Every year, the number of diseases associated with problems in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is growing. Many factors affect his he alth and performance - from malnutrition to stress and an inactive lifestyle. If in youth we practically do not notice any problems with the gastrointestinal tract, then in old age they can turn into something serious - up to death (the mortality rate for this reason is constantly growing). That is why it is necessary to take care of the he alth of the intestinal microflora from a young age and take timely measures to eliminate the slightest failures. In this case, not medicines will help, which treat one thing, and cripple the other. Inulin will serve as a good helper. What is it, where does it come from and how is it used? You will find comprehensive answers to these questions in this article.
What is inulin?
First, let's take a closer look at this element. Inulin - what is this substance? It is a natural polysaccharide (polyfructosan) obtained from plants, of which there aremore than three and a half thousand. The inulin molecule is a chain of approximately 30-35 fructose residues, the molecular weight is from 5000 to 6000. The taste is sweetish.
What is inulin?
Inulin is a storage carbohydrate found in many herbal ingredients. There is no inulin in animal products. They do not get it synthetically. Thus, it is a natural prebiotic that is not digested by human digestive enzymes and easily enters the intestinal microflora. It is there that he performs his main task - improves peristalsis, as well as digestion, fueling the growth and reproduction of beneficial bifidobacteria.
The industry mainly uses chicory and Jerusalem artichoke inulin. It is in these plants that this polysaccharide contains the most. Its amount reaches 20%, which is a lot. Among the champions in the content of inulin, there are more familiar plants - garlic and onions. The share of this valuable component reaches 10%. In addition, they have many other useful properties, and therefore you should definitely include them in your diet.
You can also get inulin from other natural products: it is found in cereals, artichokes, raisins and even bananas. All these products are quite tasty and nutritious, and therefore it will not be difficult to consume them regularly. And your body will say thank you. Among medicinal plants, bluebells, violets and lilies can boast of the content of pure inulin. It is also found in the tubers of dandelions, daffodils,hyacinths and dahlias.
Method of obtaining inulin
How do you get inulin? What is this method that allows you to extract it from plants without destroying the molecular structure and retaining its healing properties? Inulin is obtained by the cold method, without the use of heat, which allows preserving its biological activity.
As a result of physical and chemical processes, it is possible to obtain inulin both in the form of an amorphous powder and in the form of crystals. They are quite easily soluble in hot water and poorly - in cold. Upon hydrolysis, inulin forms D-fructose, as well as some glucose. Along with inulin, related carbohydrates are also obtained from the same plants, which also give D-fructose (levulin, pseudoinulin, sinistrin, etc.). Thus, this polysaccharide is a material for obtaining fructose and serves as a natural substitute for starch and sugar in diabetes mellitus.
The role of inulin in the normal functioning of the digestive tract
One of the most important properties of inulin is that it is not affected by the digestive enzymes found in our stomach. This is due to the properties and formula close to soluble fiber. Due to this, inulin freely passes through the stomach and goes straight to the intestines. Here it becomes a breeding ground for bifidobacteria. They split it (partially) and use it as material for growth and reproduction. As a result, the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal microflora increases, and pathogenic -decreases (they are simply forced out). Improves intestinal motility, the digestion process is accelerated. And just something you need to enrich your diet by adding inulin to it. The benefits of plants containing it usually do not end there (which means that the body receives a double or even triple benefit).
The unsplit part of inulin is excreted from the body, "capturing along the way" decay products and other substances completely unnecessary to the body (heavy metals and radionuclides, toxins, etc.). Releases inulin the human body and from accumulations of bad cholesterol. For these purposes (purification and antioxidant effect), it is recommended to consume dietary fiber with inulin, which will be a great addition to every meal.
Interaction of inulin with vitamins and minerals
Besides the fact that this carbohydrate plays an important role in improving the processes of digestion and intestinal motility, it has other very pleasant properties. So, inulin helps the human body to absorb various beneficial elements. Among them are calcium and magnesium, which by themselves are not produced by the body, but only get with food. Inulin contributes to the fact that they are absorbed much better - up to 30%. It also has a beneficial effect on the absorption of iron, copper and phosphorus.
Inulin in the fight for immunity
This polysaccharide has a hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effect on our body. It is no secret that the level of immunity largely depends on the he alth of the intestines and stomach. If everything is in order with the microfloraorder, metabolic processes proceed easily and quickly, then the endurance of the whole organism increases. Inulin plays a decisive role here - it increases the number of beneficial bacteria (as a natural prebiotic), improves lipid metabolism (gets rid of bad cholesterol), and helps minerals and vitamins to be absorbed. It is not surprising that inulin is a benefit for the whole organism as a whole, and not just for the gastrointestinal tract. And this benefit is difficult to overestimate.
Relationship between inulin and normal weight
And in the matter of losing weight or maintaining a slender figure, this wonderful carbohydrate could not have done without. Although they say that those who want to lose weight need to minimize the amount of carbohydrates and lean on proteins, this does not apply to inulin. Firstly, it has a low calorie content and is practically not absorbed in the stomach. Secondly, it creates a feeling of satiety for a long time, even if you ate very little. For example, chicory inulin, which is often recommended to replace coffee, will be a good helper. It has a natural sweet taste and does not require additional sweeteners. In addition, it contributes to the normalization of digestion and the acceleration of metabolic processes (which means that weight loss will proceed faster).
Other properties of inulin
The next ability of this prebiotic will appeal to people who are watching their figure, and just those who are trying to eat less fat. The fact is that inulin gives the products in the production of which it is used a thicker texture and rich creamy taste. So, light diet yogurt, inwhich is practically no fat, will taste no worse than thick creamy yogurt with a high percentage of fat. Why extra calories if there is no difference in pleasure? Here it is, inulin. What is this if not a miracle given by nature itself!
Inulin from a pharmacy: is it useful?
In some situations, when the state of he alth requires it, it is recommended to consume inulin in much larger doses than is supplied daily with food. For example, patients with diabetes mellitus (types 1 and 2), patients with ischemia, atherosclerosis, immunodeficiency, doctors prescribe additional inulin. The instructions for this drug also mention other diseases, including cholelithiasis, kidney disease, constipation, etc. In addition, it is not forbidden to use it in order to maintain energy balance while following a strict diet.
In all these cases, an additional intake of inulin from a pharmacy will not cause any harm, but will only serve good purposes. It will help restore the metabolism of lipids and fats in the body, increase the number of Bifidus bacteria, remove harmful substances, including toxins and toxins, and lower cholesterol levels.
The amino acids included in it will also help improve he alth: prevent fatty liver (arginine, methionine), help produce insulin (leucine, isoleucine), reduce appetite (tryptophan).
Inulin medicine: composition
In pharmacology, the most common plant from which inulin is obtained is Jerusalem artichoke, butthere are also herbal remedies of other origin (from chicory, echinacea, coltsfoot, etc.). In addition, manufacturers often add additional components to preparations - bran and dietary fiber, extracts and juices of wild rose, ginseng, licorice, eleutherococcus. This increases the biological value of drugs.
How to take inulin: recommendations
If inulin was prescribed by the attending physician, he will definitely indicate the doses and schedule of admission that must be followed. Specific recommendations depend on the type of disease or the severity of a particular problem. On average, as a food supplement, experts advise taking 1-2 tablets three times a day, of course, with meals. However, doses can reach up to 10 tablets in some cases.
In addition, there are some "tricks" that allow you to get the most out of taking inulin. Here are some of them:
- for colds and beriberi - use with sea buckthorn juice;
- as a tonic and blood cleanser - with blackcurrant juice (strengthens capillaries, lowers blood sugar, has an atherosclerotic effect);
- for the treatment of obesity, lowering blood pressure - with beet juice (activates the liver and strengthens capillaries);
- to increase the strength and endurance of the body - with Chinese lemongrass and ginseng (speeds up metabolism, restores efficiency).
Inulin goes very well with the juices of various berries and vegetables, which only enhance its healing effect onorganism.
Inulin and side effects of use
Often, useful components, even if they are completely natural and of plant origin, can have a very serious side effect on the body. Is inulin an exception? There are practically no contraindications for its use. This is one of those wonders of nature that are absolutely safe for humans.
However, there are still some warnings. They relate to individual intolerance to certain components (tests will help determine this). In this case, as a result of taking inulin, an allergy may begin. But no more serious consequences of the use of this supplement have been identified. In addition, experts still do not recommend prescribing it to children under the age of 12. Otherwise, there are no barriers to reception.
Inulin is good for everyone and at any age
Here it is, a small polysaccharide with a modest and inconspicuous name "inulin". Reviews about him, however, are by no means modest. Still would! This is a truly invaluable substance for our entire body, from the functioning of the digestive tract to strengthening the immune system and maintaining a normal weight. Regular consumption of foods containing a sufficient amount of inulin (cereals, artichokes and asparagus, bananas and raisins, replacing coffee with chicory, and potatoes with Jerusalem artichoke) contributes to the overall improvement of the body and the solution of certain problems in the work of some organs.
He will help young people to always be in good shape, maintain a highenergy levels and have strong immunity. For the elderly, it will be an excellent means of preventing and treating osteochondrosis, and will reduce the likelihood of a heart attack. And if in the first case it is enough to get this carbohydrate from food, then at a more mature age it is worth thinking about additional intake of drugs containing inulin. Their price is low and quite affordable even for pensioners. Fortunately, today there is a huge selection of natural products, and even enriched with additional valuable components - dietary fiber, juices and extracts of licorice, eleutherococcus, ginseng, parsley, etc. Keep the inulin content in the body at the proper level and be he althy.
