Extending the number of healthy life years is not only a public health goal, but also a goal for each of us. The aging process has been started since we were born. Our diet and living habits have greatly affected our aging way.

The good news is that we are moving in the right direction - with the progress of medical science and the improvement of living conditions, human life expectancy has been extended. However, diet related non communicable diseases (NCD) still pose a burden and threat to our public health system and everyone. In addition, by 2050, 25% of Asia's population (1.3 billion) will be over 60 years old, an increase of more than 12% compared with 2016.

So, how can we make ourselves longer and healthier?

Healthy nutrition beyond traditional essential elements

Lifestyle suggestions we often hear include: quit smoking, drink less and make sure you do at least 60 to 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week. These are important parts of our daily life. In addition to developing these good habits, a healthy and balanced diet ensures that we are healthy and old. A healthy and balanced diet is essential and complex.

Traditionally, nutrition advice has focused on ensuring adequate intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and balanced protein, fat, and carbohydrates, while less attention has been paid to dietary fiber. Surprisingly, the dietary fiber intake of most countries in the world is only half of the recommended intake.

Another important thing is to pay more attention to your microbiota, the microbes that live in the large intestine. It is particularly important to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. Only a few dietary fibers have this function, and they are prebiotics that have been scientifically and clinically verified. Chicory root fiber (inulin, fructooligosaccharide) belongs to this kind of special fermentable fiber.

According to a study in the Journal of Geriatrics, older people who eat a diet rich in fiber are 80 percent more likely to live long and healthy.

Prebiotic fibers can have beneficial effects on the gut microbiome.

Studies have shown that gut microbiome changes with age. Age related changes affect not only digestive system health, but also immune response. Correcting bacterial imbalance through prebiotic dietary fiber is a very beneficial dietary support for the elderly, because imbalance is usually associated with the development of a variety of diseases.

The latest literature supports the existence of gut muscle axis, in which the metabolites decomposed by bacteria that ferment dietary fiber may stimulate muscle cells and thus have a positive impact on sarcopenia. The assessment of the elderly aged 65 and above in nursing homes also showed a significant improvement in age-related weakness.

Improve intestinal and digestive health through prebiotic fiber

At all ages, normal intestinal movement should be maintained to avoid constipation. This can be achieved by increasing the frequency of defecation and the softness of stool every week. With the increase of age, the intestinal barrier function weakened and the risk of intestinal leakage increased.

Probiotics chicory root fiber can help maintain normal intestinal function. Prebiotic chicory root fiber can have a positive impact on the internal environment of the intestine, nourish the epithelium of the large intestine, stimulate intestinal peristalsis, increase the number of defecation per week, and make the stool softer to avoid strain.

Increase calcium absorption, healthier bones

With the increase of age, the amount of bone will decrease. Many published studies have confirmed the association of low calcium intake with low bone mass and high fracture risk. Unfortunately, calcium intake in Asia is surprisingly low.

As we all know, the human body cannot synthesize calcium by itself, so it is very important for bone health to eat calcium rich foods. However, for most people, only 30% of the calcium in the diet can be absorbed by the body, and the rest can be excreted.

Food manufacturers can help improve bone health by using patented mixtures of inulin and fructooligosaccharides to improve calcium absorption.

Fiber helps maintain a healthy weight

Nowadays, regardless of age, people are very concerned about weight management. As you get older, hormonal changes affect your weight, and things get worse. The good news is that we can change that by exercising regularly and choosing better food.

High fiber foods are more likely to feel full than low fiber foods. However, prebiotic fermentable fiber chicory root fiber, inulin and fructooligosaccharide, has an additional function. It can activate satiety hormone, which transmits signals to the brain and then affects the regulation of hunger satiety. Chicory root fiber can help you reduce your food intake. They can help prevent weight gain, better control blood sugar, and even reduce weight and body fat - which becomes more and more important with age.

Chicory root fiber can also help consumers consume more fiber and maintain a healthy weight for a long time. In addition to being a valuable natural fiber addition, manufacturers can also use chicory root fiber instead of some fat and sugar to reduce the total caloric value of their products. Chicory root fiber has a mild and natural taste, has the characteristics of food tissue formation, and is easy to use, which helps to maintain or even improve the taste and texture of products. Chicory root fiber has only half the calories of carbohydrates. Using chicory root fiber, food manufacturers can produce low calorie versions of traditional "indulgent" foods, such as ice cream, cookies, dairy products or smoothies, so that consumers don't have to give up eating while following healthy eating habits.

This is the best time for manufacturers. They can bring delicious products rich in fiber to consumers and help them live longer and healthier lives. Natural prebiotic fibers such as inulin, fructooligosaccharide and resistant dextrin can be easily used in existing formulations to help manufacturers attract consumers who want to be healthy and aging.

Source: https://news.21food.cn/35/2895256.html