What is the nutritional value of yacon?
As well as being rich in FOS, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, yacon also contains iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorous and vitamins B1, B2 and C. It is also a good source of dietary fibre. Though it is relatively new to the global market due to its lack of availability and low popularity, yacon has been considered as a functional food with multiple physiological properties related to its bioactive compounds [4,5] in both its leaves and tubers; these properties include those of anti-cancer, antioxidative, .Yacon can be considered a potential prebiotic source and a novel functional food.
Is yacon good for fatty liver?
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. 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. Here is a culinary fruit, this is the sweet root of yacon or Smallanthus sonchifolius or in Chinese 雪莲果（xuelianguo). This fruit is new in the Chinese markets and being marketed as a weight loss food. The plant is a member of the asteraceae family and is actually native to the South American highlands.