Inulin
Inulin is a kind of natural prebiotic and water-soluble dietary fiber, which mainly exists in compositae plants. The commercialized inulin mainly comes from Jerusalem artichoke, chicory and agave. In China, Jerusalem artichoke tubers is the main raw material for inulin. After removing of protein, gum, crude fiber and minerals, water extraction, ion exchange, membrane concentration and spray drying etc. process, we got the inulin powder. Nowadays, inulin has been widely used in food & beverage, dairy products, pasta products, low-fat and low-calorie foods, medical auxiliary materials, feeds and other fields.
Working Effects of Inulin:
• Control blood lipids
Intake of inulin can effectively reduce serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), increase the ratio of high-density lipoprotein/low-density lipoprotein, and improve blood lipid status.
• Lower blood sugar
Inulin is a carbohydrate that does not cause an increase in glucose in urine. It will not be hydrolyzed into monosaccharides in the upper part of the intestine, so it will not increase blood sugar levels and insulin content.
• Promote the absorption of minerals
Inulin can greatly improve the absorption of Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Fe2+, and other minerals.
• Regulate intestinal microflora, improve intestinal health and prevent constipation
• Inhibit the production of toxic fermentation products, protect the liver and prevent colon cancer
• Prevent constipation and treat obesity
• Has a good antidepressant effect
Applications of Inulin:
• Food and Beverage
• Medicine and health food
• Nutritional supplements
• Sweetener
• Dietary supplements
• Energy bar
• Dairy products
• Candy
Characteristics of Inulin:
With pure natural, low fat, high fiber, and low sugar content, inulin is another form of energy storage for plants besides starch. It is an ideal functional food ingredient and it is also a good raw material for the production of fructooligosaccharide, polyfructose, high fructose syrup, crystalline fructose, and other products.
As a natural prebiotic, inulin could promote the growth of beneficial bacterias in the human gut, especially for bifidobacterium to balance the gut flora. Inulin has been listed as an important bifidobacterium growth factor. Meanwhile, it can also promote the absorption of calcium, regulate blood lipids, improve immunity, anti-caries, etc.
As a good water-soluble dietary fiber, Jerusalem Artichoke sourced inulin is easily resolved in water. It could promote intestinal peristalsis, reduce food stay time in the intestinal tract to prevent and cure constipation.
At the same time, it could improve the taste of food; remove the aftertaste of strong sweeteners, simulate the fat effect, and greatly reduce or replace the fat content of dairy products.
Safety and Suggested Dosage of Inulin:
In 2003, the US FDA has confirmed that inulin is a GRAS (Recognized Safe Substance), with an effective daily intake of 5 grams, and a recommended maximum daily intake of 15-20 grams.
- Country of origin
- China