Inulin significance in food

Deals in context to the sources, health benefits and available product of Inulin in market.

1. Inulin By By A Rehman B Tech. Food Technology

2. Inulin: An Introduction A polymer of fructose Group of naturally occurring polysaccharides produced by many different types of plants. Belongs to a class of dietary fibres known as fructans (a fructose polymer).

3. Sources Industrially, most often extracted from Chicory. Chicory is perennial herbacious plant of the dandelion family with bright blue flowers, rarely white or pink.

4. Sources (in contd.) Natural Sources Plants that contains high concentration of Inulin include Agave (Agave spp.) Banana ( Musaceae ) Chicory ( Circhorium intybus ) Dandelion ( Taraxacum officinale ) Garlic ( Allium sativum ) Onion ( Allium cepa )

5. Discovery Discovered in 1804 by German Scientist, Veletin Rose Found that a “peculiar substance” from Inula helenium roots by boiling water extraction

6. Inula helenium root

7. Functions Used by some plants as a means of storing energy and is typically found in roots and rhizomes. Supports special kind of bacteria that are associated with improving bowel function and general health. Decreases the body’s ability to make certain kinds of fats.

8. Structure Inulin is a heterogeneous collection of fructose polymer. Consists of chain-terminating glucosyl moeities and repititive fructosyl moiety. Linked by β → 2,1 glycosidic bonds

9. Structure (in contd.) Degree of Polymerisation The standard Inulin ranges from 2 to 60 in degree of polymerisation (DP). Inulin with DP less than 10 during manufacturing process referred to as high performance Inulin.

10. Chemical structure of Inulin

11. Significance in humans Because of β → 2,1 linkage, Inulin is not digested by enzymes in human alimentary system, contributing to its functional properties: Reduced calorific value Dietary fibre Prebiotic effects An energy source at 1.5 calories per gram

12. Significance in humans (in contd.) Inulin is a soluble fiber among one of the three types of dietary fibre including soluble, insoluble and resistant starch. Soluble fibre dissolves in water to from gelatinous material Helps in lowering blood cholesterol and glucose level.

13. Physical Properties Standard Inulin is slightly sweet in comparison to high performance Inulin. Solubility is higher than classical fibres . When thoroughly mixed with liquid, Inulin forms a gel and a white creamy structure, similar to fat. This 3-D network consists of insoluble submicron crystalline inulin particles which binds large amounts of water assuring its physical stability.

14. Uses Inulin is used greatly in processed foods because of its unusually adaptable characteristics: Can be used to replace sugar, fat, and flour as its flavour ranges from bland to subtly sweet (about 10% of the sweetness of sugar/ sucrose) Contains 25-35% of food energy of the carbohydrates (starch, sugar)

15. Uses (in contd.) Apart from that, Inulin has many health benefits. Increases calcium absorption and possibly magnesium absorption promoting the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria. In terms of nutrition, it is considered a form of soluble fiber and sometimes categorized as prebiotic . Suitable for diabetics and potentially helpful in managing blood sugar-related illnesses.

16. Ill effects on health In sensitive person, side effects of Inulin dietary fiber may occur in following ways ̶ Intestinal discomfort, including flatulence, bloating, cramping. Diarrhoea Anaphylactic reaction (a condition in which immune system overreacts to the allergen by releasing chemicals that cause allergy symptoms).

17. Which is better: Inulin or Sugar? Traditional and artificial sweeteners can offer a great boost in energy but short-lived. Excessive sugar can cause nausea, diarrhoea and gastric problems but Inulin helps to stop that. In pure form Inulin has a long shelf life and makes a healthy food preservative when mixed with other foods. Also a great food enhancer.

18. This advanced formula is not only rich in L- Arginine , but it comes with 8 other super ingredients that your heart will love, including a healthy dose of Inulin. Marketable Product Drink ForeverGreen's Pulse-8 for your healthy heart and optimum cardiovascular health. This advanced formula is not only rich in L- Arginine , but it comes with 8 other super ingredients that your heart will love, including a healthy dose of Inulin.

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