What Is Inulin?
Inulin is a group of naturally occurring polysaccharides.
Polysaccharides are the most abundant carbohydrates found in food.
Inulin belongs to a class of dietary fibers known as fructans.
Inulin is present in more than 36,000 different plants.
Inulin possesses many health benefits like, supports a healthy immune system, boosts energy levels, and helps to stabilize blood sugar levels.
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The Sweet Fiber
Inulin is a naturally occurring, indigestible and nonabsorbable oligosaccharide. (source ◳)
Oligosaccharides are a type of carbohydrate formed when three to ten simple sugars are linked together.
Even though inulin is a dietary fiber, it is sweet and has a sweetening power of 30–65%, compared to sucrose. (source ◳)
Where To Find Inulin
Inulin is naturally very common. It’s extensively distributed in various plants. (source ◳)
Commercially, most inulin is produced from chicory.
But dahlia and Jerusalem artichoke are also considered to be good sources.
The inulin fibers can be extracted from chicory roots, Jerusalem artichokes, and dandelion roots.
Inulin is also present in wheat, onions, bananas, garlic, asparagus, and many other plants. (source ◳)
Is Inulin Good For You?
Inulin provides several nutritional and health benefits for humans. (source ◳)
For instance, inulin has been reported to contribute to the optimal health of the human colon as a prebiotic. (source ◳)
Therefore, inulin is often added to foods as a prebiotic to enhance the health benefits of the foods.
It is used as a dietary supplement to control blood sugar levels and for weight control.
Inulin is a prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.
It may also help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
You can read about some researched-backed benefits that you might get from consuming inulin in Inulin: 2 Research-Backed Benefits .
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Supplementation Of Inulin
Inulin supplements are a source of prebiotic fibers.
Prebiotic fibers are non-digestible carbohydrates that are fermented by the bacteria in the colon and stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Prebiotic fibers help in the absorption of calcium, iron, and vitamins.
How to make inulin supplements
Inulin supplements are derived from inulin-containing plants such as chicory and Jerusalem artichoke.
The inulin is extracted from the plant and then purified by hydrolysis, crystallization, and drying.
The product is then packaged into tablets and is marketed as a dietary supplement, or for use in weight loss products.