Information about nutrition abounds in the media, and your friends, coworkers and family members may also share their nutritional knowledge with you. The science of nutrition is still evolving and rapidly changing, making self-treatment of conditions even more confusing and dangerous. For example, you may have heard that artichokes contain insulin, but this is not true. Always consult a physician before making major changes to your diet or trying to treat a health condition.
Insulin in Foods
Insulin is an hormone that your pancreas produce to control your blood sugar levels and the storage of energy. No food contains insulin, but carbohydrate-rich foods trigger the release of larger amounts of insulin in your body compared to foods with a lower carbohydrate content. Artichoke is no exception. Like other foods, it does not contain insulin.
Inulin, not Insulin
People may confuse the terms insulin and inulin. Although their spellings are very similar, they do not have anything to do with each other. While insulin is an hormone made by your pancreas, inulin is a type of fiber found in foods. Inulin as the property of being a prebiotic, which means that it can serve as food for the gut-friendly bacteria in your digestive system.
Artichokes and Inulin
Although inulin is found in foods, unlike insulin, regular green artichokes are not a source of inulin. Jerusalem artichoke, on the other hand, is very rich in inulin. Jerusalem artichoke is very different than artichoke and actually is a tuber. Inulin is mostly found in tubers, including Jerusalem artichokes, chicory root, garlic, leek and onions, but also in bananas. Many foods labelled as containing prebiotics contain inulin isolated from Jerusalem artichoke or other inulin-rich foods.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Inulin can cause gastrointestinal problems in people with irritable bowel syndrome or other gut conditions. If you suffer from diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, bloating and abdominal pain after eating Jerusalem artichokes, inulin-containing foods or foods enriched with inulin, you may be sensitive to inulin. Avoid eating inulin for a few weeks to see if your gastrointestinal symptoms alleviate. You can maintain a healthy gut flora without inulin by consuming fermented foods, such as raw sauerkraut, kefir or yogurt, or taking a probiotic supplement. Consult your doctor, pharmacist or registered dietitian for advice.
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