What is Good About 'Yacon Tuber'

This unusual root crop really looks like a variety of kamote but it tastes like water melon, only sweeter, and crunchy just like singkamas. Unlike kamote that needs cooking, yacon is usually eaten raw. This tuber is very beneficial to those who suffer hypertension, constipation, obesity, arthritis and kidney ailments. The Food Nutrition and Research Institute recognized the nutritional health and medicinal benefits of this tuber which is widely cultivated in Nueva Ecija, Cordillera and other highland regions. Yacon contains 86 to 90percent water and certain traces of phosphorus (22%), glucide (11.1%), protein (0.8%), fiber (0.6%), lipids (0.6%), and cellulose (0.5%). One yacon tuber is also complete in other essential elements such as iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, carotene, magnesium, and Vitamins A, B1, B2, and C. From roots to tips, yacon is edible and every part of the plant has nutritional value. It is said to be rich in fructooligosaccharide, a dietary sugar that the human body is unable to metabolize.

A non-digestible carbohydrate, FOS has been associated with management and control of chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, prevention of risk of cancer, and weight control. Aside from its naturally nutritious content, it also provides a lot of medicinal benefits, though it is not as popular as other local root crops. Like any supplementary food, yacon does not promise immediate results but as a health food, its
characteristics are meant not only to maintain good health but also to improve it. With a high content of insulin, it provides a sucrose-free food for the diabetics. It stores carbohydrates in the form of insulin and not in the form of starch, which is common in other root crops. Yacon is also good for constipation due to its high fiber content that assists in digestion. Its high moisture content also makes it a good blood purifier. The leaves and roots of the tuber can be used for their medicinal value particularly for diabetics. Both are rich in insulin which helps normalize the blood glucose.

For the root to take its full healing effect, it must be first kept for 10 days before it is consumed so that it reaches its full level of sweetness. Then, simply peel it, cut into thin slices, and eat it raw. Its healing effect is initially noticeable within approximately seven to 10 days. The leaves are best consumed after drying them naturally in the shade. The dried leaves are then cut into suitable sizes and boiled in water, just like tea. Researchers recommend diabetics to drink at least two cups of this tea daily. After approximately four to five days, initial results are already noticeable.