Inulin as a prebiotic: Mechanisms, health benefits, and therapeutic applications in disease management

Plants that are high in inulin, a soluble dietary fiber that functions as a prebiotic, include Cichorium intybus, Allium sativum, and Allium cepa. It promotes the growth of gut flora since it is prebiotic. Its many health benefits, which include better control over blood sugar, gut health, immunological system performance, and inflammation, are well acknowledged. Even though it is not digested or absorbed in the stomach, better bowel movements are promoted, which safeguards intestinal health. Changing the carbohydrate metabolism pattern, inulin dramatically raises insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar. Furthermore, inulin enhances sensations of fullness and decreases appetite, contributing to weight reduction and a decline in obesity. The correlation observed between inulin intake and the incidence of colon cancer is a negative indicator of the preventive benefits of inulin on colon health. Because of the increasing knowledge of its mode of action, which involves its ability to synthesize short-chain fatty acids and interact with the gut microbiota, inulin should be included in diets for the prevention and treatment of several disorders. Inulin supplements to the diet include improved metabolic processes and intestinal health. Short-chain fatty acids are among them; they provide intestinal epithelial cells with energy and help regulate the proliferation of immune cells. By evaluating each of these elements, it will be feasible to identify how inulin’s vast variety of pharmacological qualities might be used as a dietary supplement to treat and enhance human health. The book’s chapter on enhancing digestive health and managing blood sugar, weight, and immune system output focuses mostly on the pharmacological properties and health benefits of inulin.