Index
Understand why this plant is known as a “diabetic potato”
It is a plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family and its use is associated with the control of diabetes, cholesterol and blood glucose, in addition to the regulation of the intestinal flora.
Yacon is a plant native to the Andes and is also found in Peru, Colombia and Ecuador. Its consumption began to spread by the Inca people.
In Brazil, the plant was brought by the Japanese in the 1990s, being widely cultivated in the interior of São Paulo. The yacon adapts well to high altitude places.
Among the physical characteristics of yacon, the shape and flavor stand out. It looks like sweet potato but has a pear-like flavor. Due to one of its main medicinal indications, the control of diabetes, the ingredient became better known as diabetic potato.
Yacon is high in water and low in calories . Its main carbohydrate is the fructooligosaccharide (FOS).
It stands out for exerting bifidogenic activity, responsible for stimulating the growth of bifidobacteria in the intestine, known to protect against the effect of invasive and pathogenic bacteria.
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Medicinal properties of yacon tea
With regard to the actions that yacon can present to human health, emphasis on the antidiabetic, hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic and intestinal regulator.
Thus, its use is indicated to treat diabetes , cholesterol, signs of low blood glucose, regulate the intestinal flora, control blood pressure, assist in weight loss, prevent certain types of cancer and strengthen the immune system.
Regarding the use of the plant by diabetic patients, these must have the glucose level under constant monitoring and monitored by the doctor.
The yacon potato appears to interfere with blood glucose levels, but the mechanism is not known, nor is its interference with insulin. Therefore, caution is recommended.
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Precautions
By the way, caution must be a constant concern of the patient regarding the use of any natural ingredient whatsoever.
Even though it may not cause any adverse effects, medical follow-up is of fundamental importance. Only this professional is able to certify its use, based on the needs of each patient.
Preparing yacon tea
One of the most common ways to combine the use of yacon in favor of human health, especially in the indications given above, is through the preparation of tea.
For this you will need 200 ml of filtered water and a small portion of dried yacon leaves. The first step is to bring the water to a boil in a pot with a lid. As soon as the water starts to bubble, turn off the heat and add the herb.
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After this step, let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes. After this time, use the sieve to remove all the herb and the tea will be ready to drink.
The ideal is that the daily consumption does not exceed three cups, but what is recommended is that the doctor be consulted so that everything runs smoothly.
