Product: Yacon root dry slices, root powder, syrup, leaves powder for capsules, leaves powder for filter bags, leaves dry atomized extract, capsules.

Genus: Smallanthus sonchifolius

Part used: Leaves and roots.

Presentation: Bulk and finished products.
Phytochemicals (root): Contains fructose, glucose, sucrose, low polymerization degree (DP) oligosaccharides (DP 3 to 10 fructans), and traces of starch and inulin (Asami et al. 1989; Ohyama et al. 1990). In yacon inulin appears to be only a minor component. On the contrary, oligofructans with a lower DP (average 4.3) may account for up to 67% of the dry matter content at harvest (Asami et al. 1991). Oligosaccharides purified from yacon have been identified as beta-(2 1)-fructooligosaccharides with terminal sucrose (inulin type oligofructans; Goto et al. 1995).

Properties: Commonly consumed by diabetics and persons suffering from
digestive problems. Properties to treat kidney problems and skin-rejuvenating activity also have been mentioned.

Uses: Recommended sweetener for diabetics mainly, sportsmen and older people.
Antioxidant.
Prevents colon cancer.
Rejuvenating properties: Removes cholesterol
Does not produce caries.