Yacon

DESCRIPTION:
Like Sunflower, Yacon has large leaves, its underground organs are formed by ramified long tubers and a number of roots holders.

Yacon root is considered the worlds richest source of fructo- oligosaccharide (FOS), a unique type of sugar that can not be absorbed by the body. The human body has no Enzyme to hydrolyze FOS, so it passes through the digestive tract unmetabolized. Yacon syrup is naturally low in calories (40-50% less fewer calories than honey), and so can be considered suitable for dieters and people who are overweight or obese. Consumption of FOS does not increase the level of sugar in the blood.

Yacon has a dark brown color and sweet flavor, like a cross between caramel and molasses. Use it as you would honey or maple syrup on foods and in recipes or sweeten beverages with a spoonful

Properties of the FOS Gastrointestinal Health

When a person ingests FOS, they move in almost all their route by tract digestive without being modified. When the FOS reaches the last portion of colon, they are fermented by a group of bacteria that comprise of the intestinal micro flora. These bacteria are known with the name of probiotics and are associated with a series of beneficial effects on the human health.

In the colon they also inhabit a group of putrefactive bacteria of the foods, which when being multiplied cause the development of fungi, leavenings and another group of pathogenic bacteria. These harmful bacteria commonly generate diarrhea and different gastrointestinal diseases. Because the probiotics and the putrefactive bacteria share the same habitat, both groups are in permanent competition in order to populate in greater number the micro floras of the colon. The balance in favor to one or another group will be given to a great extent by the type of foods that daily interfere, because according to which kinds of foods are, will be assimilated by probiotics or the putrefactive bacteria.

Unlike the putrefactive bacteria, the probiotics have the enzymes that are required to break the connections of the fructanos. This way they can ferment the FOS and use this energy for his multiplication and proliferation. The fermentation of the FOS produces lactic acid and fatty acids of short chain, which lower pH of colon and prevent therefore the proliferation of the putrefactive bacteria. The fatty acids of short chain have been associated with several of the properties assigned to the fructanos, in special the one to improve the calcium assimilation and the lipid metabolism. In the intestinal micro flora only the probiotics can ferment the FOS, this one is the reason for which these fructanos are considered tonics of the intestinal micro flora.

The probiotics have been associated with a series of beneficial properties as they are:

1. To improve the calcium absorption and other minerals
2. To synthesize vitamins of the complex B
3. To fortify and to modulate the answer of the immunological system
4. To prevent gastrointestinal infections.

The majority of properties listed above is only speculative and have not necessarily been studied exhaustively.

The statement about these natural products is based on scientific research and traditional uses but the Food and Drug Administration have not evaluated it. This information is intended for education, entertainment and information purposes only, not are used to diagnose, prescribe or replace proper medical care. The plants and products described herein are not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, mitigate or prevent any disease.