Acesulfame potassium is a zero-calorie sweetener that is added to many sugar-free…
Chicory root fiber (Inulin)
Chicory root fiber (Inulin)
Chicory root fiber (Inulin)
What is it:
Chicory root fiber, also known as inulin or chicory inulin, is a natural dietary fiber extracted from the roots of the chicory plant (Cichorium intybus). As a food additive, chicory root fiber is utilized for its prebiotic properties and ability to enhance the fiber content of food products. The production process involves washing, peeling, and then extracting the inulin from the chicory roots. The extracted inulin undergoes purification to remove impurities, resulting in a soluble fiber with a mildly sweet taste. Chicory root fiber is commonly added to a variety of food items, including yogurt, cereal bars, and baked goods, to improve their texture and increase fiber content.
Rating:
Chicory root has demonstrated that it can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, positively modulate hormones, have a beneficial impact on parameters of metabolism, and promote antioxidant activity.
Resources:
- The functional properties of chicory root (in vitro studies)
- Historical and future applications of chicory root (review)
- Chicory root lowered hemoglobin A1c levels and improved bowel movements in healthy adults (randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial)
- Chicory root has beneficial effect on gut microbiome and satiety hormones in mice (animal study)
How we rate ingredients
Health is like a bank account, certain ingredients make a deposit into your health bank, meaning they add to
your health. Certain ingredients withdraw from your health bank. We want health promoting ingredients in our diet. To keep things simple, we rate ingredients on a green, yellow, red scale:
Clean
It is naturally occurring in food and has no harmful effects on the body. It is real food. It is health promoting.
Caution
It goes into one or more of the below categories
- It is not naturally occurring in food but doesn’t have data showing it has a harmful effect on the body (additives like Gellan Gum)
- It is naturally occurring but can have some harmful effects on the body (added sugars, oils, gums etc.)
We Avoid
It is known to have a harmful effect on the body (ex. All food colorings, Natural Flavors, MSG, Potassium bromate, aspartame, artificial flavors)
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