Inulin: properties and health benefits
Yu‐Qing Qin, Liu‐Yan Wang, Xinyu Yang, Yijie Xu, Gang Fan, Yange Fan +3 more
Food & Function
Abstract
Inulin, a soluble dietary fiber, is widely found in more than 36 000 plant species as a reserve polysaccharide. The primary sources of inulin, include Jerusalem artichoke, chicory, onion, garlic, barley, and dahlia, among which Jerusalem artichoke tubers and chicory roots are often used as raw materials for inulin production in the food industry. It is universally acknowledged that inulin as a prebiotic has an outstanding effect on the regulation of intestinal microbiota <i>via</i> stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria. In addition, inulin also exhibits excellent health benefits in regulating lipid metabolism, weight loss, lowering blood sugar, inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors, reducing the risk of colon cancer, enhancing mineral absorption, improving constipation, and relieving depression. In this review paper, we attempt to present an exhaustive overview of the function and health benefits of inulin.
Extracted Claims
11 claims extracted from this paper into the knowledge graph
inulin regulates lipid metabolism
“In addition, inulin also exhibits excellent health benefits in regulating lipid metabolism, weight loss, lowering blood sugar, inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors, reducing the risk of c...”
inulin found in more than 36,000 plant species
“Inulin, a soluble dietary fiber, is widely found in more than 36,000 plant species as a reserve polysaccharide.”
inulin inhibits expression of inflammatory factors
“In addition, inulin also exhibits excellent health benefits in regulating lipid metabolism, weight loss, lowering blood sugar, inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors, reducing the risk of c...”