What are the benefits of diabetics eating yacon?
May 16, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
Diabetic patients who consume yacon can replenish various nutrients in the body, such as vitamin A, vitamin B, minerals, amino acids, and more. It is also rich in dietary fiber, which accelerates gastrointestinal motility and helps improve indigestion. Yacon contains a special type of sugar called fructooligosaccharides that promotes the proliferation of bifidobacteria in the intestines, thereby indirectly contributing to lipid-lowering effects.
Generally speaking, diabetics can benefit from eating yacon by supplementing nutrients, improving indigestion, and lowering lipid levels. The details are as follows:
1. Nutrient supplementation
Yacon contains abundant nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B, minerals, amino acids, calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium. Diabetics who consume yacon can replenish essential nutrients in the body and support normal metabolic functions.
2. Improving indigestion
Yacon is rich in dietary fiber. Moderate consumption helps regulate and improve the digestive system by enhancing gastrointestinal motility and relieving indigestion. Additionally, it effectively eliminates free radicals in the body, providing antioxidant benefits.
3. Lowering lipids
Yacon contains fructooligosaccharides, a type of inulin with low degree of polymerization. These sugars are poorly absorbed by the human body but can promote the proliferation of bifidobacteria in the intestines, helping to restore a healthy balance of gut microbiota and thereby indirectly reducing blood lipid levels.
Yacon may also help reduce liver heat. However, it's important to note that diabetic patients should not consume large amounts of yacon—moderate intake is recommended.
