India, June 18 -- We often refer to our "gut feeling" when something instinctively seems right or wrong even when we can't explain why. This intuitive connection between our digestive system and our brain is more than just a metaphor; it's backed by science. And the so-called gut-brain axis also plays a crucial role when it comes to weight management. By making smart dietary choices, we can positively influence this hidden connection, simplifying weight loss and enhancing both gut health and overall well-being.

Asian populations face distinct weight-related health risks, with many individuals classified as TOFI - thin outside, fat inside. Despite appearing leaner, Asians tend to accumulate more abdominal fat compared to Europeans.[i] This is particularly concerning, as excess abdominal fat is a major risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.[ii]

Let's take a closer look how prebiotic chicory root fibres can aid in weight management.

Lever #1: Enhancing Satiety and Reducing Cravings

One answer lies in the gut microbiota which is a dynamic community of trillions of microorganisms that regulate digestion, metabolism, immunity, and even mood. That's why scientists have labelled the gut microbiota as an "essential organ" due to its profound influence on health.[iii] To foster a healthy microbiota, the key lies in supporting beneficial bacteria. Here, prebiotic fibres are the preferred food for such bacteria, particularly Bifidobacteria. When chicory root fibres are consumed, these bacteria selectively ferment them, triggering the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Now, the mentioned gut-brain axis is coming into play, as SCFAs stimulate the release of gut hormones that are known to regulate feelings of satiety and fullness in the brain. Recent research confirms that promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms through chicory root fibre intake can support weight management.[iv]

Lever #2: Cutting Sugar and Fat While Keeping Indulgence

Next to supporting gut health, BENEO's chicory root fibres, Orafti(R) Inulin and Oligofructose, also offer technological benefits. They enable manufacturers to reduce sugar and fat content in various products such as cereal bars, cookies, chocolate, yogurt, and ice cream - all without sacrificing taste or texture. Manufacturers can therefore target a wide range of applications that deliver prebiotic benefits to everyone from young children to the elderly, while offering better-for-you options in indulgent categories. The BENEO-Technology Center has created a wide variety of recipe formulations with the company's chicory root fibres, which are available in liquid and powder form and even as an organic variant.

Smart Fat Replacement for Creamier Products

Being soluble in water, BENEO's prebiotic fibres allow for easy processing without any major changes in the production processes. As a dispersible powder, Orafti(R) Inulin can be used in moist or semi-moist food categories as a fat replacer. It can stabilise water into a creamy structure with a similar mouthfeel to fat, enabling the development of fat-reduced products without compromising on taste and texture. For example, this texturizing property of Orafti(R) Inulin allows the creation of ice cream with 30% less fat than a full-fat reference product, while ensuring good creaminess, body, scoopability and a pleasant taste.

Reducing Sugar Without Compromise

Orafti(R) Oligofructose can also be used in fibre-enriched cereal bars, for example in the binding syrup or as a humectant, helping bars and other products remain soft over time. Tests by the BENEO-Technology Center have shown that these prebiotic fibres can reduce the sugar content in a cereal bar by 30%. Adding Orafti(R) Inulin to a chocolate recipe, also allows the reduction of sugars while ensuring a nice texture and good snap.

Reshaping the future of nutrition

By leveraging the power of natural, science-backed prebiotic chicory root fibre, food and beverage manufacturers can create healthier, functional products that actively support weight management by promoting satiety and diminishing unhealthy cravings. Plus, they allow for lower fat and sugar formulations that still delight the taste buds. This holistic approach makes them a valuable tool for products accompanying weight loss journeys.

Curious about innovative recipes with prebiotics? Scan this QR Code or visit Prebioticpower: Gut health goes global | BENEO to explore more.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from FoodTechBiz.