Sandwiched in between simple carbohydrate, sugars (monosaccharides) and complex carbohydrate, fibre and starch (polysaccharides) are another group of carbohydrates called fructans like inulin and oligofructose. They are a zero calorie, sweet inert carbohydrates and do not metabolise in the human body but do help to feed the beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
Keeping the intestinal flora balanced is vital to many processes in the human body as an imbalanced has been linked to degenerative diseases such as dementia and can also lead to vitamin K2 deficiency which in turn can affect the bones as K2 is produced by these bacteria and is required along with vitamin D3 to transport calcium to the bones and teeth. For more details see>> Feed your friendly bacteria
Highest natural sources of fructans in alphabetical order
- Asparagus
- Barley
- Chicory root
- Garlic
- Jerusalem artichoke
- Kidney beans
- Leeks
- Nectarines
- Onions
- Rye
- Split peas
- Watermelon
- Wheat
Related subjects
- A-z of nutrients
- Bone and joint disorders
- Dementia
- Feed your friendly bacteria
- Intestinal disorders
- Teeth and gum disorders
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