Fiber. Fiber is a complex carbohydrate found in plant foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts. Fiber helps maintain bowel regularity and may decrease your risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood sugar, obesity, high cholesterol and colorectal cancer, according to MayoClinic.com.
Inulin is a natural storage carbohydrate present in more than 36,000 species of plants, including wheat, onion, bananas, garlic, asparagus, sunchoke and chicory. For these plants, inulin is used as an energy reserve and for regulating cold resistance. Because it is soluble in water, it is osmotically active.his is advantageous because inulin contains 25-35% of the food energy of carbohydrates (starch, sugar). In addition to being a versatile ingredient, inulin has many health benefits. It increases calcium absorption and possibly magnesium absorption, while promoting the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria.
Inulin, also known as a polysaccharide, is a soluble fibre classed as a fructan. Fructans are chains of fructose indigestible by our body, but loved by the good bacteria in our gut flora.