Dextrins, also known as soluble fibre, are a group of low-molecular-weight water-soluble polysaccharide carbohydrates produced by the hydrolysis of starch or glycogen. Hydrolysis involves splitting water up into its basic components and allowing those components to attach to other molecules. Dextrin is often used as a glue due to this ability.
Soluble fibre slows down stomach emptying, especially when eaten with lots of fluid and some fat. This is partly why soluble fibre tends to decrease the glycaemic effect of a meal (raising of the sugar level). The contents of the stomach enter the small intestine more gradually and from there, the blood.
Health benefits of consuming dextrin rich foods
- Expels toxins from the body.
- Helps fight colon diseases.
- Keeps bowel movements regular.
- Increases health-promoting digestive bacteria.
- Increases satisfied appetite.
- Reduces blood sugar levels and regulates insulin response.
- Reduces LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Reduces risk of coronary heart disease, strokes and related diseases.
Natural sources of dextrin in alphabetical order
- Apples
- Baobab fruit
- Berries
- Bran
- Broccoli
- Butternut squash
- Carrots
- Celery
- Chia seeds
- Coconut
- Courgettes
- Cucumbers
- Flax seeds
- Legumes
- Lentils
- Nuts
- Oats
- Oranges
- Parsnips
- Peas
- Pears
- Pinto beans
- Plums
- Potatoes
- Psyllium husks
- Kidney beans
- Strawberries
- Sweet potatoes
- White beans
- Whole grains
- Yams
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Related subjects
- A-Z of nutrients
- Blood and vein disorders
- Cancer
- Constipation and diarrhoea
- Diabetes
- Excretory system disorders
- Feed your friendly bacteria
- Heart disorders
- Intestinal disorders
- Obesity
- Strokes
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