Yacon Syrup

You have probably heard about Yacon syrup in the news or maybe even on popular shows like Dr Oz. Yacon syrup has been frequently mentioned in relation to weight loss and how it could be a substitute for sugar. Before you buy yacon syrup, let’s take a closer look to what yacon syrup is all about

What is Yacon syrup?

Yacon syrup is extracted from the roots of the yacon plant. This popular tuber is known for its medicinal usage and is commonly found in South America, mainly around the Andes region. It shares physical similarities with a sweet potato and has been linked to improve kidney and digestive disorders.

The active ingredient in yacon root syrup is fructooligosaccharides (FOS) making it one of the vital providers of dietary sources. This is a low-calorie carbohydrate which is recognized by your taste buds but is not digested by the body. Yacon syrup constitutes of 40 to 50% of FOS making a large portion indigestible. If we compare FOS with sugar it comes up to only a third of the caloric value of sugar. This means it is an ideal alternative to sugar.

People who have tried Yacon syrup have experienced it to be pleasant to the taste buds owing to its sweetness. It has a thick consistency and a dark brown color. Some of the flavors people associate Yacon syrup with are:

• raisins
• figs
• caramelized sugar or molasses
• cross between chocolate and molasses

Holding a spoon of Yacon syrup against bright light

How is Yacon syrup extracted?

The process of extracting Yacon syrup from the roots of the Yacon plant is a natural process, so there is no chemical process to make 100 % pure Yacon syrup.

The process of how to make Yacon syrup can be summed up in the following stages:

1. The juices from the roots are extracted and filtered to remove all the impurities that may be present in the mixture.

2. Through the process of filtration and evaporation, we are able to get pure Yacon syrup extract. This is done through a natural process which is free from all forms of chemicals and artificial flavorings.

3. The end product is a dark thick syrup that is natural and pure.

What are the health benefits of Yacon syrup?

Contrary to general belief there are not many studies that correlate raw yacon syrup as the miracle cure for a well-toned waistline. However, in the recent years a lot of studies are being conducted and this power food is being highlighted for numerous health benefits that it has to offer.

Weight-loss tool – A valuable research highlights how useful yacon syrup is for weight loss. It explains that fructooligosaccharides present in yacon syrup are consumed by the bacteria present in our gut and as result produce fatty acids. Now the presence of these fatty acids inhibit the production of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, due to which your appetite is reduced. This is the main reason as to why yacon syrup and weight loss have been positively correlated in various studies related to obesity control.

Lowers blood sugar level – One of the fundamental yacon syrup health benefits is for the diabetic patients. It is a natural sweetener, so those of you who have a sweet tooth and are plagued by the unfortunate illness of diabetes this is great news! Yacon syrup glycemic index is almost zero which makes it the perfect alternative to sugar for all the diabetic patients.

Effective functioning of the immune system – Our immune system is our first line of defense in case of infection. In order to ensure the smooth running of our immune system we need to consume a balanced diet. Yacon syrup helps in enhancing the immune system functions making it prepared to fight against harmful foreign bodies. It is highly effective in equipping your immune system in order to fight against degenerative diseases that harm the organs.

Boosting energy – Do you often feel exhausted and tired even after getting your share of beauty sleep? Then it’s time you add yacon syrup nutrition benefits to your daily diet. This will help you to get out of your lethargic routine and feel active to do everyday chores.

Constipation Relief and Colon Cancer Prevention – Yacon syrup is high in fructooligosaccharides, which aids in stimulating bowel movement. It can therefore help people with constipation. Studies have also shown beneficial effects of colon cancer prevention, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22595329 .

Yacon syrup is extracted from the raw Yacon tubers

Studies on the health benefits of Yacon syrup

There are some reliable yacon syrup studies that convince us to give this weight-loss miracle a try.

A study published in Clinical Nutrition in 2009 , consisted of 55 overweight women who were given 3 to 4 teaspoons of yacon syrup daily for a period of four months. On average their weight dropped by 33 pounds (4 inches from the waist to be specific). It was also added that the subjects involved in the study were to walk for 45 minutes daily along with reducing their caloric consumption. Apart from weight reduction, these women also shared that their blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels dropped drastically. While those women who did not drink yacon syrup did not experience any noteworthy changes. However, it has been advised by nutritionist to not over-consume it for yacon syrup side effects may include bloating and gastrointestinal issues.

How to use Yacon syrup?

Taking its natural sweetener property in consideration you can use it as a healthy substitute for sugar. For those who are watching their weight or are vegans this serves to be a perfect alternative to use instead of sugar. But it is highly important to know how to take yacon syrup in right dosage. Overconsumption of yacon syrup may lead to some side effects. This may include diarrhea, digestive discomfort and nausea. For those of you who already suffer from such ailments it is best to not take any chances. The advised dosage as per various studies is to consume approximately 10 grams of fructooligosaccharides in a day. This is equal to around 4 to 5 teaspoon of yacon syrup. However, if you check many yacon syrup bottles it is often advised to consume three teaspoons per day, one before each meal.

Yacon syrup recipes

Having a flavor like raisins or figs, yacon syrup has a variety of recipes that you can try out on a daily routine. You can use it as mix in salad dressings and bbq sauce, but also in different dishes to add some sweetness in the food. However, it is quite popular to use yacon syrup in baking as it is a great substitute for sugar.

Should you buy yacon syrup?

Yacon syrup could work well for weight loss, but is it a weight loss miracle? There is no doubt that it is a great substitute for sugar, making your calorie intake much lower. It is also rich in fibers, and if you did not know, fibers make you feel full longer. It helps you in inhibiting your hunger hormones so you can watch your weight with relative ease. However, it needs to be pointed out that there is not much scientific research conducted presently to support all the hype and claim. But since it’s a natural food item there is no harm in giving it a shot. Just keep the consumption strictly to the recommended dosage.