what is yacon

La eating It is essential for the practice of any sport, especially when we talk about one as demanding as triathlon. Today we want to talk about a product that is not well known in Spain, but that has great benefits for the body.

We speak of yacon, a vegetable native to the South American mountains that offers multiple benefits. Despite not being able to be found in many supermarkets in our country, we can access it through the internet. Let's learn more about this food.

Do you know what yacon is?

El yacon It is a tuber, similar to sweet potatoes or sweet potatoes, which has acquired great relevance in recent years thanks to research that has been finding different properties of this food. With a slightly sweet and fruity flavor, it originates from the Andes and is commonly consumed in South America, Japan or New Zealand.

This product is rich in soluble fibers, of which we will talk a little more later, focusing on inulin and fructooligosaccharides. It is a very interesting option for those who are looking to reduce their weight or for diabetics, thanks to its many positive effects on the body.

What is the yacon for?

• Regulates intestinal transit
• Maintains blood sugar levels
• Reduces cholesterol and triglycerides
• It helps control weight
• Preserves bone mass
• Prevents the appearance of cancer

Benefits of yacon for diabetics

Yacon is a source of natural fiber with multiple health benefits in different facets. For example, this product is rich in inulin and oligofructose, which will not only allow you to replace sugar, but are also made up of non-digestible carbohydrates. This means that they reach the large intestine undigested, where they are consumed by lactic acid bacteria, thus creating a healthy intestinal flora with a significant improvement in blood sugar levels.

Yacon is also known as 'diabetic potato', precisely because the fructooligosaccharides cannot be absorbed by the body like other sugars. This is why they are used for reduce high levels of glucose production in the liver, thus lowering fasting glucose.

Some research also shows that yacon root increases the body's sensitivity to insulin, which may help reduce the risk of insulin resistance.

How to consume yacon

The yacón has a great facility for be included in different recipes, both raw and cooked, we can even find it in flour and powder formats. Even the leaves can be used from this vegetable, since they have similar effects when we prepare tea with them.

To consume the tuber raw, all we have to do is remove the skin and add it, for example, to a salad or in a vegetable smoothie with carrots. Yacon powder or flour can normally be used to make bread, cookies or cakes; as if it were wheat flour.