Inulin - Nature's Health Guardian

Inulin, a miraculous substance originated from nature, is gradually becoming the preferred choice of modern people in pursuit of a healthy life with its unique health benefits. The following is a detailed introduction to inulin:

1. Source and Distribution

Inulin mainly comes from plants, and more than 36.000 kinds have been found, including 11 families in dicotyledonous plants, such as Asteraceae, Erythrartaceae, Gentianaceae, and monocotyledonous plants, such as Liliaceae and Gramineae. For example, inulin is abundant in the tubers of inulin (commonly known as ginger, the main raw material of domestic inulin), the tubers of chicory (the main raw material of European inulin), the tubers of geranium peony (dahlia), and the roots of artichoke. Inulin is widely distributed in nature, and certain fungi and bacteria also contain inulin, but the main source is plants. Plants that people eat everyday such as onion, garlic, banana and wheat contain inulin.

2. Extraction and Preparation

Inulin can be extracted from the above plants. For example, foreign countries take chicory root as raw material, remove protein and minerals, and then obtain inulin by spray drying and other steps. Domestically, inulin is obtained by taking the rhizome of inulin (ginger) as raw material, removing protein, gelatin, crude fiber and minerals, and going through the production process of water extraction, ion exchange, membrane filtration, spray drying and so on.

3. Chemical Structure and Properties

Inulin molecule consists of 31 β-D-fructofuranose and 1~2 inulin residues polymerized, and the fructose residues can be connected by β-2.1-bond. Inulin is a natural water-soluble dietary fiber and one of the most soluble dietary fibers found. It is not hydrolyzed to monosaccharides in the upper part of the intestinal tract, and thus does not elevate blood glucose levels or insulin levels. In addition, inulin has good stability and antioxidant properties.

4. Efficacy and function

Promote intestinal health: Inulin can be broken down into short-chain fatty acids, such as propionic acid and butyric acid, by probiotics in the human digestive tract, which helps maintain the balance of intestinal flora and promote intestinal health. It can also increase the water content in the intestinal tract, promote fecal excretion and relieve constipation.

Lowering blood glucose and blood lipids: Inulin can slow down glucose absorption and lower blood glucose by increasing glucose uptake and glucuronidation rate in the intestines. In addition, inulin can also reduce serum total cholesterol, triacylglycerol and LDL cholesterol levels, thus having the effect of lowering blood lipids.

Immune Enhancement: Inulin can stimulate the intestinal immune system and enhance the body's immunity, helping to prevent infections and diseases.

Antioxidant: Inulin has an antioxidant effect, which can scavenge free radicals in the body and protect cells from oxidative damage.

Promote mineral absorption: Inulin greatly improves the absorption of minerals such as Ca2?, Mg2?, Zn2?, Cu2?, Fe2?, and others. Dietary fiber binds metal ions in the digestive tract, and any inulin-mineral complexes are degraded in fermentation, releasing the minerals and allowing for efficient absorption of metal ions.

Weight control: Inulin can increase the feeling of satiety and reduce the amount of food intake, so as to achieve the purpose of weight loss.

5. Application and Taking Methods

Inulin has a wide range of applications in the fields of food, health products and medicine. It can be used as a food additive for improving the taste and nutritional value of food. In the field of health care products, inulin is used as a dietary fiber supplement, which helps to promote intestinal health and lower blood sugar and blood fat.