A natural dietary fibre!

Inulin is a natural soluble fibre found in many commonly consumed fruits and vegetables (onions, garlic, leeks, bananas, etc.). Stonyfield Farm organic yogurts contain inulin that is derived from chicory root. It is, in fact, extracted from root of the chicory using a natural hot-water extraction process, which is really similar to the extraction of sugar from sugar beet.

Inulin is a dietary fibre and, as such, it is recognized as providing health benefits. Soluble fibres like inulin are especially useful since they can bind to cholesterol, preventing its absorption into the bloodstream (1). Studies have shown that soluble fibres may help reduce the level of bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), thereby lowering the risk of heart disease (2-3).

In addition, inulin acts as a prebiotic, which means that it selectively stimulates the growth and activity of good bacteria in the colon (4).

Prebiotics

Prebiotics such as inulin are simple, indigestible carbohydrates. They are not digested in the stomach or the small intestines and are therefore intact when they reach the colon. There, they stimulate the growth of good bacteria, promoting good digestive health.

Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host when consumed in sufficient quantities.

With five active cultures, including among others Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus and acidophilus, Stonyfield Farm probiotic yogurts can help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with lactose intolerance (i.e. bloating, abdominal cramps, diarrhea) (5).

Prebiotics and probiotics

Prebiotics and probiotics both act on the digestive system and work together to optimize digestive health, contributing to overall well-being. Eating them on a regular basis is a smart choice.

References:

1. Extenso, Centre de la référence humaine
   http://www.extenso.org/echelle_credibilite/detail.php/f/1457
2. J Fam Pract 2006 Sep;55(9):761-769, Are your patients with risk of CVD getting the viscous soluble fiber they need?
   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?
   db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16948958&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_docsum
3. J Cariovasc Nurs 2006 Jan-Feb;21(1):3-8Fiber and cardiovascular disease risk: how strong is the evidence?
   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?
   db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16407729&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_docsum
4. Clinical Nutrition Rounds, 2004 March; 4 (3), Pro-and Prebiotics: Significance and Impact in Clinical Practice. http://www.clinicalnutritionrounds.ca/cgibin/templates/framesets/nutritionRoundsCa/fs_snell.cfm
5. http://www.probioticscenter.com/basics/basics_lactose.asp