Effects of inulin in health and weight loss

Weight-loss formulas remain one of the top selling fitness supplements, with many of them using inulin to keep people away from sugars and fats, further aiding their dieting and helping them reach their fitness goals. In this article we explain the benefits of inulin and why it is present in many weight-loss supplements.

What is inulin

Inulin is a type of soluble fiber found in many plants and also a fructan, which means it’s a polymer of fructose molecules that store carbohydrates. Like other fructans, it is a prebiotic that plays a key role in feeding the good bacteria in your gut and can influence weight-loss, according to several studies.

Although Inulin can easily be found in many plants, it is normal for manufacturers to alter and modify it for different commercial purposes. Some of the natural sources of inulin, easily found in any supermarket, are garlic, raw asparagus, raw onion pulp, wheat, and raw barley; although it is present is around 36.000 species of plants, with chicory root being the richest source of this powerful fiber. On top of that, manufactured products like protein bars, cereal bars, yogurts and other milk products, baked goods and other desserts are also great sources of inulin.

What plants contain inulin?

Here is how much inulin you can find in different natural sources:

• Chicory root, 35.7–47.6 g

• Jerusalem artichoke, 16–20 g

• Garlic, 9–16 g

• Raw asparagus, 2–3 g

• Raw onion pulp, 1.1–7.5 g

• Wheat, 1–3.8 g

• Raw barley, 0.5–1 g

Health benefits of inulin

Effects of inulin in digestion

Given the fact that inulin is a probiotic, 5 grams per day give your body a boost for the growth of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli in your gut, a great way to keep your gut healthy and protect the body from disease. These two types of bacteria fight bad bacteria, prevent infections and stimulate your immune system. Inulin is also great when you keep track of your nutrient intake as it slows down overall digestion, enabling your body to better absorb nutrients from the food you eat. It will also help with bowel movement and the fiber content will give you a smoother digestion process, reliving constipation in result.

Keep your blood sugar level balanced with inulin

Different types of inulin might also be helpful to control blood sugar levels, especially for people with diabetes and pre-diabetes. As inulin slows down digestion in general, it also affects the speed in which carbohydrates are absorbed by the body, which allows sugar to be released slowly, controlling sugar spikes and keeping the sugar levels on track.

On top of this, studies have shown that high performance inulin can help reduce insulin resistance and potentially reverse diabetes type 2, as it decreases the amount of fat in the liver. Nevertheless, the effects of other types of inulin are yet to be confirmed and further studies are needed.

Inulin in weight loss

The fiber present in inulin is a great advantage for people aiming at losing weight. Fiber is an indigestible part of carbohydrates that help people feel fuller for a longer period of time, especially during low-calorie diets, as it takes longer for the stomach to empty. On top of that, when someone is feeling satiated for a longer period of time, it helps avoiding the usual cravings and constant snacking that can counteract all the hard work that is put in the gym.

The above-mentioned benefit of controlling sugar levels and improving digestion also further supports weight loss, avoiding unnecessary fat storage and ensuring that the body properly uses every nutrient intake.

Inulin-containing supplements from BioTechUSA

• Fiber Complex:

Fiber Complex is fruit-flavored chewing tablet containing water-soluble dietary fibers (inulin) and chromium. The tablets don’t represent a significant calorie intake, so you can take them with a clear conscience when hunger strikes during your diet. It contains 2700 g of dietary fiber per serving, with added chromium.

• Fat-X:

Fat-X is a stimulant-free product with vegetable extracts, inulin and HCA, with L-Tyrosine as well as zinc and other minerals that help the metabolism of fatty acids. The chromium content of the product contributes to the normal metabolism of macronutrients and the maintenance of a healthy blood sugar level. The zinc content of the product contributes to the normal metabolism of fatty acids. The iodine content contributes to the normal production of thyroid hormones and the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.

• L-Carnitine 70.000 + Chrome:

L-Carnitine 70.000 + Chrome is a ready to drink liquid L-Carnitine supplement enhanced with green tea extract, chromium, inulin and vitamins. 1400 mg of L-carnitine and 100 mcg of chromium per serving in highly bioavailable liquid form. It’s made specifically for professional athletes. The chromium present in the product contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism and to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels.

• Thermo Drine liquid:

Thermo Drine Liquid is a complex dietary supplement in easily absorbable liquid form developed for hard training individuals to meet their fitness goals. Choline, the core ingredient in Thermo Drine Liquid, contributes to normal lipid (fat) and homocysteine metabolism, as well as the maintenance of normal liver function.

• Black Burn:

In addition to the basic vitamin and mineral complexes of Black Burn, there are popular ingredients like L-Carnitine, L-Tyrosine, CLA, HCA or inositol in the product. Among the diversified active ingredients of the product, there are 11 plant extracts such as cayenne pepper, black pepper, Coleus forskohlii root, green tea leaf, green coffee and guarana. The latter 3 plant extracts also serve as a natural source of caffeine, but we also enriched it with added anhydrous caffeine so that you can get even more energized with your workouts.