5 grams of fibre from psyllium husk and chicory root fiber to the PROFIBRE significantly enhances the fat loss and health benefits. Fibre, particularly from these sources, brings additional digestive and metabolic advantages, particularly in the context of weight loss.
Here are the specific benefits of adding fiber to this shake:
1. Enhanced Satiety and Appetite Control
Psyllium husk: or "Isabgol as we call it in India, is a soluble fibre that absorbs water and forms a gel-like substance in the stomach, which slows down our digestion process. This increased stomach volume signals to the brain that you're full, helping to curb hunger and reduce calorie intake at subsequent meals.
Chicory root fibre (inulin): Also a soluble fibre, chicory root fibre has prebiotic properties that can enhance feelings of fullness. Studies show that inulin can promote the release of hormones like GLP-1 and PYY, which help regulate appetite and prevent overeating.
Combining these fibres with the whey and casein adds bulk and further slows digestion, keeping you feeling fuller for longer periods after the shake and main meal.
2. Improved Blood Sugar Control
Both psyllium husk and chicory root fibre slow down the absorption of carbohydrates from meals. This leads to a lower glycemic response, which prevents sharp spikes in blood sugar and insulin after eating.
By controlling blood sugar levels, you can reduce insulin resistance and improve fat metabolism. Stable blood sugar levels also help prevent energy crashes, which can lead to unhealthy cravings and overeating.
The combined protein and fibre preload works effectively to promote insulin sensitivity, which can improve how your body stores and uses glucose, thereby enhancing fat loss over time.
3. Improved Gut Health and Fat Loss
Chicory root fibre (inulin) is a powerful prebiotic, meaning it feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut. A healthy gut microbiome has been linked to improved metabolism, reduced inflammation, and better weight management.
A balanced gut microbiome can influence fat storage and energy use by regulating hormones like ghrelin (which controls hunger) and leptin (which signals fullness). Inulin from chicory root helps promote the growth of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria, which are associated with improved weight regulation.
Psyllium husk also aids digestion and promotes regular bowel movements, preventing bloating and other digestive issues that can sometimes occur during a calorie-restricted diet.
4. Reduced Caloric Intake
Fibre adds bulk to your shake without adding calories, helping you feel fuller on fewer calories.
Psyllium and chicory root fibre both absorb water, expanding in the digestive system and physically stretching the stomach. This mechanical action triggers a feeling of fullness, potentially leading to spontaneous reductions in overall calorie intake throughout the day.
With fewer calories consumed while maintaining feelings of satiety, you create a larger caloric deficit, which of course, supports fat loss.
5. Increased Fat Burning
Some studies suggest that fibre, especially soluble fibre, can increase the amount of fat your body burns. Fibre can bind to fats and bile acids in the digestive tract, preventing them from being fully absorbed and promoting fat excretion. This process can slightly increase fat loss over time.
Prebiotic fibres also positively impact the gut-brain axis and metabolism, encouraging your body to burn stored fat rather than store excess calories as fat.
6. Reduced Fat Storage and Lower Inflammation
Soluble fibres may help reduce the absorption of dietary fat in the intestines. This can lower the amount of fat stored in the body, contributing to overall fat loss.
These fibres can also reduce systemic inflammation, which is often associated with obesity. Lower inflammation levels promote better metabolism and fat-burning capabilities, as chronic inflammation can impair fat loss.
7. Better Long-Term Weight Management
The combination of slow-digesting casein, fast-digesting whey, and fibre offers a balanced approach that can help regulate hunger and energy levels throughout the day.
Fibre supports more stable blood sugar and insulin levels, which helps prevent the yo-yo effect of weight cycling (gaining and losing weight repeatedly).
Prebiotic fibres from chicory root improve long-term gut health, which has been linked to sustainable weight management and improved metabolic function over time.
8. Reduced Visceral Fat
Certain studies suggest that higher intakes of soluble fibre, especially from sources like psyllium and inulin, are associated with lower levels of visceral fat (the fat stored around internal organs).
Reducing visceral fat improves overall health markers such as reduced risk of heart disease and better metabolic health.
Summary of Benefits for Fat Loss
By adding these two fibres to our PROFIBRE shake, we have significantly enhanced the shake’s ability to control hunger, improve digestion, stabilise blood sugar, and reduce overall calorie intake. The fibre addition further supports fat loss by promoting gut health, reducing fat storage, and increasing satiety, all of which help create a sustainable caloric deficit for long-term weight loss success.
