A Few Words about Properties of Inulin Controlling Weight and Health Function

Abstract

A few words about inulin, natural carbohydrate (Figure 1), present in more than 36000 species of plants including best known like wheat, onion, bananas, garlic, chicory. Inulin in them is used as an energy reserve [4]. One of important properties of inulin is its solubility in water and for this osmotically active. Inulin consists of heterogeneous fructose polymers. Inulin may be polimerizated from 2 to 60. The chainterminating glucosyl moieties and a repetitive fructosyl moiety are linked by β (2,1) bonds not digested by enzymes in human system of food. It has not color and smell so has a little influence on sensory characteristics of food products. Inulin is weakly sweet however high efficiency inulin is not. Inulin is fiber but its solubility is higher than classical fibers, mixed with liquid forms white creamy structure which is similar to fat. Instead of replace fat, inulin may be substitute of sugar and flour.