Yacon has been heavily researched in the last decade due to its many health benefits. Yacon origins are genuine and only native to Peru.
Yacon crops harvest in other countries are not only illegal but lack the unique properties of the Peruvian plant.
Yacon is a tuber abundant in fructooligosaccharides (FOS). FOS are prebiotic. Yacon syrup benefits start with the growth of health-promoting bacteria while reducing pathogenic bacteria populations in the gut, in other words, enhancing the microbiota profile.
Moreover, FOS metabolites, called short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), act as signaling molecules regulating glucose, lipid metabolism, and even inflammation.
Therefore, Yacon syrup aids in blood glucose level regulation, weight loss, and inflammation reduction. In recent years, an immune profile has been reported to be related to diet and, especially, gut microbiota.
〝A healthy gut is a healthy immune system〞
Gut microbiota profile is vital since our digestive tract possesses the highest population of friendly bacteria. Friendly bacteria fight against the constant threat of potential pathogens.
The digestive tract provides the largest immune cells residents because it encounters more threats than any other body part. Immune response and gut microbiota are in a close relationship because they communicate with each other.
Rossi M, Corradini C, Amaretti A, Nicolini M, Pompei A, Zanoni S, et al. Fermentation of fructooligosaccharides and inulin by bifidobacteria: a comparative study of pure and fecal cultures. Appl Environ Microbiol. (2005)
Furthermore, Yacon FOS content is the highest than any other fruit or vegetable on the planet. Chicory and tomatoes, which are other relevant FOS sources, fail to meet FOS concentration in Yacon. The ratio of FOS concentration in 100 ml of Yacon syrup is 20:1 compared to other sources with the same dosage.
“Yacon syrup ratio of FOS is 20:1 compared to other sources of fiber”
Finally, chicory is a plant similar to sunflower. It contains inulin, a molecule similar to FOS but far inferior. It's poor assimilation to friendly bacteria fails to promote all the health benefits as Yacon does. Studies have shown that FOS is not only faster to stimulate friendly bacteria but digested more efficiently to a broader array of strands.