusalem artichoke, dandelion and burdock. Like the roots of the other Asteraceae plant, the Purple Morning Star root is a good natural source of inulin. Purple Morning Star's root has a mild flavor with an aroma described differently by many people, ranging from artichokes to oysters.

1. It is excellent as an ingredient in soups and stews. Young carrots can also be eaten raw and grated carrots are good for use in salads. The root of the Yellow Morning Star (Tragopogon pratensis) is also edible and a good source of inulin. Yellow Morning Stars grow in meadows, fields and roadsides throughout Continental Europe and North America.

Large Salsify

1. Despite its name, the winter rod or winter asparagus (Scorzonera hispanica) is not a member of the 'Tragopogon' family, but it is closely related to it. Salsify is grown commercially in certain European countries such as Belgium, France, Germany and of course in the Netherlands. If the harvested roots of the great salsify are stored in a cool, dark place, they will remain fresh all winter. Partly because of this, the large salsify was also a very good and popular winter vegetable before the Second World War.

1. Peeled and cooked, large salsify is often served just like asparagus, along with béchamel sauce or mustard sauce. But large salsify can also be used very well as an ingredient in soups and stews.

Yacon

1. Yacon (originally spelled yacón - in Latin: Smallanthus sonchifolius) is yet another plant in the Asteraceae family. This plant is mainly grown for its sweet-tasting roots that are full of inulin. Yacon is mainly grown in the northern and central Andes, but research has shown that it can also be grown well in the Netherlands. In addition, Yacon has also been introduced in countries such as Australia and New Zealand. In these countries the climate is mild and the growing season is long.

1. Today it is also grown in vegetable gardens in some parts of the United States and the United Kingdom. Raw Yacon has a slightly crunchy texture and tastes good when simply peeled, diced and eaten as a snack. Peeled and sliced ​​Yacon can also be added to salads.

1. Tip: If you plan to use Yacon root (or any other Asteraceae root for that matter) as an ingredient in a salad, submerge the peeled and chopped carrots for a while in water containing a little lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Acidified water ensures that the light flesh of these roots will not discolour.

1. Do you have any good additions to this article? Let me know by leaving a comment below!

Sources

1. Br J Nutr. 2005 Apr; 93 Suppl 1: S35-40.

1. Br J Nutr. 2007 Sep; 98 (3): 540-9. Epub 2007 Apr 20.

1. Inulin Alters the Intestinal Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Concentrations in Growing Pigs Regardless of Their Basal Diet1â € “3