FOS and slippery elm (Ulmus fulva)
FOS
Fructooligosaccharide, or FOS, refers to a short chain of
fructose molecules with a natural, mildly sweet taste. FOS
is a soluble, but indigestible carbohydrate with a low caloric
value, typically derived from inulin in Jeruselum artichoke
or other tubers in the West. In Japan, where it has been popular
for many years, it is usually derived from Aspergillus cultured on saccharose.
FOS improves overall health of the gastrointestinal tract
by supporting the growth of "friendly" bacteria
in the large intestine. In doing so, it appears to increase
calcium absorption, and may also increase magnesium absorption.
Some references to FOS indicate it may assist in the prevention
of yeast overgrowth.
FOS naturally occurs in many fruits and vegetables, particularly
those with edible rhizomes, bulbs and fleshy tubers, such
as sweet potato, chicory root, garlic and onions, and to a
lesser extent in barley, bananas and tomatoes. The Jerusalem
artichoke contains the highest amounts of FOS.
Health benefits of FOS
- Considered to be a "prebiotic," i.e., a food
for beneficial probiotic organisms
- Promotes friendly bacteria in the large intestine
- Assists in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- May improve absorption of calcium, magnesium, phosphate
and iron
Slippery elm—Ulmus fulva or Ulmus
rubra
Ulmus fulva, also known as Ulmus rubra, or slippery elm, is a medium-height tree (to 80 feet) growing
widely in Southeastern Canada and Eastern to Central United
States. The inner bark of Ulmus fulva is highly mucilaginous
and believed to have healing powers. It has has been used
as an herbal remedy for centuries, as an emollient, vulnerary,
astringent, and anti-cough remedy.
The inner bark of Ulmus fulva contains tannins,
phytosterols, calcium oxalate, vitamin E, salicylic acid,
capric acid, caprylic acid and decanoic acid. A poultice of
the dried powder has been used for generations to heal and
soothe skin conditions, such as weeping skin lesions, burns,
boils and ulcers. As an herbal demulcent, it has also shown
positive effects in treating inflammatory conditions of the
digestive tract, heartburn, dysentery and diarrhea.
Health benefits of slippery elm
- internally soothes irritation of mucous membranes, including
the lining of the intestines
- externally soothes and speeds healing of wounds in general
- no known side effects or contraindications
Principal Authors: M. Ofiyeva
Date of Initial Publication: 09/07/2007
Article Last Updated: 03/10/2011