Does Inulin Help Improve Gut Health?

cheryl

cheryl

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Does Inulin Help Improve Gut Health? - Cleveland Clinic​

This prebiotic is found in a lot of foods that you probably already eat

While you might not be familiar with inulin, it’s pretty much everywhere.

Inulin is created by plants and is then used as an energy source by them. This prebiotic dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that’s not digested in your body, but is used as “food” by your gut’s good bacteria. Sounds promising, right? But should you hop on the inulin train or pass this natural prebiotic on by? Registered dietitian Kendra Weekley, RD, breaks it all down for us.

What is inulin?​

Inulin is a prebiotic fiber that’s produced by plants. It’s found in many fruits, grains and vegetables like:

  • Artichokes, specifically Jerusalem artichokes.
  • Asparagus.
  • Bananas.
  • Burdock.
  • Chicory root.
  • Garlic.
  • Leek.
  • Oats.
  • Onions.
  • Soybeans.
  • Wheat.
  • Wild yams.
 
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