If you’re looking to get rid of belly fat, inulin could help. Healthista’s Nutritional Director Rick Hay explains its benefits, in our Trendy Nutrients A – Z series
‘Inulin is a starchy substance that is used to help weight loss,’ says Healthista’s nutritional director Rick Hay.
‘It’s popular in the health industry because it reduces visceral fat.
‘Visceral fat is the belly fat found in the abdominal cavity and can sometimes be referred to love handles or a muffin top. This fat is particularly dangerous because it surrounds the body’s vital organs.
‘Inulin is insoluble, as it cannot be digested in the stomach. Instead, it goes to the bowels. Here, bacteria helps it produce short chain fatty acids, which are proven to increase fat metabolism and therefore promote the reduction of visceral fat’.
A study conducted by the Faculty of Medicine, at the University of Calgary, found that when overweight and obese adults took 21g of inulin every day, there was a decrease in their hunger hormone levels and an increase in fullness hormone levels.
On average during the 12 week study, the group taking inulin lost weight (over 0.9kg) while the control group gained about 0.45kg.
‘Inulin can also reduce fat around your internal organs, heart and liver. This makes it great for cardiovascular health.
‘This fibre often comes from the chicory root or agave plant. Since inulin is rich in fibre, it aids digestion and regulates blood sugar levels. So, if you have cravings or aren’t regular enough, this is the ingredient for you.’
Indeed, a mini-review published in March this year looked closely at previous studies on inulin and weight loss. The research, published in Biomedical Journal of Scientific and Technical Research concluded that supplementing the diet with inulin could achieve benefits for fat loss, especially that found around the belly.
Looking for a protein Powder that contains inulin? Try a scoop of the Healthista ‘Lean Whey Diet’ protein powder or our ‘Lean Vegan Diet’ protein powder in water or your choice of milk after exercise.
Inulin comes in powder form and has no flavour so it can blend in well into a smoothie or juice, or simply be taken with water. Try Inulin Sunroot Powder £7.99 from Healthista Shop.
Rick Hay is an Anti-Ageing and Fitness Nutritionist with many years clinical experience in nutrition, naturopathy, botanical medicine and iridology. He specializes in obesity treatment and weight management. He writes a regular Natural Health and Fitness Blog for Healthista. Find out more at rickhay.co.uk. Follow Rick on Twitter @rickhayuk
Rick Hays book the Anti Ageing Food and Fitness Plan is available to buy on Amazon.
More from Rick Hay:
Anti Ageing Fitness Plan: Week 6
5 foods to keep your body young
5 foods to eat when you’re frantic
10 pre-exercise snacks that WON’T ruin your diet
FOOD is seven a day the new five a day?
HOW TO Choose a protein powder
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