Today, there are many options for health and weight management, one of which is to avoid the consumption of sugar-rich foods. But to completely abstain from sugar can be difficult for many people. But did you know that there is a sweetener substitute like “inulin” that has a sweet taste like sugar but does not make you fat, diabetic, and high blood pressure patients can eat and have health benefits as well? Let’s get to know more about inulin in this article.
What is Inulin?
Inulin is a type of carbohydrate that is sweet but does not provide energy. It is found in tubers and roots of plants such as onions, garlic, cabbage, asparagus, stalks, and some fruits. There is a fiber called fructan instead. (Fructan) is formed from fructose sugars arranged in short chains and ends with glucose. This dietary fiber is soluble in water. Therefore, the body is not digested in the digestive tract and absorbed for use as energy.
The benefits of inulin for the body are as follows:
– Inulin helps to control blood sugar and lipid levels in diabetic patients. Since the body does not digest and absorb inulin as energy, it does not increase the sugar level and, consequently, the sugar absorbed. Converted to fat deposits in the blood vessels and the body decreases accordingly.
– Inulin helps to control weight because inulin is dietary fiber. When eaten, it helps you feel full for longer. Decreased appetite It also does not provide energy, so it does not make you fat, suitable for those who want to lose weight.
– Inulin prevents diarrhea because inulin is prebiotic that is digested and feeds the good bacteria in the large intestine. As the beneficial bacteria increase, it inhibits the development of the harmful bacteria that cause diarrhea.
– Inulin helps to balance the body, making the digestive system better. With dietary fiber that can hold water well, it helps to increase the volume of food waste in the intestines and stimulate the peristalsis of the intestines for easier excretion. As a result, it reduces constipation that will cause hemorrhoids as well.
– Inulin helps make meals more delicious with the introduction of inulin as an ingredient in food, which is a substitute for sugar Suitable for those who can not eat sugar, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, etc.
