1. Control blood lipids
Intake of inulin can effectively reduce serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), increase the ratio of high-density lipoprotein/low-density lipoprotein, and improve blood lipid status.
2. Lower blood sugar
Inulin is a carbohydrate that does not cause an increase in glucose in urine. It will not be hydrolyzed into monosaccharides in the upper part of the intestine, so it will not increase blood sugar levels and insulin content. Research now shows that the reduction of fasting blood glucose is the result of short-chain fatty acids produced by the fermentation of oligofructose in the colon.
3. Promote the absorption of minerals
Inulin can greatly increase the absorption of Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, Fe2+" and other minerals. According to reports, teenagers consume 8 g/d (long and short-chain inulin fructans) for 8 weeks and 1 year, respectively. It was found that both significantly increased Ca absorption, and the body's bone mineral content and density also increased significantly.
The main mechanisms of inulin to promote the absorption of mineral elements are: 1) The short-chain fat produced by inulin in the colon makes the crypts on the mucous membrane shallow, and the number of crypt cells increases to increase the absorption area and the cecal veins are more developed. 2) The acid produced by fermentation lowers the pH of the colon, which improves the solubility and bioavailability of many minerals. In particular, short-chain fatty acids can stimulate the growth of colonic mucosal cells and increase the absorption capacity of the intestinal mucosa; 3) Inulin can promote Some microorganisms secrete phytase, which can release the metal ions chelated with phytic acid and promote its absorption. 4) Some organic acids produced by fermentation can chelate with metal ions to promote the absorption of metal ions.
4. Regulate intestinal microflora, improve intestinal health and prevent constipation
Inulin is a natural water-soluble dietary fiber, which can hardly be hydrolyzed and digested by gastric acid. It is only used by beneficial microorganisms in the colon to improve the intestinal environment. Studies have shown that the degree of proliferation of bifidobacteria depends on the number of initial bifidobacteria in the human large intestine. When the initial number of bifidobacteria decreases, the proliferation effect is obvious after using inulin. When the initial number of bifidobacteria is large, use chrysanthemum The effect after powder is not obvious. Secondly, the intake of inulin can enhance gastrointestinal motility, improve gastrointestinal function, increase digestion and appetite, and improve body immunity.
5. Inhibit the production of toxic fermentation products, protect the liver and prevent colon cancer
The food reaches the colon after digestion and absorption. Under the action of intestinal saprophytes (E. coli, Bacteroides, etc.), many toxic metabolites (such as ammonia, nitrosamines, phenol and cresol, secondary bile acids, etc.) can be produced ), and the short-chain fatty acids produced by the fermentation of inulin in the colon can lower the pH of the colon, inhibit the growth of saprophytes, reduce the production of toxic products, and reduce the stimulation of the intestinal wall. A series of metabolic activities of inulin can inhibit the production of toxic substances, increase the frequency and weight of bowel movements, increase the acidity of the stool, accelerate the excretion of carcinogens, and produce short-chain fatty acids with anti-cancer effects, which is beneficial to the prevention of colon cancer.
