A Dietitian’s Picks of the 6 Best Yacon Supplements of 2024 in Canada

Introduction

Yacon is a plant that is native to South America, and its tubers (underground storage stems) are rich in fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which are a type of carbohydrate that is not easily digested by the human body. As a result, yacon is often used as a natural sweetener and dietary supplement to help support weight loss and promote healthy digestion. Yacon supplement usually comes in capsules and are often combined with other ingredients, such as probiotics and prebiotics, to help improve gut health and weight management. So, in this blog, we’ll discuss everything about the [top10autotocunt] best Yacon supplement in Canada.

 

Let's take a deep dive into these 6 best Yacon Supplements in Canada

Tips for choosing the right Yacon Supplement for you

Yacon supplements are available in a few different forms, including

Yacon syrup: 

This is a sweetener made from the juice of the yacon plant and is often used as a natural alternative to sugar, i.e., natural sweetener. It can be used to sweeten drinks or added to recipes as a sweetener.

Yacon powder: 

This is made by dehydrating and grinding the yacon root into a fine powder. It can be used to sweeten drinks or added to recipes as a sweetener, or it can also be taken as a supplement.

Yacon capsules: 

These capsules filled with yacon powder are typically taken as a dietary supplement to promote weight loss, improve digestion, and support gut health.

Yacon tea: 

A beverage made by steeping dried yacon leaves in hot water

Yacon extract: 

A concentrated form of yacon that has been standardized to contain specific levels of active compounds, usually in the form of a capsule

Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying yacon supplements:

Quality: 

Be sure to purchase supplements from a reputable manufacturer that follows good manufacturing practices (GMP). Avoid supplements that have been recalled or have a history of quality issues.

Ingredients: 

Check the label to see what ingredients are included in the supplement. Ensure that the ingredients are listed and that the supplement contains the amount of yacon stated on the label.

Safety: 

Check for any potential interactions with other medications you take or any allergies you have. Also, be careful about using yacon supplements if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical conditions.

Purity: 

Make sure the Yacon extract you buy is pure and free of additives or preservatives.

Dosage: 

The recommended daily dosage for Yacon can vary based on the form of the supplement, and the individual’s age, health, and other factors. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage or consult a healthcare professional before using the yacon supplement.

Read reviews: 

You can read some customer reviews to see how other people felt about the product, the taste, and the quality of the yacon supplement you’re considering.

It’s always advisable to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplement, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or take any medications.

Benefits of using Yacon Supplement

Yacon supplement is a good source of Vitamin C, Potassium, Calcium, and Phosphorous. It has multiple health benefits:

 

 

Improved Gut Bacteria

Yacon root contains fructans, including fructooligosaccharides and inulin, which are prebiotics. Fructans aren’t digested in the small intestine but travel to the large intestine, where they can improve your gut microflora by acting as a food source for good bacteria. The prebiotics found in yacon is especially favorable to healthy bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, two species you can also find in yogurt.

Support Diabetes Management

The carbohydrate content in yacon is about 70 to 80 % fructooligosaccharides and inulin. These components have a low glycemic index and don’t cause spikes in blood sugar. Yacon root is shown to be hypoglycemic and helps to decrease insulin resistance and serum insulin. If you are suffering from diabetes, you might be able to use yacon syrup as a natural sweetener.

Support Mineral Absorption

Fermentation of fructooligosaccharides reduces pH levels in the large intestines. This change is very significant as this pH level helps your body absorb minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Medical experts have always stated that fructooligosaccharides have the most influence on calcium absorption, which could improve your bone density.

In a nutshell, Some potential benefits of yacon supplements include

• It is prebiotic, which means it can help promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.
• It has a low glycemic index, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. This can benefit people with diabetes or those looking to manage their weight.
• It is high in fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a sugar not easily digested by the body. This means that it can act as a natural sweetener and help reduce cravings for sweets.
• It also contains antioxidants, which may help to protect against cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Side-effects of using Yacon Supplements

Yacon supplements are generally considered safe when directed, but like any dietary supplement, they can cause side effects in some individuals. Some possible side effects of yacon supplements include

Digestive issues: 

Some people may experience gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort when taking yacon supplements. This can be because yacon is high in a type of sugar called fructooligosaccharides (FOS) which is not easily digested by the body.

Allergic reactions: 

In rare cases, some people may have an allergic reaction to yacon, which can cause symptoms such as hives, rash, itching, and difficulty breathing.

Blood sugar level changes: 

Yacon is low in glycemic index, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels, but taking a large amount of yacon supplement can cause a hypoglycemic effect(low blood sugar level) which can be dangerous, especially for people with diabetes or glucose intolerance.

Interaction with Medication: 

Some supplements can interact with certain medications; you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking yacon supplements if you are taking any medication.

You should be aware that these side effects typically occur only when the supplement is taken in large amounts or not as directed. Suppose you experience unusual symptoms or side effects while taking the yacon supplement. In that case, it is essential to stop taking the supplement and talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional immediately.

Who should use Yacon Supplement

Healthy adults can use the yacon supplement as a weight loss aid and natural sweetener to help regulate blood sugar levels. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of the yacon supplement for these uses.

Some groups of people who may benefit from taking yacon supplements include

People with diabetes or glucose intolerance: 

Yacon has a low glycemic index, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and be beneficial for people with diabetes or glucose intolerance.

People looking to lose weight: 

Yacon supplement is often marketed as a weight loss aid. Research on the supplement’s effects on weight loss is limited, but some studies have suggested that it may help promote weight loss by reducing cravings for sweets.

People looking to increase their intake of prebiotics: 

Yacon is high in fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a prebiotic that can help promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.

How to consume Yacon Supplements

Yacon supplements are typically taken orally in capsules, tablets, or syrups. The supplement is intended to be taken as a dietary supplement, which means that it is used to supplement the diet and is not intended to replace meals or act as a sole source of nutrition.

To take yacon supplements, you should follow the instructions on the label of the specific product you are using. This may include information on the recommended dosage and any warnings or precautions that should be considered. Typically, the capsules or tablets should be taken with a glass of water. Taking the supplement with a meal is often recommended to help reduce any potential gastrointestinal side effects. The syrups are to be taken by mixing the supplement with a glass of water or food.

It’s important to note that you should not exceed the recommended dosage without consulting with a healthcare professional first. You should also talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional before taking the yacon supplement, particularly if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking any other medications.

 

Conclusion

 

Yacon supplement is a dietary supplement made from the root of the yacon plant. It is a natural source of prebiotics, which are beneficial compounds that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Yacon supplement may help promote weight loss, improve digestion, and boost overall gut health. It may also help control blood sugar levels, reduce constipation and boost overall energy levels. The supplement is generally considered safe for most people when taken as directed, although it may cause stomach upset, bloating, or diarrhea in some individuals. As with any supplement, it is important to speak with your doctor before taking the Yacon supplement, especially if you are taking medication for any condition or have any underlying health concerns.