Scientists crack code on how dietary fiber shields…
A new UC Irvine research could have finally uncovered how dietary fiber protects the physique from sugar’s injury, and how defending your self begins in the intestine.
Researchers at the UCI School of Medicine discovered that inulin, a naturally occurring fiber discovered in greens like onions, garlic and artichokes, can reshape the bacteria residing in your intestine to stop fructose before it hits your liver.
Researchers at the UCI School of Medicine discovered that inulin, a naturally occurring fiber discovered in greens like onions, garlic and artichokes, can reshape the bacteria residing in your intestine to stop fructose before it hits your liver. olindana – stock.adobe.com
Various sorts of onions in a burlap sack. Printemps – stock.adobe.com
The findings, printed in Nature Metabolism, reveal a new degree of safety provided by fiber, not just in digestion, but in how the physique handles sugar at the molecular degree. Witoon – stock.adobe.com
“We found that consuming a type of dietary fiber called inulin… changes the bacteria in the gut to promote the consumption of harmful dietary fructose,” said lead researcher Cholsoon Jang, PhD, of UCI’s Nutrient Metabolism & Disease Lab.
The findings, printed in Nature Metabolism, reveal a new degree of safety provided by fiber, not just in digestion, but in how the physique handles sugar at the molecular degree.
Jang and his staff found that when people eat fructose (a common sugar in fruit and sweetened meals) intestine bacteria in the small gut can metabolize it before it reaches the liver. But without enough fiber, an excessive amount of fructose “spills over,” overwhelming the liver and triggering fats buildup.
By feeding intestine bacteria with inulin, researchers discovered that the microbes primarily burn through fructose early, stopping that cascade of injury.
Even more placing, once these bacteria have been “primed” by inulin, they have been in a position to reverse indicators of fatty liver disease, decreasing fats accumulation and boosting the liver’s natural antioxidants.
Jang says the research proves not all calories are created equal.
He says their work offers “insight into how fiber protects our health from harmful nutrients like fructose.”
The research centered on non-obese individuals: people who would possibly in any other case slip under the radar yet still face hidden dangers from high-sugar diets.
By feeding intestine bacteria with inulin, researchers discovered that the microbes primarily burn through fructose early, stopping that cascade of injury. sorapop – stock.adobe.com
Jang says the research proves not all calories are created equal. bit24 – stock.adobe.com
Jang famous that metabolic injury isn’t restricted to those who are overweight. Even people who seem healthy can expertise liver stress and insulin resistance if their intestine microbes aren’t geared up to deal with extra fructose.
“By identifying specific gut bacteria and metabolic pathways involved, our findings can guide personalized nutrition strategies,” Jang said.
He added that future research will explore whether or not other common fibers past inulin can set off comparable protecting results.
Fresh uncooked artichokes, lemons, garlic, and spring onions on a cutting board. barmalini – stock.adobe.com
The implications stretch far past the lab. If sure fibers can practice intestine microbes to neutralize sugar before it harms the liver, it may open the door to new remedies for fatty liver disease, diabetes, obesity and even cancer.
For now, researchers clarify that the findings point out that fiber not only aids digestion but could be a defender of metabolic health.
As Jang put it: “For example, by checking how well someone’s gut bacteria clears fructose before the body absorbs it, we can choose the right prebiotic or probiotic supplement for that person to improve results and reduce side effects.”
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