Yacon is a tuberous root and the scientific name of the plant is Smallanthus sonchifolius. It is closely related to the sunflower family and is located in the Andes mountain range of South America.
It is also cultivated from Venezuela to northwest Argentina, including Bolivia and Peru. In recent years it was introduced into the European market such as New Zealand, Japan, the United States and recently in Brazil. place where a growing cultivation industry was developed, pointing precisely to its medicinal and dietary benefits.
Two types of Yacón roots are used as food to promote blood sugar balance. The edible part of Yacón has a mild and sweet flavor and can be used raw or cooked., and its properties as a medicinal plant can help diabetic people preserve their health and achieve better control of blood sugar levels.
Characteristics of the Yacón plant
The plant, Smallanthus Sonchifolius, has a creeping, vine-like growth habit and grows up to 2 meters tall. It is annual and its flowers are bright yellow. Its leaves are large and shaped like an arrowhead.
It is grown in tropical and subtropical climates. The base of the stems is triangular in shape with flowers appearing in terminal clusters.
It can be planted at any time of the year and does not need much care.
Its maturation occurs within 6 to 7 months and the aerial part dies after flowering. The roots are sweet in taste and can be consumed raw.
It has between 5 and 40 roots per plant, among the most striking characteristics is its creamy white color with purple, purple, pink or yellow streaks.
The roots provide two different types, -the Tallancaynni and the purple, the first is very fibrous and thin and its function is to fix the plant to the soil and absorb nutrients and water.
The other part of the roots are thickened, Their weight usually varies between 2 and 4 kg. They are responsible for storing oligofructans and simple sugars. They are the ones that have the most medicinal properties, being a source of inulin and other sugars that are not absorbed by the body.
Consumption and taste
The highly water-soluble substance inulin contained in the roots of the Yacón is a well-known and studied prebiotic, which has been linked to various health benefits.
Yacon roots can be consumed as part of salads, soups, stews and a wide variety of dishes. They have a mild and sweet flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Its inulin content can help regulate blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and promote cardiovascular health. It also promotes healthy digestion.
Medicinal properties
Yacon roots are a source of vitamin C, potassium, phosphorus and fiber. In addition, the inulin and fructans contained in their composition are prebiotics with the potential to strengthen the immune system.
These substances act mainly in the intestine, where they help regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. It should be noted that some studies have shown that the inulin content of Yacón roots can help reduce body weight and improve glucose metabolism.
This has led to Yacon and other prebiotics receiving attention in research on diabetes and cardiovascular health. It also has high content of flavonoid phenols and other metabolites that They have antioxidant activity, which can convert free radicals into more stable compounds helping to prevent oxidation.
On the other hand, several studies have shown that The leaves have been used to treat skin and kidney disorders. Also as a skin rejuvenator and as a tool to slow aging.
It has been shown that yacon is a broad-spectrum medicinal plant that has many benefits to be used to prevent diseases. Also have treatments for chronic degenerative diseases carried out. Therefore, it is a great therapeutic tool with minimal side effects.
Yacón and diabetes
The prebiotic content of Yacón makes it an ally in the fight against diabetes. Studies have shown that prebiotics They can help reduce the risk of diabetes and improve glycemic control in people already diagnosed.
Flavonoids and related compounds with antifungal and antibiotic activity have been found from Yacón leaves. In addition, other compounds with insecticidal properties, this compound called "enidrin", shows anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and is a patented antidiabetic agent as a component of pharmaceutical formulations.
The inulin content of Yacón can help reduce insulin resistance by improving the body's ability to use it effectively, help reduce body weight and waist circumference, and contribute to long-term heart health.
Studies carried out on the use of Yacón
Several studies have shown that extracts containing the plant, tested in people with type 1 diabetes, increased plasma insulin levels, leading to the reduction of blood glucose.
It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before adding yacon roots to your diet to confirm its safety profile.
Finally, yacón is a medicinal and edible plant used in traditional medicine to promote blood sugar balance and improve overall health.
Its two types of roots contain inulin and other sugars that the body does not absorb and which are prebiotics. Yacon roots can be consumed raw or cooked, and are known for their mild, sweet flavor.
They have been linked to numerous health benefits, from regulating blood sugar to boosting the immune system, reducing the risk of diabetes and improving long-term cardiovascular health.
It should be mentioned that heStudies have shown that the inulin content of Yacón roots can help reduce body weight and improve glucose metabolism
Therefore, the cultivation of this plant is very interesting because it has great value at an economic, industrial, pharmaceutical and environmental level. In addition, it can be an important natural complementary ally in the fight against diabetes.