At Flourish Natural Health, we’re looking into different nutrients and products to see how they help us and what we can incorporate into our diets to help our gut microbiome and from there make more informed choices to help us live a more vital, happy life!
Today’s star is inulin – not to be confused with insulin, which is completely different! Most of us won’t have heard of this fabulous soluble plant fibre. So here’s a snapshot of what it is and how it helps …
What is Inulin & why is it good for you?
Inulin has a variety of benefits that make it a great source of fibre to incorporate into your diet.
Foods rich in inulin include chicory root, artichokes, garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus and dandelion greens.
Known as a type of prebiotic, inulin is part of a group of dietary fibres called fructans, with a massive average of 85g of fibre per 100g.
Prebiotics are like fertiliser for our gut microbiome, and can help improve digestive health, boost the immune system and even help with weight loss. When consumed regularly, inulin has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation.
Inulin isn’t actually digested in the body and instead remains as a whole entity, travelling through the digestive system to the large intestine where it mixes with good gut bacteria, enhancing the gut microbiome.
Inulin comes with a wide range of benefits, but use in moderation, as over-exposure to fructans can have the opposite effect as intended.
One of the main pros of adding inulin to your diet is the effect it has on digestion, ultimately easing constipation and enabling food to pass through your body.
Incredibly, it helps the body soak in both magnesium and calcium at a higher level than usual.
Inulin is also a low-glycemic index (GI) carbohydrate, which means it doesn’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels. This makes it a great option for people with diabetes or those who are watching their blood sugar levels. For individuals with Type 2 Diabetes inulin has proven to improve their condition by lowering blood sugar levels and has been linked to belly fat loss.
Inulin’s main claim to fame is encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria, nourishing gut microbes as well as aiding other internal organs to carry out their bodily functions in a more efficient manner.
Annabel says…
“You can buy inulin supplements, but I personally think the best way to get the benefits is always through food or drink. You can buy a dark roasted chicory and cordyceps coffee alternative”.
For more information or to book a consultation, contact Flourish Natural Health now!
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