There are clear experimental indications that give a physiological support to this use, detected by a group of Brazilian researchers and confirmed later in Argentina. Aqueous leaf extracts have the ability to reduce blood glucose levels. Chemical compounds that have not yet been isolated have the property of acting by reducing blood glucose levels in rats that have developed diabetes artificially.
For some time now, the drug streptozotocin (STZ) has been used to partially destroy pancreatic cells in laboratory rats, which allows them to develop a diabetic symptomatology, with increased blood sugar and all associated complications. Its consumption does not increase our weight or raise glucose
Yacon foliar extracts have the ability to increase blood insulin levels and consequently reduce glucose levels. This reduction manifests positively, maintaining the filtering capacity of the kidneys, whose failure is evidenced by an increase in the elimination of creatinine and albumin.
These results support the popular use of yacon tea.
Chronicles and Graphic Testimonials
The Yacón is a shrub plant native to the Andes, domesticated by the Tahuantinsuyana population, well known to the pre-Hispanic Peruvian population, for the sweetness of its thickened roots that consumed it as a fresh “fruit”, or after exposure to the sun for a few days To increase your sweetness.
The first written record of the Yacon, appears with Barnabas Cobo in 1633 and refers to the fact that it is consumed as raw fruit that improves its flavor if it is exposed to the sun and the fact that it lasts many days after being harvested, without spoiling; on the contrary it becomes more pleasant, (Zardini, 1991). For its part, Yacovleff (1933) says that yacon is found in almost all the funeral bundles of Paracas. Root designs have also been found in Nazca Embryonic paintings.
Popular names in Peru and South American countries
In northern Peru it is known as "Yacón" or "llacón" and "lajuash". In the Center of Peru it is known as "aricoma" or "aricona". In Bolivia it is called "lacjon" and "Yakuma", in Ecuador "jícama" or "jiquima" and in Colombia and Venezuela "jiquima" and "jiquimilla".
Chemical Components and Nutritional Value
National and International Perspectives
Leaves:
The chemical and bromatological study of the leaves has revealed that among other components, it contains 11% protein so that in the villages of the mountains, they are used as fodder to feed grazing animals and for the raising of guinea pigs. In Japan, scientists, producers and consumers have formed the Japanese Yacon Association. This Society and other foreign analogous groups are exploiting their cultivation and promoting the consumption of “Andean tea” based on the leaves of this plant. While in the Andes, the cultivation of yacon is losing its validity, industrialists from Japan, Brazil, New Zealand and other Countries, are exploiting this food-medicine and have opened an international market with various products based on yacon.
Estate:
Fresh roots contain 83 to 87% water. The dry matter of the tubers (MS) contains 70% carbohydrates:
Low Polymerization Oligofructans (G. P = 3-9). The yacones of Peru and Bolivia have the highest percentage Asami et al. (1991). Up to 67%
Free fructose (non-reducing monosaccharide that has a ketone group as opposed to glucose that has an aldehyde chemical group).
Inulin Polysaccharide formed by linked chains of fructose
(G. P = 35)
Saccharose
Glucose
It also contains minerals (calcium, phosphorus and iron) and vitamins B and C.
Inulin and oligosaccharides of low GP (Degree of Polarization) are in the category of non-digestible foods. Not being digestible, these compounds are not assimilated and do not give calories. Eating yacon in its natural form or a food based on this tuber will not increase the weight of the person nor will it raise blood glucose levels.
Yacon is not the only natural source of inulin because it also contains chicory roots (Cichorium intybus) and dahlia bulbs (Dalia sp.).
Chemical Components and Nutritional Value
The Pancreas and the hormone Insulin
The endocrine portion of the pancreas is made up of clusters of cells known as ISLOTES (islets of Langerhans). The beta cells of these islets make insulin and make up 75% of them. This hormone (insulin) is secreted in response to a rise in blood sugar concentration (for example after a meal). It decreases its concentration when blood glucose levels have decreased to reach normal values either by the passage of excess blood glucose to the cells or, due to the conversion into its corresponding reserve polysaccharide, glycogen.
The main function of insulin is to act as a mediator or facilitator of the entry of glucose from the blood vessels into the cells where it serves as a fuel to obtain chemical energy with which they carry out their specific functions. By entering glucose into the cells and / or converting them into glycogen, the blood glucose concentration (90 - 110 mg / 100 ml) is kept constant.
Food carbohydrates exogenous source of glucose
When for various reasons (physiological, metabolic or genetic) blood glucose does not enter the cells, each time the person ingests carbohydrates in their food (bread, sweets, flours, noodles) they are finally converted to glucose, increasing their values in the blood to the detriment of the cells that without this molecule that represents their chemical fuel, cannot fulfill their functions effectively. This triggers a set of symptoms that correspond to the disease known as diabetes.
Some symptoms of diabetes Mellitus
GLUCOSURIA: Elimination of glucose in the urine (sweet urine with apple smell). This occurs because the kidney filters more sugar than the tubular cells can reabsorb, with glucose appearing in the urine.
POLYURIA: Increase in the volume of urine. Because urine is carried osmotically with it, excessive amounts of water.
POLIDIPSIA: Increase in water intake. Excessive loss of water in the urine dehydrates the body and an intense thirst appears.
POLIFAGIA: It is the excessive desire to eat. By not entering glucose into the cells they are "hungry." The hunger of the cells manifests as the hunger of the person.
The yacon and its Medicinal action
Studies carried out at the National University of Trujillo in experimental animals with induced diabetes, which were supplied with Yac n juice; they showed no alterations in the glycemia of these animals. This phenomenon is explained, because fructose, dislodges glucose into the tissues from the bloodstream. Consequently, serum could be made from this type of sugar, avoiding risks of hyperglycemia in patients. (one)
In another research paper, Christine Williams of the University of Reading of the United Kingdom, reported that a diet supplemented with 10g / day of inulin for 8 weeks, can significantly decrease the triglycerine level. Blood laughter
On the other hand, inulin and oligofructans in general can play a role as prebiotics, substances that selectively nourish the beneficial germs that are part of our intestinal flora, the so-called bidophidobacteria favoring their growth and slowing the development of harmful microorganisms. These substances (inulin and oligofructans) constitute bifidogenic factor. Bifidobacteria at the same time can relieve hyperlipemia, that is, the increase in blood fats (cholesterol and triglycerides).
Recommended dose
As an alternative medicine for diabetes, approximately 300 grams of fresh reservoir should be consumed, because this allows 66 grams of inulin fructose to be consumed. (2)
