Research from the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) found that dietary fiber not only helps digestion, but also protects the body from sugar damage at the molecular level. The natural fiber "inulin" found in onions, garlic and artichokes (artichokes) can change the intestinal flora and break down fructose before it enters the liver, preventing fat accumulation and liver disease, and opening up a new direction for sugar metabolism and personalized nutrition.
According to the New York Post, a study published in Nature Metabolism by a team from the University of California, Irvine, pointed out that inulin, which is present in onions, garlic, artichokes and other vegetables, can reshape the intestinal bacteria and break down fructose before it enters the liver.
{9 99}The research was conducted by the Nutrient Laboratory of Nutritional Metabolism and Disease at Irvine University Cholsoon Jang, director of the Metabolism &&; Disease Lab, pointed out, "Ingesting dietary fiber such as inulin can change the intestinal flora so that it actively consumes harmful dietary fructose."
Studies have pointed out that dietary fiber not only helps digestion, but also protects the body from sugar damage at the molecular level. When people consume fructose, which is commonly found in fruits and sugary foods, the bacteria in the small intestine can metabolize the fructose first to prevent it from entering the liver. However, if fiber intake is insufficient, fructose will "overflow" to the liver, causing fat accumulation and liver burden. Experiments have shown that when intestinal bacteria use inulin as nutrition, these microorganisms will "preemptively burn" fructose before it reaches the liver to avoid subsequent metabolic damage.
What is even more surprising is that these bacteria "activated" by inulin can not only prevent the development of fatty liver, but also reverse early signs of fatty liver, reduce liver fat accumulation and enhance antioxidant capacity. The researchers pointed out that this study proves that "not all calories are equal" but depends on how the body processes them. "Studies show how fiber can help the body resist harmful nutrients such as fructose."
Zhang Zhexun said that metabolic damage is not limited to obese people. Even if they appear healthy, if the intestinal flora cannot properly handle excess fructose, liver stress and insulin resistance may occur.