Health And Wellbeing

Inulin Health Benefits – Weekly Link Roundup 22 March 2019

chicory root powder

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This week I decided to take a deeper look at Inulin and some of the health benefits that are being spruiked from around the world.  Below are the articles that this week have discussed Inulin in some way. While these articles may not specifically be about Inulin, they contain information about it within.

Article 1: Prebiotics and Probiotics: Why You Need Both for a Healthy Gut

Source: https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/prebiotics-and-probiotics/

This article essentially discusses why Prebiotics and Probiotics need to work in combination for a health gut.

“Probiotics, as you may already know, are the living bacteria that colonize our intestinal tracts and perform a number of important functions related to digestion and immune protection. They’re a natural feature of the gut and body, and prebiotics are their food source.”

“You can take all the probiotics in the world, but if you aren’t also taking prebiotics, you’re not going to see the results you hope to achieve.”

This is interesting in that I would suggest the majority of westerners, and most of us here in Australia have heard alot about probiotics, but not so much about prebiotics. The go on to suggest that the two main prebiotics you need are inulin and oligofructose. The main food source of Inulin we normally see is from Chicory roots, and is available in most health food stores.

“If you’re getting enough prebiotics, you should notice benefits in the form of less bloating, better digestion, and improved regularity; healthy weight loss; a general feeling of “lightness” complimented by more energy; and sustained blood sugar levels.”

Article 2: 8 Simple Ways to Get Rid of Belly Bloat

Source: https://www.shape.com/weight-loss/weight-management/8-ways-beat-bloated-stomach

This article from shape talks about ways to get rid of belly fat, but they do discuss Inulin as a source of bloating if consumed in large quantities. Within the sub heading “Belly Bloat #3: Eating Too Much Fiber” it’s suggested the inulin in large quantities can cause bloating.

“Without the right kind, fibrous foods, which are typically slower to digest, linger in the gut even longer, giving bacteria plenty of time to munch away and create gas. Not only that, but “everything from energy bars to yogurt is fortified with fiber these days,” says Joy Bauer, R.D., author of The Joy Fit Club: Cookbook, Diet Plan, and Inspiration. “It’s a problem, because they typically contain large amounts of inulin, a fermentable fiber that may cause gas and bloating when consumed in large quantities.”

Article 3: Does a Good Sweetener Exist? A Review of 14 Popular Sugar Substitutes

Source: https://foodrevolution.org/blog/sugar-substitutes/

This article discusses substitute sweeteners. Inulin is discussed as a constituent present in Coconut sugar or palm sugar, which is used as a natural sweetener on many foods.

“Coconut sugar contains a fiber called inulin, which may help stabilize blood sugar. Palm trees don’t need to be cut down to produce this sugar, and they can produce sap for 20 years without using a lot of natural resources.”

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