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 is a type of fiber that's found in certain plant foods. Chicory root is the main source of inulin in supplement form. Chicory was originally found in Europe and Asia. Egyptians grew it thousands of years ago as a medicine.ncrease helpful bacteria in the colon. Because it has this effect, inulin is called a prebiotic. Prebiotics may have numerous health benefits. They may: 1  Help increase the amount of calcium and other minerals you absorb from food. 2  Support a healthy immune system. 3  Relieve intestinal problems.