noun
- Plural of inulin; a group of polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates) found in plants, used as a dietary fiber and food additive.
Usage: technical; commonly used in nutrition and food science contexts
Examples
- Inulins are naturally present in foods like chicory root, garlic, and onions.
- Many health food products contain added inulins to increase their fiber content.
- The digestive benefits of inulins have made them popular in functional foods.
- Inulins are fermented by beneficial bacteria in the colon, acting as a prebiotic.
- Food manufacturers use inulins as a low-calorie sweetener and texture enhancer.