Inulin - what is this? From what receive inulin. Properties, use, contraindications

Every year, the number of diseases associated with problems of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract increases. On his health and performance are affected by many factors - from malnutrition to stress and a low-activity lifestyle. If in youth we practically do not notice any problems with the gastrointestinal tract, then in old age they can result in something serious - up to a lethal outcome (the mortality rate for this reason is constantly growing). That's why you need to take care of the health of the intestinal microflora in good time and take timely measures to eliminate the slightest disruptions. In this case, not medicines, which one treat, and the other - will maim, will help. Will serve as a good assistant inulin. What is this, where do they get and how do they apply it? These questions you will find exhaustive answers in this article.

What is inulin?

First, let's get acquainted with this element more closely. Inulin - what is this substance? This is a natural polysaccharide (polyfructosan), obtained from plants, of which there are more than three and a half thousand. The molecule of inulin is a chain of about 30-35 fructose residues, the molecular weight is from 5000 to 6000. The taste is sweetish.

What is inulin?

Inulin is a reserve carbohydrate, which can be found in many plant components. Inulin in animal products is not present. 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. There he does his main task - improves peristalsis, as well as digestion, feeding the growth and reproduction of useful bifidobacteria.

The industry uses mostly inulin chicory and Jerusalem artichoke. It is in these plants that this polysaccharide is the most abundant. Its number reaches 20%, which is very much. Among the champions for the content of inulin there are more familiar to us plants - garlic and onions. The share of this valuable component reaches 10% in them. In addition, they have many other useful properties, and therefore it's worth to include them in your diet.

Inulin can be obtained from other natural products: it is found in cereals, artichokes, izume and even bananas. All these products are quite tasty and nutritious, and therefore to consume them regularly will not be difficult. And the body will say "thank you". Among medicinal plants boast of pure inulin content can bells, violets and lilies. There is it in the tubers of dandelions, daffodils, hyacinths and dahlias.

A method for producing inulin

How do they get inulin? What is this a way to extract it from plants without destroying the molecular structure and preserving the healing properties? Inulin is obtained by cold method, without the use of heating, which allows to keep its biological activity.

As a result of physical and chemical processes, inulin can be obtained both in the form of an amorphous powder and in the form of crystals. They are easily soluble in hot water and badly in cold water. In hydrolysis, inulin forms D-fructose, as well as a certain amount of glucose. Along with inulin, carbohydrates are also obtained from the same plants, which also give D-fructose (levulin, pseudoinulin, sinistrin, etc.). Thus, this polysaccharide is a material for the production of fructose and serves as a natural substitute for starch and sugar for diabetes mellitus.

The role of inulin in the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract

One of the most important properties of inulin is that it is not exposed to the digestive enzymes present in our stomach. This is due to properties and a formula close to soluble fiber. Due to this, inulin freely passes through the stomach and enters directly into the intestine. Here it becomes a nutrient medium for bifidobacteria. They split it (partially) and use it as a material for growth and reproduction. As a result, the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal microflora increases, and the pathogenic - decreases (they are simply superseded). Improves intestinal motility, the process of digestion is accelerating. And just something you need to enrich your diet by adding inulin. The benefits of plants that contain it usually do not end there (which means that the organism receives a double or even triple benefit).

The unsplit part of inulin is excreted from the body, "taking along the road" the decay products and other substances that the organism absolutely does not need (heavy metals and radionuclides, toxins, etc.). It releases inulin the human body and from accumulations of bad cholesterol. For these purposes (purification and antioxidant effect) it is recommended to use dietary fibers with inulin, which will be an excellent additive to every meal.

Interaction of inulin with vitamins and minerals

In addition to the fact that this carbohydrate plays an important role in improving digestion and intestinal motility, it has other very pleasant properties. Thus, inulin helps the human body to assimilate various useful elements. Among them - calcium and magnesium, which by themselves are not produced by the body, but fall only with food. Inulin contributes to the fact that they are digested 10 times better - up to 30%. Favorably it influences the assimilation of iron, copper and phosphorus.

Inulin in the fight for immunity

This polysaccharide has hepatoprotective, as well as immunomodulating effect on our body. It's no secret that the level of immunity in many respects depends on the health of the intestines and stomach. If everything is in order with the microflora, the metabolic processes proceed easily and quickly, then the endurance of the whole organism rises. Inulin plays a decisive role here - it increases the number of beneficial bacteria (as a natural prebiotic), improves lipid metabolism (relieves bad cholesterol), helps digest minerals and vitamins. It is not surprising that inulin is a benefit for the whole organism as a whole, and not just for the digestive tract. And this benefit is difficult to overestimate.

Inulin connection with normal weight

And in the matter of losing weight or maintaining a slender figure, this remarkable carbohydrate could not be dispensed with. Although they say that those who want to lose weight need to reduce the amount of carbohydrates to a minimum and lean on proteins, this does not apply to inulin. Firstly, it has a low calorie content and is practically not digested in the stomach. Secondly, it creates a feeling of satiety for a long time, even if you ate very little. For example, a good assistant will be inulin chicory, which is often recommended to replace coffee. It has a natural sweetish taste and does not require additional sweeteners. In addition, it helps to normalize digestion and speed up metabolic processes (hence, losing weight will flow faster).

Other properties of inulin

The next ability of this prebiotic will appeal to people watching their figure, and simply to those who try to consume less fat. The fact is that inulin gives products that are used in production, a thicker consistency and a rich creamy taste. So, light diet yogurt, in which there is practically no fat, will taste no worse than a thick creamy yogurt with a high percentage of fat content. Why extra calories, if the difference in pleasure is not? Here he is, inulin. What is this, if not a miracle, gifted by nature itself!

Inulin from the pharmacy: is it useful?

In some situations, when health requires it, it is recommended that inulin is consumed in significantly higher doses than does daily with food. For example, patients with diabetes mellitus (the first and second type), patients with ischemia, atherosclerosis, immunodeficiency doctors are prescribed to take inulin additionally. The instruction for this medication mentions also other diseases, including cholelithiasis, kidney diseases, constipation, etc. In addition, it is not forbidden to apply it also in order to maintain the energy balance while observing a strict diet.

In all these cases, an additional intake of inulin from the pharmacy will not do any harm, but will only serve good purposes. It will help restore the exchange of lipids and fats in the body, increase the number of bacteria "Bifidus", remove harmful substances, including toxins and toxins, lower cholesterol.

Help in improving the health and its constituent amino acids: prevent fatty liver dystrophy (arginine, methionine), help insulin production (leucine, isoleucine), reduce appetite (tryptophan).

Inulin medicine: composition

In pharmacology, the most common plant from which inulin is made is Jerusalem artichoke, but there are also plant remedies of other origin (from chicory, echinacea, coltsfoot, etc.). In addition, manufacturers often add to the preparations additional components - bran and dietary fiber, extracts and juice of dog rose, ginseng, licorice, eleutherococcus. This increases the biological value of the drugs.

How to take inulin: recommendations

If inulin was discharged by the attending physician, then he will necessarily designate the doses and the schedule of admission that must be adhered to. Specific recommendations depend on the type of disease or severity of the problem. On the average, as an additive to food experts recommend taking 1-2 tablets three times a day, naturally, with meals. However, doses can be as high as 10 tablets in individual cases.

In addition, there are some "tricks" that allow you to get the most benefit from taking inulin. Here are some of them:

• For colds and beriberi - use with sea buckthorn juice;
• As a tonic and blood cleanser - with black currant juice (strengthens capillaries, reduces blood sugar, has an atherosclerotic effect);
• To treat obesity, reduce blood pressure - with beet juice (activates the work of the liver and strengthens the capillaries);
• To increase strength and endurance of the body - with Chinese magnolia vine and ginseng (speeds up metabolism, restores working capacity).

Inulin is very well combined with juices of various berries and vegetables, which only enhance its healing effect on the body.

Inulin and side effects of the application

Often, useful ingredients, even if absolutely natural and having a plant origin, can have a very serious side effect on the body. Is Inulin 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 some warnings. They relate to the individual intolerance of some components (determine this will help analysis). In this case, as a result of ingestion of inulin, allergy may begin. But there were no more serious consequences of the use of this supplement. In addition, experts still do not recommend appointing it to children under 12 years of age. Otherwise, there are no barriers for admission.

Inulin is useful for everyone and at any age

Here he is, a small polysaccharide with a modest and inconspicuous name "inulin." Reviews about it, however, are by no means modest. Still would! This is truly an invaluable substance for the whole of our body, starting with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and ending with strengthening immunity and maintaining a normal weight. Regular use of products containing enough inulin (cereals, artichokes and asparagus, bananas and raisins, replacing coffee with chicory, and potatoes with Jerusalem artichoke) promotes general improvement of the body and the resolution of certain problems in the work of certain organs.

He will help young people always be in good shape, maintain a high level of energy and have strong immunity. For the elderly it will be an excellent means of prevention and treatment of osteochondrosis, 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 later age you should think about the additional intake of drugs containing inulin. Their price is low and is quite affordable even for pensioners. Fortunately today there is a huge selection of natural remedies, moreover, enriched with additional valuable ingredients - food fibers, juices and extracts of licorice, eleutherococcus, ginseng, parsley, etc. Maintain the inulin content in the body at the proper level and be healthy.