The sugar that makes you lose weight, you know, inulin

1. What is inulin?

2. Sources and properties

3. Applications

1. What is inulin?

Inulin is one of the polysaccharides. This compound is made up of more than 30 mono-sugar molecules that are bonded together by durable glycosidic bonds. Simple sugars that form inulin are among the most popular sugars in our diet, that is, fructose and glucose. Inulin comes in the form of a white powder that not only has an extremely delicate taste, but also a structure similar to starch, which is why it's very often found under the name georgine starch. It's worth adding that this type of sugar is very well soluble in water.

2. Sources and properties

Inulin is a plant-derived polysaccharide. The highest amount of this compound sugar, which is about 40%, is found in the bulbs of chicory, carrot, shellfish, medicinal mushrooms, and bulb sunflower, commonly known as topinambur. Inulin also occurs in bananas, onions, garlic, peppers, and sprigs. The energy value of inulin is quite low, at 150 kcal per 100 g. It is almost 10 times less sweet than ordinary sucrose, so it cannot be used as a food additive.

3. Applications

Because of these properties, inulin can be a good substitute for fat, which will be suitable for people struggling with excess weight loss or dieting weight loss. In fact, it can be used by people who have problems with their circulatory system. Almost 1 g of inulin sugar can replace 4 g of fat! Additionally, low calorie intake allows inulin to be added to the diet as one of the main ingredients in desserts, which makes it easier to maintain dietary intake while reducing body fat. In addition, in people with cardiovascular problems, who very often use low blood sugar in the context of diet and fat loss, can use inulin as a way to reduce body fat loss.