Natural prebiotic inulin for health and beauty

As one of the organic polysaccharides, inulin was widely spread at the end of the last century. Its useful properties were so varied and so actively advertised that some people even considered it a regular pacifier. However, this does not correspond to the truth, inulin is really an existing natural substance that can bring a lot of benefit to the body.

What is inulin and where it occurs naturally

According to recent studies, inulin refers to complex carbohydrates, otherwise called polysaccharides. It is found in the tubers and roots of some plants, being the source of their energy supply. The building material of inulin is fructose residues( according to the latest data - about 9 different residues).

As a result of hydrolysis or fermentation, inulin is again converted to fructose. As a prebiotic, inulin is split only in the human large intestine, since the gastric juice does not contain the enzyme necessary for this - inulinase.

Plants containing inulin

The main feature of inulin is its completely plant origin, it can not be extracted from animal sources or by artificial methods. Enumerate where inulin is contained is not easy, because it can be found in almost 4 thousand plants, familiar or exotic. However, it is possible to list plants in which this substance is particularly abundant:

• Jerusalem artichoke( or earth pear);
• chicory;
• onion, garlic, asparagus;
• burdock, dandelion, mother-and-stepmother;
• elecampane, banana, echinacea, etc.

Despite the fact that most of the inulin contains Jerusalem artichoke( up to 20%), it is extracted mainly from chicory. This is due to the fact that such a small amount of inulin in chicory has a longer chain of molecules, and the correct shape of the root greatly facilitates the extraction process.

Inulin extraction technology

In order to preserve the useful properties of inulin, it is extracted from plants by a gentle cold pressing method. The production process consists of several stages:

1. Grinding of the root.
2. Extraction of inulin.
3. Extract thickening.
4. Precipitation.
5. Cleaning.
6. Drying the extract.

The most important stage is the process of extraction of inulin from crushed raw materials. To do this, use special machines - extractors. These are large U-shaped tubes in which a turbulent flow is created, and then the raw material and water are placed. It is into it that is taken from the roots of inulin. The result is a tasteless white powder, used as a dietary supplement in cosmetics, cosmetics or medicines.

Useful properties and contraindications

Inulin chicory is able to bring the body and benefit, and harm - it all depends on how correctly it is applied. Useful properties of inulin are quite numerous, they affect different systems of the body. In particular, this prebiotic can:

• lower body temperature for colds, have a sweatshop effect;
• normalize the work of the cardiovascular system;
• restore the working capacity and functionality of the liver, purify it, help in the treatment of hepatitis B and C;
• to stabilize the heart rate;
• balances the nervous system;
• to control blood sugar level;
• remove slags, radionuclides, salts of heavy metals;
• stimulate the growth of bone tissue and promote the absorption of calcium;
• normalize the work of the intestines, preventing the accumulation of stools, the appearance of constipation;
• to increase the digestibility of vitamins, carbohydrates, which enter the body with food;
• increase the body's resistance and improve immunity.

Thanks to the ability of inulin to reduce the level of sugar, chicory drink is recommended for diabetics. It is also used in diets and for weight loss, as the dietary fibers with inulin in the stomach turn into a gel-like mass that envelops its mucous membranes, forming a protective wall. At the same time, inulin affects lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, which are important for those who watch the figure, and contributes to the adjustment of appetite, replacing the feeling of hunger for a long feeling of satiety.

Inulin chicory is the most common form of this prebiotic, since the shape of the root of chicory greatly facilitates extraction.

That's interesting! Creating a feeling of satiety, inulin does not cause an increase in the amount of glucose in the blood, provoking insulin jumps.

As a prebiotic, inulin is actively involved in the formation of the right intestinal microflora, which is absolutely beneficial to the body, helping to eliminate pathogenic bacteria. Another useful property of this prebiotic is the ability to reduce the amount of ammonia in the intestine, thereby indirectly preventing the occurrence of cancer.

Contraindications and side effects of

Like most other herbal products, inulin is able to not only benefit, but also harm if you use it incorrectly or ignore contraindications.

First and foremost, it is important to observe the dosage, which can be prescribed by the attending physician, who is familiar with the peculiarities of his patient's health and his history.

In most people, taking this substance did not cause any health problems or side effects, so inulin refers to relatively harmless supplements. The main reason for refusing it can be the individual intolerance of both inulin itself and prebiotics in general.

If inulin has been extracted from the root of chicory, it can pose a particular hazard to people suffering from the following diseases:

• hemorrhoids( ingestion of inulin may cause impairment);
• varicose veins;
• spasms or chronic diseases of the respiratory system.

It is also not recommended to combine inulin with antibiotics, as it will interfere with the full absorption of the drug, and sometimes provoke the occurrence of additional side effects.

Methods of using inulin

Due to its useful properties, inulin is actively used in the food industry, in cosmetology, as well as in pharmaceuticals.

In the pharmacological industry

Pharmaceutical companies use inulin as a basis for creating a wide range of biologically active additives( BAA).

They are used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, as well as for improving the general condition of the body. Indications for use of dietary supplements containing inulin may be the following diseases:

• atherosclerosis;
• diabetes( 1 or 2 types);
• obesity;
• autoimmune diseases;
• osteochondrosis, osteoporosis;
• hypertension;
• allergies;
• weakened immunity;
• anemia.

Also, similar additives can be prescribed to eliminate the negative side effects from taking antibiotics( for example, to restore normal microflora), radioactive irradiation, to restore the body after severe operations or illnesses.

Before starting treatment, it is always necessary to consult a doctor who will tell you the appropriate dosages and duration of the course, and also check for contraindications. It is not recommended to take dietary supplements with inulin to children under 12 years of age, pregnant and lactating women.

In the food industry

In this area, the ability of inulin to simulate fat in food products is actively used. This is due to the fact that mixing with water, the prebiotic forms a creamy mass, the texture of which is similar to fat. As a result, it is possible to significantly reduce the caloric content of the product, since only a quarter of a gram of inulin can replace 1 g of fat.

It is possible to list in what products inulin is contained for a long time. Most often it is used in the production of low-fat products, baked goods, dairy products, chocolate, diet products and instant food products.

Also, inulin is used as a stabilizer for mousses, sauces, ice cream and other similar products.

In children's food

Very actively use inulin manufacturers of baby food. At first, after the birth, the intestine of the child is sterile, the mother's milk is loaded with a useful microflora. It contains not only vitamins, but also trace elements, oligosaccharides, which serve as prebiotics.

When the lure of the baby is introduced complementary foods, the amount of mother's milk consumed is reduced. Therefore, manufacturers add inulin to their products, knowing that this substance will be able to perform such functions in the baby food as previously performed by breast milk. In particular, it can:

• support the development of beneficial microflora in the intestine;
• to improve digestion;
• promote the absorption of magnesium.calcium and other elements.

Such mixtures and purees will be especially useful for those children who suffer from constipation, increased gas production, dysbiosis or colic. Contained in them inulin will not harm the baby, since pediatricians recommend this food even to allergic children, as adjusting the intestinal microflora will also contribute to the elimination of allergens.

In cosmetology

Useful properties of inulin have found their application in cosmetics. The producers also appreciate the natural origin of this additive, as today people are increasingly eager to use natural products. The effect of the use of cosmetics containing inulin, manifests itself through a few "sessions" of application.

In skin care products, this polysaccharide is able to:

• improve oxygen exchange of skin cells;
• to nourish, moisten it;
• to eliminate inflammation, roughness;
• level the relief, eliminate wrinkles;
• stimulate the natural regeneration of cells;
• to stabilize the level of production of natural skin collagen;
• to increase the barrier properties of the skin;
• align the contour of the face.

This prebiotic for hair care is also very useful, so it is often added to shampoos, conditioners and hair masks. In their composition, inulin actively moisturizes the scalp, nourishes the hair follicles, thereby contributing to healthy and radiant hair.

In addition, these tools effectively restore hair, strengthening the roots, preventing hair loss and stimulating hair growth. Also, with regular use of funds with inulin, they restore the structure of the hair, eliminating the cross-section of the tips, giving the hair silky, softness and obedience.

Similar effect can not only cosmetic products with inulin, but also its regular use as a nutritional supplements, necessarily after preliminary consultation with the attending physician.

The use of inulin for the body has long been proven by scientists and physicians, its unique properties are widely used in various areas of human life - from food products to cosmetics. The naturalness of this product and the short list of contraindications make it an ideal recommendation for most people.