Green Banana Flour Resistant Starch Acts as Prebiotic, Debuts at SupplySide West 2017
This ingredient offers benefits such as low glycemic and insulin response and healthy bowel function.
Photo from International Agriculture Group
A new company called International Agriculture Group (IAG; Mooresville, NC) is making its debut at this week’s SupplySide West trade show with an innovative new ingredient: a green banana flour rich in resistant starch. Resistant starch, which acts as a prebiotic fiber, resists digestion and instead stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria in the large intestine. As a result, the company says, this ingredient offers benefits such as low glycemic and insulin response and healthy bowel function.
The new ingredient is called NuBana N200. According to IAG, it has the highest concentration of resistant starch than any other resistant-starch ingredient currently on the market. It contains a minimum of 65% RS2-type resistant starch. In December 2016, FDA approved a qualified health claim for RS2 resistant starch, linking RS2 resistant starch with the ability to lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes. According to IAG, moderate intake of resistant starch (10-15 g) helps improve regularity, satiety, and fat burning, while a high intake (20-35 g) can help improve digestive health, insulin sensitivity, and other metabolism markers.
Resistant-starch expert Rhonda Witwer, vice president of marketing and business development for IAG, called NuBana N200 green banana flour an exciting addition to the resistant-starch category. She says that interest in the health benefits of resistant starch has only increased since FDA granted its health claim.
In addition, she adds, the ingredient is label friendly. “It’s not corn; it’s fruit,” she notes. The ingredient labels as “dried green banana” or “green banana flour.” It is non-GMO and gluten-free and is also rich in potassium, magnesium, and manganese.
NuBana N200 is suited for powders, beverage mixes, cold-fill beverages, and bars, the company says. “Because the resistant starch in NuBana N200 breaks down during cooking at temperatures over 180ºF, the ingredient is well suited for raw vegan foods,” the company adds.
Also read:
FDA Approves Qualified Health Claim for Resistant Starch, Type 2 Diabetes
