Yacon fruit contains 70-80% Fructo Oligo Saccharides (FOS) and a special substance called Inulin. (Note: Inulin is a type of dietary fiber, not to be confused with insulin, which is a hormone that regulates blood sugar.) The FOS found in Yacon is particularly beneficial as it travels to the large intestine where it combines with good bacteria to produce Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA). These SCFAs then enter the bloodstream, reduce insulin insensitivity in sugar patients, and increase insulin sensitivity in cells throughout the body. This enhanced insulin sensitivity allows for better absorption of sugar into cells, aiding in diabetes management. Additionally, Yacon has been found to increase the number of insulin-positive pancreatic cells in the body, further aiding in blood sugar regulation, and enhancing liver insulin sensitivity.
In individuals with Type 2 diabetes, the secretion of the hormone Glucagon, which is important for blood sugar regulation, is often inadequate. This can lead to the liver releasing stored glucose into the bloodstream, causing blood sugar imbalance. Yacon's FOS helps regulate the secretion of Glucagon, thereby assisting in balancing blood sugar levels by promoting the coordination between insulin and glucagon in the body.
Overall, the influence of Yacon's FOS on the secretion of insulin and glucagon hormones plays a significant role in managing high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) and low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), contributing to overall diabetes management.
Yacon is a carbohydrate-rich root that contains 70-80% Fructo Oligo Saccharides (FOS) and Inulin. The FOS found in Yacon is extremely beneficial for diabetics, as it reaches the large intestine and, by combining with good bacteria, produces another substance called SCFA (short chain fatty acids). These SCFAs enter the human bloodstream and increase insulin sensitivity in the cells. When insulin sensitivity in the cells increases, the cells begin to absorb sugar more efficiently, which helps lower the sugar levels in the bloodstream and helps in controlling diabetes.
Yacon syrup is a low GI (Glycemic Index) food. Having a low GI means it does not rapidly increase blood sugar levels. Foods with a low GI digest slowly in the body, preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. The Glycemic Index of Yacon Syrup is 10-15. Pure Earth Yacon Syrup has 66% fewer calories than sugar. Although it tastes sweet, its sweetness comes from FOS, which does not mix into the bloodstream; therefore, this sweetness does not have any negative effects on diabetes patients. In fact, in western countries and Japan, Yacon syrup is also used by diabetics as a natural sweetener.
Yacon contains Fructans along with FOS, which are prebiotics. Fructans reach the large intestine and serve as a food source for good bacteria (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus), improving gut health (microflora). The prebiotics found in Yacon are particularly beneficial for healthy bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which are also found in products like yogurt. Using Yacon syrup for just 7-14 days can lead to noticeable improvements in your digestion.
FOS reduces the pH level in the large intestine. This change in pH level helps the body absorb minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Preliminary research shows that FOS has the most significant impact on calcium absorption, which can also help improve your bone density.
Regular use of Yacon syrup has been found to lower blood pressure and reduce unhealthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body, according to several research papers. According to some tests, regular consumption of Yacon has been shown to reduce the cholesterol index by 33% and the triglyceride index by 49% due to the presence of FOS found in Yacon.
