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http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/glossary/g/gloligofructose.htm
Oligofructose
Definition: Oligofructose is an oligosaccharide - a type of sugar molecule with several branches. Oligosaccharides are, for the most part, not digested in the small intestine, therefore they add very little to blood glucose. However, they are broken down via fermentation in the colon (large intestine) where they can contribute to the health of the colon (for this reason, they are sometimes called prebiotics).
Oligofructose is 30-50% is sweet as sucrose (table sugar). It also behaves similarly to sugar in some food products. It occurs naturally in some plants. Most of the oligofructose used as an ingredient is either extracted from chicory root or is synthetically manufactured. It is included both in "Total Carbohydrates" and "Fiber" on food labels in the U.S.
**broken link removed**
How does it work?
Oligofructose is a carbohydrate polymer derived from fructose polymers commonly found in plants and vegetables including onions, bananas, garlic and chicory). Oligofructose displays a sweet, pleasant flavour and is highly soluble, without raising insulin or blood sugar levels. Oligofructose has a lower calorific value (1.5 kcal/g) than normal carbohydrates due to the ß(2 1) bonds linking the fructose molecules.
Oligofructose is widely used as a sugar substitute, designed to reduce the calories of foods such as ice cream, dairy products and confectionary, without affecting sweetness and texture. Oligofructose also stimulates the growth of beneficial prebiotic bacteria and contains dietary fibre. The substance is increasingly available in meal replacements, diet shakes and nutritional supplements. Oligofructose has become increasingly popular due to its ability to increase (provide fuel for) health bacteria (eg; acidophilus) which is vital for good gut health, skin health, vitality and a strong immune system. 1-4gm of Oligofructose per day can increase the number of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus by up to 10-fold.
This is useful for certain of people like bodybuilders who have to consume large amounts of calories, yet need a good functioning digestive system. (However excessive amounts of Oligofructose 10g per day plus, can result in wind)
Who is it used for?
Oligofructose is designed for anyone who wants to consume traditionally sweet foods and drinks, without consuming excess calories or triggering a large rise in blood sugar and insulin levels. It is therefore a healthy way of sweetening food and drinks. Oligofructose may be useful for people on calories controlled diets, low carbohydrate diets and for general weight control. Clinically, the substance may benefit obese patients and is widely used with diabetics.
How does it work?
Inulin and oligofructose move through the upper gastrointestinal tract and enter the large intestine intact. Because they are not broken down, they do not increase blood sugar (glucose) or stimulate insulin secretion, unlike traditional sweeteners such as sucrose (‘sugar’) or honey. Stabilisation of blood sugar and insulin control are important components of weight management and health.
In a double-blind trial of middle-aged men and women with elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, supplementation with inulin (10 grams per day for eight weeks) significantly reduced insulin concentrations (suggesting an improvement in blood-glucose control) and significantly lowered triglyceride levels (Jackson et al 1999).
How do I use it?
Oligofructose can be used as a sweetener, and can be added to your favourite foods or drinks. Because its taste is similar to sugar, it can be used as a low calorie replacement. You will also find oligofructose in many nutritional supplements, as a sweetener, palatability improver, and functional nutrient.
What results can I expect?
Inulin and oligofructose can help support your weight loss goals as part of a calorie controlled diet and exercise programme. The substance allows you to consume sweet foods and beverages without the negative blood sugar and insulin responses normally associated with such food and drinks. There is also some suggestion that oligofructose may independently improve insulin and blood sugar control, thereby improving metabolic profiles – a factor which may be of particular help in weight management. It will also help your digestive system resulting in less bloating, wind or stomach upsets.
What can it be combined with?
oligofructose can be combined with any other diet supplement. However, although the substances may be used alone, they are more commonly found as functional ingredients within other products, such as diet shakes, protein powders and meal replacements.
Oligofructose
Definition: Oligofructose is an oligosaccharide - a type of sugar molecule with several branches. Oligosaccharides are, for the most part, not digested in the small intestine, therefore they add very little to blood glucose. However, they are broken down via fermentation in the colon (large intestine) where they can contribute to the health of the colon (for this reason, they are sometimes called prebiotics).
Oligofructose is 30-50% is sweet as sucrose (table sugar). It also behaves similarly to sugar in some food products. It occurs naturally in some plants. Most of the oligofructose used as an ingredient is either extracted from chicory root or is synthetically manufactured. It is included both in "Total Carbohydrates" and "Fiber" on food labels in the U.S.
**broken link removed**
How does it work?
Oligofructose is a carbohydrate polymer derived from fructose polymers commonly found in plants and vegetables including onions, bananas, garlic and chicory). Oligofructose displays a sweet, pleasant flavour and is highly soluble, without raising insulin or blood sugar levels. Oligofructose has a lower calorific value (1.5 kcal/g) than normal carbohydrates due to the ß(2 1) bonds linking the fructose molecules.
Oligofructose is widely used as a sugar substitute, designed to reduce the calories of foods such as ice cream, dairy products and confectionary, without affecting sweetness and texture. Oligofructose also stimulates the growth of beneficial prebiotic bacteria and contains dietary fibre. The substance is increasingly available in meal replacements, diet shakes and nutritional supplements. Oligofructose has become increasingly popular due to its ability to increase (provide fuel for) health bacteria (eg; acidophilus) which is vital for good gut health, skin health, vitality and a strong immune system. 1-4gm of Oligofructose per day can increase the number of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus by up to 10-fold.
This is useful for certain of people like bodybuilders who have to consume large amounts of calories, yet need a good functioning digestive system. (However excessive amounts of Oligofructose 10g per day plus, can result in wind)
Who is it used for?
Oligofructose is designed for anyone who wants to consume traditionally sweet foods and drinks, without consuming excess calories or triggering a large rise in blood sugar and insulin levels. It is therefore a healthy way of sweetening food and drinks. Oligofructose may be useful for people on calories controlled diets, low carbohydrate diets and for general weight control. Clinically, the substance may benefit obese patients and is widely used with diabetics.
How does it work?
Inulin and oligofructose move through the upper gastrointestinal tract and enter the large intestine intact. Because they are not broken down, they do not increase blood sugar (glucose) or stimulate insulin secretion, unlike traditional sweeteners such as sucrose (‘sugar’) or honey. Stabilisation of blood sugar and insulin control are important components of weight management and health.
In a double-blind trial of middle-aged men and women with elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, supplementation with inulin (10 grams per day for eight weeks) significantly reduced insulin concentrations (suggesting an improvement in blood-glucose control) and significantly lowered triglyceride levels (Jackson et al 1999).
How do I use it?
Oligofructose can be used as a sweetener, and can be added to your favourite foods or drinks. Because its taste is similar to sugar, it can be used as a low calorie replacement. You will also find oligofructose in many nutritional supplements, as a sweetener, palatability improver, and functional nutrient.
What results can I expect?
Inulin and oligofructose can help support your weight loss goals as part of a calorie controlled diet and exercise programme. The substance allows you to consume sweet foods and beverages without the negative blood sugar and insulin responses normally associated with such food and drinks. There is also some suggestion that oligofructose may independently improve insulin and blood sugar control, thereby improving metabolic profiles – a factor which may be of particular help in weight management. It will also help your digestive system resulting in less bloating, wind or stomach upsets.
What can it be combined with?
oligofructose can be combined with any other diet supplement. However, although the substances may be used alone, they are more commonly found as functional ingredients within other products, such as diet shakes, protein powders and meal replacements.
