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Inulin is a type of fiber that's found in many fruits and vegetables. As a supplement it is usually extracted from chicory roots, but it is found in everything from artichokes to wheat. It is both a prebiotic and soluble fiber.
- “Prebiotic” means it skips the stomach and becomes food for the “good” bacteria in our large intestines
- “Soluble” means that is can absorb things, like water, that help the digestive process.
Read on for what that means to you.
1. Immune System
Inulin has also been shown to have a positive effect on your immune system. This fiber can help to support healthy, balanced bacteria in the gut, which can reduce inflammation and prevent infections from taking hold.
Inulin also contains polysaccharides (complex sugars) that are resistant to digestion by human enzymes, so they reach the large intestine undigested. In there, these polysaccharide chains are broken down by beneficial bacteria into short-chain fatty acids like butyric acid and propionic acid—which are then absorbed into the bloodstream through our intestines. These short-chain fatty acids have been linked to improved gut health and even lower cholesterol levels!
2. Can help you feel fuller, for longer
Since Inulin slows down the digestive process it means that we absorb more nutrients from our food. A study published in the American Clinical Nutrition Journal showed that inulin the diet helped people feel full.
Inulin contains both soluble and insoluble fibres and is great at regulating bowel movements by bulking up stools and helping them move along efficiently through the digestive tract.
3. Broader nutrient absorption
Inulin helps our digestive system absorb more of what we eat. Like Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium. These essential minerals play a role in many different bodily functions, including muscle contraction and the regulation of blood sugar levels.
4. Bone Health
As well as calcium absorption. The good bacteria in your stomach can use inulin to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs help with the production of Vitamin K2 which is important for bone health. It does this through bone mineralisation, which is the process of building new bone.
5. Health teeth and gums
Inulin also helps the good bacteria in our mouths. This means less plague and which helps to prevent us from getting cavities. It also helps with bad breath!
6. Energy regulation
Inulin has also been shown to be a prebiotic, which means that it promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut. The use of inulin can help to support digestive health by increasing healthy bacteria in your bowel. This can help to improve bowel movements and reduce symptoms associated with diarrhea and constipation.
7. Too many to mention
Since inulin improves digestion it helps to support healthy cholesterol levels, which means less fatty build up in our arteries than can increase blood pressure.
Inulin help promote digestive health by increasing good bacteria levels (such as lactobacillus acidophilus) in the small intestine which promotes regular bowel movements and improves overall digestive function
One of many
Whilst Inulin and fiber are important to our diets they are not a complete solution. You need a wide range of nutrients to support your health. You can read more about that in our 12 nutrients to improve your immune system blog.
That being said, we are big fans of Inulin. That why we put it in our Max Strength Boost drinks!
