Yacon, botanically known as Smallanthus sonchifolius, is a perennial herb native to the lower Andean region of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. It is a member of the sunflower family, with celery-like leaves that can grow up to 10 feet tall. The roots are juicy and edible. Each plant can produce up to 20 roots weighing a pound each. They have both nutritional and medicinal value and are cultivated and processed into syrup, pudding and jam. You can also eat yacon roots fresh, steamed or baked and add them to smoothies and juices.
Diuretic
Raw yacon root can act as a diuretic, which means it will promote urination and the elimination of toxins. Health issues affecting the kidneys, such as kidney stones and the bladder are positively affected by the diuretic properties of yacon root. Side effects of taking raw yacon root as a diuretic include frequent urination and dehydration if you are not in taking enough liquids to support this process. You can add raw yacon root to your salad by peeling it and cutting it into thin strips that will add juiciness and crunchiness. You can also blend it with fruits or vegetables to make a juice.
Sweetener for Diabetics
Yacon root contains more than 50 percent fructooligosacharides or FOS, which are a type of sugar that is not easily digested by your stomach. This is beneficial for individuals suffering from diabetes and hypoglycemia, since FOS can be used as a sweetener that does not spike blood sugar levels and is relatively low in calories. If you are diabetic or have hypoglycemia, consult your doctor before including yacon root into your diet as a sweetener to make sure it is appropriate for your specific condition.
Prebiotics
The FOS found in yacon root are also considered to be a promising potential source of prebiotics, revealed a study in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry." A prebiotic is an ingredient in food that is not digested by your stomach but reaches the colon and ferments, stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut. This action of yacon root aids the gastrointestinal tract for proper digestion and enhances the production of immunostimulants called beta-glucans.
Antioxidant
Yacon root has antioxidant properties; it contains ferulic, chlorogenic and caggeic acids. Antioxidants help fight free radicals in your body that cause oxidation of cells, which leads to aging and disease. There are no side effects to the antioxidant properties of yacon root and to get these health benefits you can eat them raw or cooked.
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