A high-fiber diet would be a boon against obesity and metabolic syndrome , but not all fibers are born equal. In a new study, a group of researchers found that fermentable fibers such as inulin are helpful in countering weight accumulation, as well as high cholesterol and high triglycerides. Inulin is a fiber that is now experiencing a period of great popularity : this fiber is in fact capable of attracting intestinal fluids, and is very useful for those suffering from constipation, it also reduces the absorption of calories and fats derived from improper nutrition. Such as glucomannan / konjac, some gums, psyllium, some algae / mucilage, resistant starch.It would also increase the percentage of Bifidobacteria in the intestinal flora , thus helping us to have a healthier intestine and a more balanced bacterial flora. That is, it has a prebiotic action. And finally, it reduces the glycemic load of meals. For this reason, today there are many products enriched with inulin: for example the flour and products of Fiberpasta, but also many baked goods for diabetics and some protein products contain it.

All nice, but alas there are some contraindications, starting with the fact that inulin, like other fibers that contain fruit oligo saccharides, that is particular glucose chains, causes intestinal fermentation: it is in fact a fructose polymer. So if you suffer from colon and in general from swollen stomach and irritable bowel syndrome , inulin can be counterproductive, and you must be careful to read the labels of many foods that have words such as “dietetic” “sugar free” “low glycemic index ”, but also to many whole grain products. Inulin is present in many dietary meal replacements : bars, milkshakes, creams and smoothies.
Obviously it is also present in many natural products:from chicory root to Jerusalem artichoke to garlic and onion.
The advice is therefore this: to try these products with inulin added in moderation, making sure that they do not produce excessive intestinal fermentation. If we tolerate them well, we can for example buy powdered inulin to add to cakes and homemade bread or biscuits: it reduces the glycemic load, it thickens, it has an important prebiotic action. If, on the other hand, we notice a swollen belly and a worsening of regularity, in spite of a regular intake of water, the advice is not to insist, because inulin can give a lot of benefits, yes, but not for us.