Sunday, February 23, 2014

Review of Yacon Syrup: Tastes Great and Has Potential for Aiding WeightLoss

Disclaimer:  I received samples of Quality Encapsulations Pure Yacon Syrup for review purposes.  As always, my opinions are my own.

*Please consult with your physician or health care practitioner prior to adding any supplements to your diet. 

If you are like me, you probably have not heard about yacón syrup yet.  I just recently found out about this interesting supplement that is very popular in South America.  It has been increasing in popularity in the United States and in Europe for a few really good reasons. The syrup is natural and comes from the roots of the yacón plant.  I was surprised to hear the yacon plant is indigenous to the Andes and was actually eaten by the Incas for thousands of years.  Yacón is a popular food in Peru.  It has a high level of nutrition, and many people swear by its healing abilities. 
Yacón syrup is sweet and tastes good.  It contains an indigestible polysaccharide also known as FOS (a form of fructose called fructooligosaccharides) that makes yacón act as a prebiotic.  If you aren't aware, pre-biotics promote the growth of good digestive tract bacteria.  Studies have shown that having the right digestive tract bacteria balance can help promote weight loss.  


The 10 Key Benefits of Yacón
  1. Potential for weight loss
  2. Can reduce waist size 
  3. Ultra-low in calories
  4. Functions as a pre-biotic which can improve the health of digestive tract
  5. Prebiotic effect can boost immunity
  6. Strong digestive tract health can be associated with weight loss
  7. Studies indicate that it does not cause blood sugar changes
  8. Amazingly sweet and tastes yummy
  9. Can easily be used to replace sugar in cooking
  10. Clinical study shows efficacy
Yacón can be used as a sweetener.  Think about it:  you can sub it into almost any recipe that calls for sugar.  The great part about this is that you can fulfill that desire for something sweet without going overboard.  I am a super healthy eater and you know I spend a lot of time working out and have for years but I still love my sweets. It is always a challenge. I don't like using those chemical fake sweeteners either.  Yacon syrup lets you have your cake (a small portion, c'mon!) and eat it too....and still lose weight.  It tastes like a light version of molasses.  I love molasses so I think yum!! Even the venerable Dr. Oz was impressed with the 2009 study that showed that yacón consumption leads to weight loss and a decrease in waist size.

I was interested to read the 2009 clinical trial completed with the Yacon Syrup.  It was a small group of patients but the results were compelling. Dr. Oz had real reasons to be excited.  There was significant weight loss among the women in the yacon syrup group versus the placebo group. The study was double blinded as well which means that no one (including the doctors or patients) knew who was receiving placebo versus yacon syrup.

 

Are you thinking about trying to incorporate Yacon syrup into your diet after reading more about it?  Are you looking for a brand that is made in the U.S.A.?  Quality Encapsulations has a 100% U.S.A. made Yacon syrup that you can purchase on Amazon. As you know, Amazon is one of my favorite places to shop.  I have tried the Yacon syrup and I have to say it tastes good. I have used it in my coffee and also tried it as a dip for sliced apples.  

Quality Encapsulations has some additional yacon syrup recipes on their website and they even have a recipe contest currently available with a $50 Amazon Gift Certificate for the winning recipe. So....get cooking and baking and be creative!

I will keep you updated on the weight loss element for the Yacon syrup....I think it is only fair to be using it for 30-60 days to see the results. I just got it this week so I can say I feel good, it tastes great and I will continue to use it.

You can follow them on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest updates too.

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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