What physiological functions does resistant dextrin have?
Resistant dextrin can be made from cassava starch or corn starch, and the dextrinization process used is strictly controlled. In this process, the starch undergoes a certain degree of hydrolysis, followed by a repolymerization process. The repolymerization process converts starch into fiber by forming glycosidic bonds that cannot be cut by enzymes in the digestive tract and are therefore indigestible, and also hinders the cleavage of digestible links. According to the different dietary fiber content, Resistant dextrin is divided into type I and type II. From the perspective of the anti-digestive enzyme action characteristics of resistant dextrin, it is a low-calorie food raw material, and because it will not be digested and absorbed in the digestive tract, it can directly enter the large intestine. Therefore, it can play various physiological roles as dietary fiber.
Lowering blood sugar
Experimental data show that after eating resistant dextrin, the rise of blood sugar and insulin has been significantly suppressed. This effect is mainly due to the special properties of resistant dextrin, which can delay and inhibit the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine. At the same time, resistant dextrin can also improve the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin and reduce the demand for insulin.
When water-soluble resistant dextrin forms a gel in the intestine, it effectively blocks the diffusion of sugars, delaying the absorption of sugars in the intestine, thereby inhibiting the rise of blood sugar and insulin after sugar absorption.
In addition, resistant dextrin can also change the secretion of hormones in the digestive tract, such as reducing the secretion of pancreatic juice, further inhibiting the absorption of sugars. It can also affect the body's metabolic activity by regulating the activity of digestive enzymes in the intestine.
It should be noted that resistant dextrin also has the ability to inhibit the action of amylase on starch, which means that the speed at which starch breaks down to produce glucose under the action of enzymes is slowed down, thereby helping to lower blood sugar levels.
Regulating blood lipids
Dietary fiber has a significant effect on lowering blood cholesterol. It not only helps to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, but also reduces the cholesterol content of the liver, aorta and other tissues in the process of lowering blood cholesterol. This feature makes dietary fiber play a positive role in anti-fatty liver and anti-atherosclerosis.
Continuous intake of resistant dextrin, a low molecular weight water-soluble dietary fiber, has been proven to effectively reduce the concentration of serum cholesterol and neutral fat, and reduce the amount of fat in the body. More noteworthy is that resistant dextrin can also absorb bile acid and fat, thereby reducing their absorption rate, which is extremely beneficial for improving the lipid metabolism of patients with various types of hyperlipidemia.
In addition, experiments have further proved that resistant dextrin also has the effect of lowering blood pressure, although its specific mechanism of action is not yet clear. This discovery provides new possibilities for the application of resistant dextrin in the field of cardiovascular health.
Improve the health of large intestine
Resistant dextrin is not absorbed in the small intestine and directly enters the large intestine, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, especially bifidobacteria. The regulatory substances produced by its metabolism enhance human functions, such as immunity and intestinal function, while inhibiting harmful microorganisms. In the large intestine, resistant dextrin fermentation produces rich short-chain fatty acids, which can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Its water absorption and swelling characteristics can increase the volume of feces, promote intestinal peristalsis, and help prevent diseases such as constipation, hemorrhoids and colon cancer.
Control weight
Resistant dextrin has the unique volume-enhancing, water-holding and oil-holding effects of dietary fiber. After absorbing water in the gastrointestinal tract, it can expand the stomach and intestines, produce a sense of fullness, and reduce food intake. In addition, the low caloric value of resistant dextrin is very helpful for people who want to lose weight to control their weight.
