What are the benefits of yacon root?
Yacon can be substituted for regular potatoes and is a great option for people with diabetes who want to lose weight, since it helps regulate appetite and control blood sugar. This tuber, whose scientific name is Smallanthus sonchifolius, has a slightly sweet and fruity flavor and looks similar to a sweet potato. Although I have seen some uses for yacon in curry and stew type dishes, my research led me to note that the vegetable is most commonly enjoyed raw. It’s really easy to prepare yacon—just peel off the brown skin with a paring knife or vegetable peeler and shred it or chop it into dishes, such as salads and slaws.However, the high intake of yacon syrup may cause uncomfortable gastrointestinal effects. In total, 60% of subjects who consumed a standard meal plus yacon syrup reported a greater incidence of flatulence compared with 10% of subjects who consumed a standard meal plus placebo.In some people, eating a lot of yacon root can lead to digestive upset. You might experience bloating, discomfort, nausea, and diarrhea. SOURCES: Food Science & Technology: “Yacon, a new source of prebiotic oligosaccharides with a history of safe use.Yacon is delicious eaten raw, it is sweet, crisp and refreshing hence one of the common names being Peruvian ground apple. I love using it in salads chopped or grated, it’s also delicious for also juicing with to provide a little healthy sweetener in a veggie juice.Potential anti-inflammatory effects: Some studies suggest that yacon may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could help alleviate symptoms of conditions such as arthritis. Traditionally Yacon is grown in northern and central Andes from Colombia to Northern Argentina for its sweet tasting, crisp and tuberous roots.
What is the medicinal use of yacon?
Yacon is a plant native to South America, where it is consumed as food and is used in folk medicine for treating diabetes, constipation, and other diseases [7,22]. The plant grows well in warm, low frost areas and, in most conditions, does not require pesticides for protection from fungi and insects. Sometimes called Peruvian ground apple or strawberry jicama, yacon itself has long been a staple in South American diets. Its tubers, which are mostly made of water and carbohydrates, can be eaten raw or cooked, alone or in drinks and snacks.Yacon are perennial plants, grown as annuals, that are native to Chili and Ecuador. They are part of the sunflower family. The tubers, which are harvested mid autumn to early winter, are the main crop.
Is yacon root good for weight loss?
The primary ingredient leading to weight loss, FOS (fructooligosaccharides), is also found in onions, garlic, asparagus, bananas, artichokes and chicory, but the concentration in yacon is much higher. Few people have actually studied its effects and there is little scientific evidence it helps you lose weight. Fructooligosaccharides have been shown to reduce both low-density lipoprotein (LDL, bad cholesterol) and triglycerides. Yacon also protects against fatty liver and reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome. The edible tubers of the yacon after harvesting and before curing.Yacon has the capacity to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. High levels of both of these fats is seen as a marker for increased risk of both heart attack and stroke. Fructooligosaccharides have been shown to reduce both low-density lipoprotein (LDL, bad cholesterol) and triglycerides.