Inulin

See also : Prebiotics
Other Names: Beta(2-1)fructans, Chicory Extract, Chicory Inulin, Dahlia Extract, Dahlia Inulin, Extrait de Chicorée, Extrait de Dahlia, Inulina, Inuline, Inuline de Chicorée, Inuline de Dahlia, Long-chain Oligosaccharides, Oligosaccharides, Oligosaccharides à Chaîne Longue, Prebiotic, Prébiotique.
Inulin is a starchy substance found in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, including wheat, onions, bananas, leeks, artichokes, and asparagus. The inulin that is used for medicine is most commonly obtained by soaking chicory roots in hot water.

Special Precautions of Flavanoids

• Using too much inulin causes more stomach problems.
• In some people it can cause gas, bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of inulin during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

The benefits of Flavanoids are

Inulin is not digested or absorbed in the stomach. It goes to the bowels where bacteria are able to use it to grow. It supports the growth of a special kind of bacteria that are associated with improving bowel function and general health. Inulin decreases the body's ability to make certain kinds of fats.

• Lowering high levels of a kind of fat called triglycerides. Taking inulin seems to lower triglycerides by up to 19% after eight weeks of treatment.
• Constipation. Inulin helps elderly people who typically have a bowel movement only once or twice a week to have a bowel movement daily.
• Weight loss. Taking inulin in combination with chromium picolinate, capsicum, L-phenylalanine, and other nutrients, does not seem to significantly reduce weight in moderately obese people.
• High cholesterol levels. Taking inulin as a supplement does not seem to significantly lower blood cholesterol.