Fructo Oligosaccharides Prebiotic Blend
Chicory is one of approximately 36,000 plant species worldwide containing a class of compounds called fructooligosaccharides (FOS), also called fructans or non-digestible oligosaccharides. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) compounds are prebiotic fibers that support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. FOS are nondigestible and, therefore, are not absorbed in the upper digestive tract but are fermented by gut bacteria in the colon.
Chicory also contains inulin, a naturally occurring non-digestible FOS prebiotic fiber that promotes gut health by encouraging the growth of beneficial intestinal flora. It is used as a dietary supplement to enhance overall health and address conditions like constipation and high blood sugar levels. Chicory, when processed as a food ingredient, has inulin levels of over 90%.
Chicory, in its role as a support food, therefore has numerous benefits for health. Increased intestinal fermentation results in better nutrient absorption from the foods we eat, and helps in the production of vitamins, primarily the B vitamins and vitamin K, and in the production of enzymes. By encouraging friendly bacteria, FOS fermentation helps to suppress other, harmful, bacterial species.
Additional health benefits include alleviation of constipation or diarrhea, increasing the stool mass for better regularity, protecting the liver from the overwork of cleaning out a colon made toxic by putrefying matter, increasing the bioavailability of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, and helping to regulate a balanced cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Inulin fermentation increases the production of short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, which benefits the mucosal functioning of the intestinal tract (helpful against colitis and facilitates repair), liver processing, and the general metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Friendly intestinal flora, particularly the bifidobacteria, are also immunomodulators; they help regulate a properly responding immune system.
Chicory is widely versatile—it can be used in desserts, beverages, cereals, nutritional bars, yogurts, bakery goods, and, since it is non-glycemic, as a sugar replacement that is safe for diabetics. It helps to control the glucose intolerance of hyperglycemia. It nicely enhances the texture of food, which is why it is so commonly used. In addition to, and because of, all the health benefits already mentioned, it is also useful in weight management programs as it helps generate the heat of metabolism.
Our chicory is non-GMO, contains no allergens, and has a glycemic index of 0. The health benefits of chicory, as well as its texture, natural sweetness, and versatile contributions to other foods truly make it an important support food.
Size: 1-pound heat-sealed bags