The Yacon Root Syrup Discovery

Yacon Root Syrup. Recent news and discoveries show that this rare South American plant produces one of the best organic natural sweeteners.

Formally known by its scientific name Smallanthus sonchifolius, yacon root is actually a large tuberous root that can weigh up to 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs.) when fully mature, and is composed mostly of water and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), most notably inulin, which have been proven in dozens of scientific studies to have a wide array of positive health effects. 

Yacon Root Syrup: The FOS Advantage

Yacon root has been eaten safely for 1000s of years as a dietary staple by native inhabitants of several countries bordering the Andes Mountains, most notably Peru and Argentina. The syrup extracted from the root is said to taste similar to molasses, and can serve the dual purpose of sweetener and health supplement for people who need to restrict either calories or sugar like diabetics.

Perhaps the most interesting and unique feature of the yacon root is that unlike most edible roots, it stores most of its carbohydrates in the form of FOS rather than starch or sugar, like potatoes or carrots for example. FOS are found in many plants, especially those with edible roots and tubers, but yacon root has the highest known concentration of FOS of any cultured plant, making its root extracts the perfect FOS health supplement for people with illnesses like diabetes that FOS has been shown to positively effect in studies. Most of yacon root’s benefits are known to be derived from its FOS content, which was already shown in extensive research to produce the same benefits yacon root produces, so the research foundation for this food extract is as solid as you can get for a natural food extract product.

The FOS that primarily give yacon root syrup its health benefits have been sold as a dietary supplement in Japan since the 1980s, so countries like the US that are only now starting to sell FOS and yacon root syrup containing it are just catching up to their therapeutic prowess. Fortunately, thanks to America’s Doctor, Dr. Oz, discussing yacon root syrup on his tv show recently, its commercialization in the US and other countries is definitely better late than never!of its carbohydrates in the form of FOS rather than starch or sugar, like potatoes or carrots for example. FOS are found in many plants, especially those with edible roots and tubers, but yacon root has the highest known concentration of FOS of any cultured plant, making its root extracts the perfect FOS health supplement for people with illnesses like diabetes that FOS has been shown to positively effect in studies. Most of yacon root’s benefits are known to be derived from its FOS content, which was already shown in extensive research to produce the same benefits yacon root produces, so the research foundation for this food extract is as solid as you can get for a natural food extract product.

Is Yacon Root Syrup Right for You?

Yacon root syrup is very low in calories (only 20 calories per tablespoon), and has an even lower glycemic index of just 1. This may be the best food addition for people with metabolic syndrome like diabetics that scientists know of – something with a sweet taste but few calories and almost no impact on blood sugar. Even more amazing, studies show the doubly potent effect it has on the hormone insulin that diabetics and obese people struggle to control: it not only doesn’t spike blood sugar and thus insulin when consumed, causing your cells more receptive to insulin through the effects of the FOS when they are broken down, thereby enabling your body to control your blood sugar better.

In addition to anyone suffering from metabolic syndrome or diabetes, the following groups of people are the most likelyto benefit from this natural food extract:

• People with mineral deficiency-based illnesses, such as osteoporosis, as yacon root improves mineral absorption, especially of calcium
• Overweight or obese people, because yacon root boosts your metabolism
• People with inflammatory and immune system disorders such as coeliac disease
• Anyone lacking prebiotics (such as FOS) in their diet
• Anyone who experience frequent constipation or other digestive problems

Side effects

FOS and products containing it such as yacon root syrup are classified as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. People with Irregular Bowel Syndrome or who have frequent bowel movements for any reason should avoid yacon root syrup until their condition normalizes, as in larger doses it may cause diarrhea, bloating, and nausea. Also, anyone with dysbiosis or any bacterial infection will want to avoid this food extract, as it can feed some species of pathogenic bacteria in addition to the good bacteria (bifidobacteria) it feeds. Studies have shown that up to 20 grams/day of FOS is well tolerated, which is about double the FOS in the recommended daily dose of yacon root. Health experts recommend taking about 1 tsp before each meal.

As with any healthy food or supplement, you should not turn to yacon root as your sole means of weight loss or health maintenance. Always remember to maintain a healthy diet that you can sustain and enjoy long term, exercise at least lightly every day, and manage your stress levels, but if you need that extra boost to your metabolism and health to put you into the safe zone of health, consider buying yacon root syrup. Consult your doctor first if you have any of the above health disorders, but the chances are great that this big root’s extract will make you slimmer and healthier, just like the South Americans who have consumed it for centuries!