Yacon and carbohydrates

Herbaceous plant yacon – is a traditional food of the peoples of the Peruvian Andes. It is botanically considered a close relative of delicious and healthy sunflower, artichoke, stevia, as well as malefic ragweed, which poisons residents of the southern regions of Russia by its allergenic pollen every summer.

However, yacon for weight loss is appreciated by its roots.

Their crisp flesh of white or yellow color has a low caloric value, 100 grams contains just 60 kcal (the average weight of yacon tuber is 60-70 grams).

• Root crop is characterized by peculiar component composition.

It contains 2 to 7% protein, represented by upscale amino acids, only 0.14% fats, vitamin C, potassium, phenolic antioxidants, riboflavin, selenium, and even a little of chlorogenic acid – a legendary active ingredient of green coffee.

Chemists refer inulin to the number of “spare carbohydrates “, which require a relatively long transformation in order to turn into energy.

• However, inulin is different from another “spare carbohydrate”, starch, by that it is absorbed by the human body minimally: our digestive enzymes are able to extract from it only a microscopic amount of fructose after prolonged effort.

The “rest” inulin takes the form of dietary fibers that fill the digestive tract providing a long-lasting feeling of satiety and becoming a breeding ground for beneficial microflora.

Natural inulin is contained not only in yacon, but namely this root is the most rich in its source in the gastronomic respect; few people can consume a significant amount of dandelion roots or oats.

Inulin in the form of crystalline dietary supplement is also available for sale, but indications for its use are limited, it is used as an additional medication for weight loss or sweetener.

In terms of ways of cooking, natural yacon is absolutely universal: it is eaten raw, scrubbed, boiled, baked, dried.

Incidentally, yacon for weight loss diet refers to a number of rare vegetables: having laid for three months, it becomes even sweeter, since the percentage of inulin increases in this product.

This process can be speeded up by drying the rhizomes or putting them in the sun for a few days.

• Yacon improves lipid metabolism

Like all “long” carbohydrates representing dietary fibers, yacon lowers cholesterol and triglyceride level in the blood, which speeds up fat burning process used with a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

Yacon for weight loss helps the intestine to function

Dietary fibers provide a favorable environment for vital activity of the necessary bacteria simultaneously inhibiting the growth of pathogenic flora in the GIT, as well as a kind of natural sorbent that helps to take some of the load from other cleaning and excretory systems.

• This speeds up the energy metabolism in cells and makes it more qualitative.

It is also important an ability of yacon to strengthen peristalsis of an intestine.

Very sweet … and very helpful!

The texture and flavor of yacon root is described as something between fresh apple and watermelon, probably for this reason, yacon is called “earthy apple”.

In addition, it is also called “dietary potato” for its external similarity; freshly dug yacon can be easily confused with oblong potatoes of salad varieties.

However, experienced agronomists cannot be fooled by such similarity: they know that yacon cannot be multiplied by simply dividing of the tubers like usual potatoes. The bush can be obtained only from seedling of tuberous kidney.

Certainly, interesting taste of yacon and its natural origin remain an argument for introducing it into any menu, regardless of where the root vegetable was grown.

However, if necessary to test benefit of yacon for weight loss, choose export root crop or pay your attention to such new trend, as yacon syrup.

The result was inspiring, 73% of the women have become thinner losing from 1.5 to 3 kg of weight and up to 3 cm in volumes.

Price of a jar that holds about a glass of yacon syrup makes about $20. You can buy it online or in health food departments.

Yacon syrup (the same as the root itself) is permitted for use in diabetes – in the absence of any additives therein and, of course, after consultation with the physician.

Adverse reactions: use of yacon

Even the most natural means that devoid of potentially harmful substances helping to improve your health and lose weight, can lead to undesirable effects.

• Specialists connect their occurrence primarily with abuse of yacon or its syrup (the recommended daily dose of syrup is 2 teaspoons, no specific data regarding the preferred amount of fresh root).

“Overdose” of yacon can manifest by the following signs:

If enjoying a pleasant taste of yacon, you experience any of these symptoms mentioned above, refuse from the product and consult your doctor to avoid even more unpleasant consequences for health.