Fiber Protects Against Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is closely linked to obesity and is described as a cluster of conditions that includes increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, which increases a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. In a new animal study, researchers found that enriching the diet of mice with fermentable fiber inulin prevented metabolic syndrome by restoring gut microbiota, increasing the production of intestinal epithelial cells, and restoring the expression of a specific protein that protects epithelial cells. Researcher Dr. Andrew Gewirtz writes, “These results contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms that underlie diet-induced obesity and offer insight into how fermentable fibers might promote better health.” Cell Host & Microbe, January 2018