Digestive health
Chicory inulin and oligofructose can be used to increase the dietary fiber content of a wide variety of food products. Dietary fibers are essential in our daily food but our diets rarely contain enough of them. The average adult should consume about 25-30 grams a day. Few of us actually eat more than 15-20 grams daily.
Fructan fibers like inulin and oligofructose are not digested nor absorbed in the small intestine and reach the colon intact. Scientific studies have shown that upon reaching the colon, chicory inulin and oligofructose stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the large intestine, leading to healthier colonic microbiota. This so-called prebiotic effect promotes growth of a beneficial group of bacteria known as Bifidobacteria and moreover stimulates short chain fatty acids production in the colon that improve the working of the intestine contributing to good bowel movement and digestion.
Research indicates that gut bacteria may also effect energy regulation, immune response and gut-brain interaction. Modifying the compositions in this way ultimately improves the consumer's well-being.
