Inulin and maltitol

A post about something positive for once; I saw both of them on a wrapper of some chocolate, and did not buy it, because it I didn't know what they are. Both are plant-based, here's what the quick research yielded.

Maltitol is a sugar alcohol, a sweetener. Safe, although consumption of over 100  g/day (hundred grams!) can have laxative effect.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maltitol

Inulin is much more interesting. It is also a sweetener, albeit much less potent (up to 10% of sweetness of sugar). It is found in "good for you" foods, such as garlic and leek. It is safe for diabetics and stimulates the growth of good bacteria in the intestine (i.e. considered to be a prebiotic); it could be beneficial in managing the cholesterol and sugar blood levels. Negative effect are the possible gassiness, and in people with fructose malabsorbtion could, again, have laxative effect, if taken in excessive quantities. Do check out the article, it has more interesting information, especially if you are into chemistry.

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inulin