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Inulin powder is commonly used as a food additive, particularly as a low-calorie sweetener, fat replacer, and fiber enricher. It is also considered a prebiotic because it promotes activities and growth of beneficial microorganisms in the gut. While it is commonly made from chicory root, it can also be produced from various fruits, vegetables, and herbs. In a study published in the Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, researchers tried to produce inulin powder from Jerusalem artichoke, scientifically known as Helianthus tuberosus.
For the study, a team of researchers from Thammasat University, Kasetsart University, and Mahidol University in Thailand came up with a production process of purified inulin powder made from Jerusalem artichoke and looked at the effect of the process on inulin powder quality. The production process involved applying hot water extraction and purification steps which included basket centrifugation, carbonation, deionization, and decolorization prior to the evaporation and spray drying processes.
Using this production method, the research team were able to yield 37.6 percent of the total solids in Jerusalem artichoke tuber. In addition, the purity of inulin powder made using this production process was comparable with the inulin product typically sold in the market.
From these findings, the research team from Thailand concluded that inulin powder can be made from Jerusalem artichoke and can be used as a natural food additive.
Inulin is found in many plants as a soluble fiber. It is called a fructan because it is composed of chains of fructose molecules that cannot be digested by the small intestine. Instead, it goes to the lower gut where it serves as a prebiotic, which good gut bacteria use as food. After that, gut bacteria convert inulin and other prebiotics into short-chain fatty acids that nourish colon cells. In addition to improving gut health, inulin offers the following health benefits.
There is also some evidence that taking insulin can help improve mineral absorption, prevent colon cancer, and treat inflammatory bowel disease. If you want to try inulin, you can start with a low dose and then gradually increase your intake over time. You should also be careful if you have a FODMAP (Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides And Polyols) intolerance or certain allergies.
For more stories on food additives made from natural resources, go to FoodScience.news.
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