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Post by barrumundi on Feb 2, 2016 16:15:15 GMT -5
In the western world we say, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" but here in Colombia we eat yacon. Easy to grow and store, high-yielding, supernutritious and crunchy like an apple, yacon root (pronounced ya-kon) is one of the many “new” vegetables coming to us from South America. In reality, this fruitlike vegetable has been cultivated throughout the Andes for more than a millennium. South Americans eat it as a fruit; they also use the huge leaves to wrap foods during cooking, in the same way cabbage leaves are used in Germany, grape leaves in the Mideast and banana leaves in the tropics. Only recently — thanks to some adventurous green thumbs — have North Americans begun to see yacon in produce markets. In addition to its distinctive flavor — a satisfyingly sweet cross between celery and Granny Smith apples — yacon is noted for its high fiber and low calorie content. The tubers and leaves contain high levels of inulin, a form of sugar humans cannot easily break down, making it low in calories. Inulin also aids digestion and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestine, while inhibiting toxic bacteria. Recent research also has found that yacon tubers and leaves are a good source of antioxidants. Yacon is an ideal food for diabetics and weight watchers, but it will make a delicious addition to anyone’s diet. Plus, the tubers only get sweeter in storage. www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/yacon-root-zmaz06jjzraw.aspx
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Post by barrumundi on Feb 2, 2016 16:20:08 GMT -5
Over the course of the growing season, a yacon bush will reach 6 to 8 feet in height with giant showy leaves and small yellow flowers, making it a nice ornamental backdrop plant.
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Post by barrumundi on Feb 2, 2016 16:25:56 GMT -5
Colombian friends with diabetes told me about this plant. They say it reduces their blood/sugar levels (in some case) to the point where they no longer need conventional medication.
It looks like a sweet potato but tastes a bit like a pear. It can be easily peeled with a potato-peeler and eaten like a crunchy apple or it can be added to fruit salads. I have been putting it in a nutribullet smoothy with papaya and mango. Makes a delicious and healthy snack.
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Post by barrumundi on Feb 2, 2016 16:34:37 GMT -5
Yacon tubers store carbohydrate in the form of inulin, a type of fructose, which is a suitable food for type II diabetics. Type II diabetics are not insulin dependant and so can control their blood sugar levels through diet. Plants with the sugar inulin such as Jerusalem artichokes and yacon can be useful additions to their diet. In addition to providing living enzymes often lacking in a constricted diet there is a deep sense of satisfaction in being able to have a sweet juicy treat. We have had reports from type II diabetics in our area that eating a small piece of yacon has lowered their blood sugar levels, but we are not aware of any research that would confirm this. www.greenharvest.com.au/Plants/Information/Yacon.html
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