Acatris extends FenuLife line for functional foods
ingredient with a standardized high concentration of fenugreek
galactomannans, intended specifically for use in functional foods.
"FenuLife Concentrate is a new generation of fiber specifically designed to work as an emulsifier and stabilizer in food products," said Laurent Leduc, president of Acatris' North American health division.
The original FenuLife Extract is a dietary supplement grade most commonly in capsules, tablets and powdered beverages.
According to the company, the fenugreek galactomannans in FenuLife Concentrate have high water solubility and superior emulsification properties.
But more than just aiding formulators in their work, the new ingredient has benefits to offer consumers.
"This brand new grade of FenuLife provides foods with a source of soluble fiber and can improve the glycemic index (GI) of a product," said Leduc.
When used in functional foods FenuLife is said to help consumers manage their carbohydrate absorption by lowering the GI, turning fast carbs into slow carbs and, in doing so, help prevent blood sugar and insulin spikes that occur with carbohydrate intake.
The low-GI diet is gaining popularity in the United States and is increasingly seen to have taken over from the low-carb craze, with health conscious consumers measuring how fast foods containing carbohydrates increase blood sugar levels after consumption.
Foods such as beans, lentils and oats have a GI of less than 55 (on a scale of 1-100), as they have slowly digestible carbohydrates that minimally raise blood sugar and insulin levels. Health professionals believe that consuming these in preference to high GI foods (70 and above), like glucose, mashed potato and processed cereals may help prevent health problems such as weight gain, diabetes and heart disease.
