Stachyose

Stachyose is a naturally occurring tetrasaccharide composed of galactose, glucose and fructose.

I. Properties.

1. Water-soluble dietary fiber: Stachyose can be dissolved in water and has the properties of dietary fiber, which can increase feces volume and promote intestinal motility.

2. Difficult to digest and absorb: It is difficult for the digestive enzymes of the human body to decompose stachyose, so it can pass through the stomach and small intestine intact, and after reaching the large intestine, it can be fermented and utilized by beneficial bacteria in the intestine.

3. High stability: Stachyose can remain relatively stable under different temperature and pH conditions.

II. Functions.

1. Regulate intestinal flora.

1.1 Promote the growth of beneficial bacteria: As a prebiotic, stachyose can selectively stimulate the growth and proliferation of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the intestine.

1.2 Inhibit harmful bacteria: By improving the microecological environment in the intestine, it inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella and reduces the risk of intestinal infection.

2. Relieve constipation.

2.1 Increase stool volume: As stachyose absorbs water in the intestine, the stool becomes soft and increases in volume, which stimulates intestinal motility and promotes bowel movements.

2.2 Improve intestinal function: Stachyose can regulate the normal physiological functions of the intestine and relieve constipation symptoms.

3. Enhance immunity.

3.1 Metabolites of beneficial bacteria: After fermentation and utilization by beneficial bacteria, stachyose produces metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids. These substances can improve the barrier function of the intestinal mucosa and enhance the body’s immunity.

3.2 Stimulate immune cells: indirectly stimulate immune cells in the immune system and improve the body’s immune response ability.

4. Reduce blood lipids.

4.1 Reduce cholesterol absorption: Stachyose can bind to bile acids in the intestine and prevent bile acids from being reabsorbed into the blood, thereby promoting the excretion of cholesterol and lowering blood cholesterol levels.

4.2 Regulate lipid metabolism: It can have a certain regulatory effect on lipid metabolism and help prevent cardiovascular diseases such as hyperlipidemia.

III. Applications.

Stachyose is a natural functional oligosaccharide and high-quality prebiotic. With its characteristics of heat and acid resistance, low sweetness, non blood sugar raising, and specific proliferation of bifidobacteria, it is widely used in food, medicine, feed, daily chemical and other fields. For example, stachyose can be added to dairy products, beverages, baked goods, and snack foods. It can also be added to compressed candies and has a certain effect in the fields of medicine and health products.