Yacon

... for a healthy intestinal flora

Yacon (lat. Smallanthus sonchifolius) is a root tuber which is originated in the South American Andes. For centuries the natives have been appreciating it as valuable basic foodstuff. They apply the soft pulp of the root tuber as vegetable, salad or simply pure. The taste of the Yacon root, which is primarily consisting of water, reminds of sugar melon or pear.

Mode of action

Dried Yacon slices or powder contain high amounts of carbohydrates, 75 % of them is fructose, which gives Yacon the typical refreshing sweetness. For diabetics Yacon is an ideal foodstuff: its fructose content is composed of 35 % free and 25 % bound fructose, which means that in case of low blood sugar concentration carbohydrates may be provided, what means, that typical symptoms like high blood sugar level (hyperactivity) and low blood sugar level (tiredness, weariness) can be avoided. Another plus is the fact, that fructose – other than sugar - does not support caries. In contrast to other plants, which store their carbohydrates in the form of starch, Yacon stores them in the form of inulin or oligofructose. These substances are well-known as beneficial nutrients for the human intestine (prebiotic nutrition). By activating beneficial intestinal bacteria harmful bacteria do not get a chance to flourish.

A healthy intestine with a well-balanced amount of micro-organisms is one of the very essential conditions for our well-being. A healthy intestine has an impact on the regulation of our blood fat level and also on our skin. All over Brazil diabetics dearly appreciate the delicious sweet Yacon fruit and praise it as their “diabetic potato”. In Japan pure Yacon for years is used as a natural sweetener or as an ingredient in numerous diabetic products.