Inulin: the fiber that nourishes well-being (and not just the intestine)
🌱 What is inulin?
Inulin is a soluble fiber extracted from chicory root , completely natural and recognized for its beneficial effects on health and nutrition. It is part of the fructans family and is indigestible : it arrives intact in the large intestine where it is fermented by the bacterial flora, nourishing it.
💪 The benefits of inulin: health, taste and functionality
✅ Nutritional benefits
- Enrich foods with functional fibres
- Replaces sugar and fat in many recipes
- Reduces calories (2 kcal/g versus 4 for sugar and 9 for fat)
- Contains no added sugars or GMOs
🧬 Health Benefits
- Natural prebiotic recognized by ISAPP
- Nourishes good bacteria (Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli)
- Improves intestinal regularity
- Reduces post-prandial glycemic peaks
- Contributes to weight control
- Increases calcium absorption and strengthens bones
- Supports the intestinal immune system
💡 Did you know? 67% of consumers associate fiber with immune health and 78% consider it essential for gut health.
🍽 How does it work in our body?
- It is not digested in the small intestine
- It is fermented in the colon , where:
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- generates short-chain fatty acids (SCFA)
- stimulates intestinal transit
- contributes to the well-being of the entire organism , also through the gut-brain axis
🧠 Effects on blood sugar
- Does not increase post-meal blood sugar
- Reduces glycemic response when used in place of sugar
- Supported by EFSA, which allows the claim:
“Consuming foods containing chicory root fiber instead of sugars induces a smaller increase in blood sugar levels than a food containing sugar.”
📌 Conditions of use : 30% sugar replacement and caloric intake equal to or lower than the reference.
🚽 Effects on the intestine and digestion
- Promotes the growth of beneficial microbiota
- Increases stool volume
- Stimulates the intestine mechanically (fecal mass) and chemically (SCFA)
- Improves regularity starting from 4 g/day
- Claim approved:
“Promotes digestive health” – EFSA, 12 g/day
⚖️ Weight control
- Fewer calories per gram than sugar and fat
- SCFAs produced by fermentation regulate hormones that control hunger and satiety ( GLP-1, PYY )
- Helps you eat less… without sacrificing taste
🦴 Bone health
- Increases the absorption of calcium and magnesium
- Improves bone mineral density , especially during menopause
- Effective from 8 g/day
🛡 Immunity: Power Starts in the Gut
- 70% of the immune system resides in the intestinal tract
- Inulin supports the development of beneficial flora
- Reduces the growth of pathogens and supports immune balance
- Also useful in cases of dysbiosis or chronic inflammation
🔬 Safety, tolerability and certifications
- Certified natural ISO19657:2017
- Well tolerated up to 20 g/day for adults
- Supported by EFSA and FDA as a useful fiber to fill the “fiber gap”
- It does not produce side effects if introduced gradually
👩🍳 How is it used in cooking?
- Inulin is available in versatile formats:
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- Liquid → sweets, binders, baked goods
- Powders → bread, pasta, snacks, ice cream, sauces
❤️ Conclusion: the fiber that makes the difference
Whatever you want:
- improve digestion
- check your blood sugar
- support immunity
- reduce fat or sugar in your diet
… chicory root inulin is the invisible ingredient that works silently for your well-being.
And in the artisanal products of Il Pane di Rivalta , we use it every day. Because health begins with what we choose to put on our plate.