Tag: Prebiotic

A significant majority of adults in the United States fail to meet their daily fiber intake recommendations, with the average American consuming only about half the recommended amount. Psyllium husk is a powerful supplement that can effectively help bridge this nutritional gap.

As a synthetic soluble fiber providing only 1 kcal/g, polydextrose is a valuable food additive engineered to replace fats and sugars in lower-calorie products. This makes polydextrose a highly effective and popular fat replacer for creating healthier versions of common foods while maintaining desirable sensory qualities.

Polydextrose is a synthetic carbohydrate polymer widely used as a food additive and soluble fiber. Contrary to inducing inflammation, evidence from several studies suggests that polydextrose possesses anti-inflammatory properties, primarily through its positive influence on the gut microbiome. Its fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which have numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving gut barrier integrity.

Polydextrose was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981 as a food additive. This synthetic polymer of glucose goes by several other names depending on the context, from its E-number to specific brand names.

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration since 1981, polydextrose is indeed classified as a soluble fiber. But does polydextrose count as fiber in the same way as whole-food sources? The answer lies in its unique classification as a functional fiber, a key distinction for understanding its role in nutrition.

With only about 1 kcal per gram, polydextrose is widely recognized as a low-calorie alternative to sugar, leading many to ask: how much sugar is in polydextrose? The answer is very little, as this soluble fiber contains only a minimal percentage of residual sugars and is largely resistant to digestion in the human body.

According to a study published in the *Journal of Nutrition*, polydextrose has a very low glycemic index of 4 to 7. This fact is a key reason why many low-carb products include this soluble fiber, but a critical question remains: will polydextrose kick you out of ketosis?

Many people mistakenly believe canned pumpkin contains live, beneficial bacteria. In reality, while not a probiotic, this fibrous food is packed with powerful prebiotics that play a crucial role in supporting gut health and digestion.

Polydextrose, a synthetic soluble fiber and prebiotic, is widely used in food products to reduce calories and increase fiber content. While considered safe by the FDA, a key consideration for consumers is understanding what are the side effects of polydextrose powder, which are often linked to dosage.

According to the USDA, a medium-sized banana provides around 105 calories and over 3 grams of dietary fiber. This nutrient profile answers the question, 'Are bananas for light meals?', suggesting they are indeed a great, convenient, and healthy option, especially when combined with other foods to balance their macronutrients.