Inulin: Root of the matter
A healthy digestive system is essential to our well-being. The human gut has its own ecosystem comprised of millions of bacteria. These bacteria contribute to a number of body functions such as protection against infection and the absorption of nutrients from food. Under normal circumstances, this ecosystem is well balanced - meaning that there are more 'good' bacteria than there are 'bad' ones. However, a variety of factors such as stress, illness or an unhealthy diet may lead to a loss of this fragile balance, potentially paving the way to disease.

A number of emerging food products may play a critical role in the maintenance of the gut's balance of bacteria. Products that contain probiotics are formulated with live bacterial strains that reach the intestine and exert their positive effects. In contrast, foods that contain a prebiotic are formulated with non-digestible ingredients that stimulate the growth or activity of good bacteria. Ongoing research is examining the role of both pro- and prebiotics in the reduction of intestinal disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, cancer, and diseases such as Crohn's.

Inulin, a prebiotic, is a fiber found naturally in over 30,000 types of plants including common vegetables such as leeks, artichokes, asparagus and chicory root. On an industrial scale, inulin is naturally extracted from the chicory root, purified and then added to food products. Inulin is not digested in the stomach or in the small intestine and so reaches the large intestine intact, where it stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria. There is research to suggest that our digestive system may be healthier as a result, protecting against disease and with an enhanced ability to absorb more nutrients from food, namely calcium. Inulin, being a fiber, may also help to promote regularity.

Omega-3 fatty acids: The essentials
Omega-3 fatty acids are a family of polyunsaturated fats, also known as 'good' fats. They are called 'essential' because the body can't make them so they must come from food. Omega-3 fatty acids make up an important part of the cells everywhere in the body especially the eyes, brain and sperm cells. They also act as a natural pacemaker, make blood platelets less 'sticky' and stabilize plaque in blood vessel walls making it less likely to cause blockages that can lead to heart attacks. Besides their heart-health benefits, omega-3 fatty acids are being studied in the prevention and treatment of depression, Alzheimer's disease, cancer and inflammatory disorders such as arthritis and Crohn's disease.

Soy: King of Plant Proteins
Soy is the only plant source of protein that is closest in quality to animal protein. Soy also provides healthy doses of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and is low in saturated fat - one of the so-called 'bad fats'. In addition, soy contains phytochemicals called isoflavones which may have exciting health benefits. Similar to human estrogen, isoflavones are being studied in the prevention of many conditions where estrogen is thought to play a role such as cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease and the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Although the jury is still out on the benefits of soy in many of these conditions, its link to the prevention of heart disease is strong. Soy consumption has been shown to lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol ('bad cholesterol'). As part of a healthy diet, eating soy may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Calcium: Bone Up!
Calcium, a mineral mostly found in our bones, is as important to adults as it is to children. During childhood, calcium is required to build bone mass. Later in life, calcium is needed to keep bones strong and reduce bone loss.

Bones are active, living tissue - calcium is constantly being added and withdrawn from the skeleton for various body functions, such as muscle contraction. If more calcium is withdrawn than is added, our bones become porous and fragile.

In pre-menopausal women, the hormone estrogen appears to protect against bone loss. With the onset of menopause, bone loss speeds up as estrogen levels drop. Consuming enough calcium can help women retain their bone density and lower the risk of osteoporosis. For adults 50 and over, calcium may also protect against high blood pressure and cancer.

Iron: Its mission
Iron is a mineral available in food and required to stay healthy. Although iron performs many functions in the body, its main role is to carry oxygen to the tissues where it is used to produce energy. If not enough iron is consumed in food or if stores drop too low, we may become anemic, a condition marked by fatigue and weakness. Iron needs are at their greatest during stages of rapid growth, such as childhood and adolescence, during the childbearing years and pregnancy.

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