Yacon Root Syrup -
Yacon Benefits Colon Health!

Yacon root syrup has recently come to the forefront of western nutrition as an ideal natural sweetener that is low in calories and has a low glycemic index.

Its dark brown syrup maintains a rich flavor that is like a combination of caramel and molasses.

Yacon syrup is pressed from the tuber, but is also eaten like fruit in South America. Originating in the high Peruvian Andes, it has been popular among the native peoples for thousands of years.

Yacon root seems to be adaptable to many climates and recently has been cultivated in New Zealand, where it is sold commercially. It is common to also find yacon available as a powder, which is easy and convenient to use in many recipes.

Yacon Benefits:

Beneficial to Colon Health

Yacon is one of the best, if not "thee best" source of fructooligosaccharide (FOS), which has prebiotic effects in the body and serves as a substrate for microflora in the colon. This increases digestive tract health and acts as a supplement for preventing yeast infections. Yacon increases the balance of friendly flora (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species) for colon health and has shown to improve bone density with high amounts of calcium and magnesium.

It has fibrous material that also cleans out the colon. In addition, yacon root syrup is building to the immune system and protects against viruses and calcification in the body. (See what causes aging)

Great for Diabetics!

Yacon contains inulin, in addition to FOS, which is a unique type of polysaccharide that can't be absorbed by the body. This provides a sweet taste, but the sugars are not digestible and therefore low in calories with low glycemic effects.

(Add it to your favorite herbal tea recipes, healthy desserts and other raw vegan recipes.)

In fact, less than 1% of its sugars elevate blood sugar in the body. In a study done by the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Peru in July 2004, it was proven that yacon had absolutely no effect on glucose levels for the group of diabetics tested.

It is great blended with other super sweeteners like: agave nectar, raw honey stevia, or lucuma, for and added rich, delicious flavor.

Other Yacon Benefits Include:

• amazing source of iron
• helps to eliminate toxins
• improves digestive functions
• allows for greater absorption of calcium and magesium
• high in antioxidants
• good source of potassium
• reduces constipation
• helps in the absorption of B vitamins
• immune building
• does not cause cavities
• regulates blood sugar balance
• production short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate

I love yacon root syrup because it blends the best of both worlds, the yummy, rich sweet taste with a low glycemic result. For this reason it is definitely up there as #1 sugar substitute for many people.

It a great when blended with cacao beans in cacao recipes for an extra richness you will love. Try it in our super duper raw chocolate cake.

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