Inulin - useful properties, content in products and rules of use

Plant inulin is considered an analogue of human glycogen. It is a second-tier carbohydrate. It is found in Asteraceae, bells, violets, lilies, chicory. They are rich in the root system of tuberose, narcissus, dandelion, Jerusalem artichoke. The concentration of the substance in them reaches 20%, which in terms of the dry residue is more than 70%. Inulin is never synthesized by a plant alone, in parallel with it, related substances are formed: levulin, sinistrin, pseudoinulin, the hydrolysis of which gives the D isomer of fructose.

The most common sources of polysaccharide are chicory and Jerusalem artichoke. Showing the qualities of a probiotic, the biologically active substance is used in sports programs for weight loss.

Properties

Inulin has a sweetish taste and has no synthetic analogues. This natural carbohydrate is found in more than three thousand plant roots. The healing properties of a substance are determined by its action as a probiotic. It stimulates peristalsis, the growth of bifidumbacteria. Due to the immunity of the probiotic to digestive enzymes, it saves 100% of its medicinal qualities when passing through the intestines.

Pros

They are determined by the proximity of the probiotic structure to fiber, which the stomach acid cannot break down. Therefore, the polysaccharide only partially decomposes into its components, which, in turn, form the necessary environment for the growth of beneficial microflora. Bifidumbacteria displace pathological microbial clones, making the intestines healthy and activating biochemical reactions. Undivided residues of inulin cleanse the gastrointestinal tract like a brush, taking with it toxins, radionuclides, harmful cholesterol, and heavy metal salts. It is this property that manufacturers of dietary supplements use when advertising their products based on probiotics. It should be noted that natural polysaccharide:

• Stimulates the absorption of essential minerals by 30%. This promotes the formation of bone tissue, improves its density, which slows down the progression of age-related osteoporosis.
• Shows the properties of an immunomodulator, activating the body's endurance, metabolism.
• Aids weight loss by simulating satiety without adding calories.
• Replaces coffee without its negative effects.
• Possesses the ability to improve the taste in cooking, giving them a creamy taste.
• It activates lymphoid tissue, increasing local immunity in the intestines, bronchi, and genitourinary system.
• Demonstrates hepatoprotective properties by stimulating liver regeneration.
• Perfectly moisturizes the skin, saturates it with oxygen, stimulates the synthesis of its own collagen, smoothing wrinkles.

Minuses

The naturalness of the polysaccharide allows it to be included in baby food. This is the best confirmation of the safety of the substance. The only significant negative effect is flatulence. In addition, the incompatibility of the carbohydrate with antibiotics has been noted, since it inactivates them. Individual intolerance to the drug is also dangerous.

Inulin products

Inulin enters the body when taking pills or powder from the pharmacy, but it is easier to introduce it into the daily diet. The sweet taste allows you to improve inulin yoghurt, drinks, it can be added to chocolate, baked goods, confectionery. Most probiotics are found in chicory and Jerusalem artichoke. In addition, it is found in a number of plants presented in the table.

Source - chicory

The blue chicory flowers are free of inulin, but its roots are a real storehouse of substance. This is the energetic of the plant. It is carbon, resembles fructose in structure, and got a sweetish taste from it. If inulin is hydrolyzed, the final product is pure fructose. It is a probiotic carbohydrate, that is, it is not absorbed in the digestive tube, but gives a feeling of fullness without calories at all, and this property is widely used in medicine and sports.

Most often, chicory is consumed as a drink. In it, chicory is soluble. It tastes like coffee, but does not contain caffeine, therefore it is harmless: it does not affect blood vessels and does not cause arrhythmia. The sweet taste of the drink makes it possible to use it with benefit even to diabetics. It improves metabolic processes, suppresses appetite and balances the intestinal microflora. In addition, it contains many vitamins and minerals. Chicory is not safe for varicose veins and hemorrhoids, since it affects the speed of blood flow. But for pregnant women - this is a real find.

Source - earthen pear

In pharmacies, you can often find inulin from Jerusalem artichoke. This is explained by the fact that during its processing, innovative technologies are used that allow maintaining the maximum concentration of nutrients in the powder. Therefore, Jerusalem artichoke polysaccharide exhibits higher efficiency as a sugar and fat burner. In addition, the roots of the plant are inert to nitrates, capable of neutralizing them. And it contains more vitamins and minerals than chicory. Calcium, for example, several times. The healing requirement is covered by two teaspoons of the powder a day.

The use of inulin in sports

Today, inulin has gained a strong position in the sports industry as a dietary supplement that actively affects metabolism. Gainers, protein masses are produced with it. This substance is not absorbed in the digestive tube. Enveloping the walls of the stomach, inulin takes a gel-like state and reliably protects the mucous membrane from any irritating agents. Including - from ethanol and nicotine.

Natural probiotic speeds up metabolism, due to which a person begins to lose those extra pounds. This happens because he:

• Creates a fertile breeding ground for bifidumbacteria.
• Blocks the growth of pathogenic flora.
• Speeds up lipid metabolism, leading to weight loss.
• At the same time, hunger suppresses. Due to the fact that blood sugar does not rise, there are no fluctuations in pancreatic insulin, the feeling of satiety persists for a long time.
• It is able to regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, which is responsible for the slimness of the figure. Therefore, he is actively involved in weight loss fitness programs for both men and women.

When losing weight, the body does not receive the usual norm of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, the immune defense decreases, but inulin takes over this function. Moreover, it reduces the level of ammonia, thereby preventing the onset of oncological processes.

Inulin is also used in bodybuilding. There are special scientific studies proving that hunger is suppressed by two peptide chains in the large intestine: YY peptide and GLP-1 glucagon. These compounds correct fullness and make it possible to maintain the desired physique for a long time.

Indications for taking inulin

Inulin has found wide application in traditional medicine. It is prescribed as part of the complex therapy of the following pathologies:

• Diabetes.
• Hypertension.
• Atherosclerosis.
• Ischemic heart disease.
• Dysbacteriosis.
• Digestive system pathologies: ulcer, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, colitis, hepatitis, biliary disorders.
• CKD, ICD.
• Body sensitization.
• Decreased immunity.
• Autoimmune diseases, systemic collagenoses.

Contraindications to taking inulin

However, despite all the usefulness, naturalness and safety of inulin, it has contraindications:

• Individual intolerance not only to polysaccharide, but also to probiotics in general.
• Carrying a fetus and lactation.
• Age up to 12 years.
• VSD and hypotension.
• Respiratory failure.
• Varicose veins and hemorrhoids with chicory inulin.
• Combination with antibiotics.

How to use

The methods of administration for therapeutic and sports purposes are different.

• According to clinical indications, it is taken half an hour before meals, in tablets, by mouth, a couple of pieces up to 4 times a day, previously dissolved in a glass of water, juice, kefir. The course will require 3 vials of inulin. The break between courses is two months. If powder is used, then the intake is limited to a teaspoon with each meal.
• Sports training requires a dose of 10 g per day. Start with 2 grams per day. After a few weeks, increase to 5 g, and then to 10 g. Drink in courses a month after a month or according to an individual schedule drawn up by a trainer.

Watch the video: Chicory roots: The natural source of inulin (January 2025).