Why Yacon Syrup is The Ideal Natural Sweetener



Eating too much sugar can lead to unwanted weight gain.  Sadly sugar is everywhere, secretly hidden in foods that you wouldn't expect.  Many have found avoiding processed foods and keeping track of one's sugar intake to the most beneficial for weight control, however, cutting back on sugar is not an easy thing to accomplish.  

I received a small supply of Yacon Syrup per request, and after two weeks of use I am now officially obsessed with the stuff.  I just ordered an additional two bottles and I'm hoping, more like panicking,  that my current bottle doesn't run out before I receive my next order.


The tuberous roots of the yacón plant (Smallan...
The tuberous roots of the yacón plant (Smallanthus sonchifolius) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)


What is Yacon Syrup?

Yakon is a tuberous root that  is traditionally grown in the Northern and Central Andes.  It is also known as Peruvian ground apple.  It is used for food as well as medicinally.  It's basically a super-food found in nature.

The syrup extracted from the yacon plant is comparable in taste and texture to maple syrup.   What makes it so ideal is the fact that its low in calories, carbohydrates, sugar and high in fiber.

Yacon Syrup verses Honey


1 tbsp Honey:   
              
Calories-60;
Carbohydrate-17 g.;
Sugars-16g; 

 1 tbsp Yacon Syrup:

Calories- 39
Carbohydrates-<12
Sugars-<9


Impressive right? On top of that, I get much more mileage with Yacon Syrup than I do honey.  One teaspoon does a really nice job in sweetening plain yogurt, while I needed at least two tablespoons of honey to do the job.    

Health benefits

 I'm not going into every facet of Yacon's health benefits,  I did, however, want to mention that Yacon is comprised of mainly water and fructooligosaccharides.  The latter; or FOS, acts as a prebiotic in the digestive tract. Basically it feeds the healthy bacteria in you gut.  This is beneficial for digestive health as well as inflammation.    

What about the weight loss hype

Once something appears on Dr. Oz as a weight loss breakthrough, the Internet becomes abuzz and inundated with hype and all kinds of adds for product sales. All of which I take very tentatively.   Even so, lets look at the studies.

One study had been conducted for a duration of four months.  The participants had consumed 1 tsp of Yacon Syrup before meals 3 times daily, without making any other changes to their diet.  At the end of the four months the average participant lost 33 pounds and an average of four inches.  To compliment that study, Dr. Oz conducted his own study where he had 60 participants take 1 tsp of Yakon Syrup before meals 3 times daily.  He also requested that nothing else change as far as diet or exercise.  The said results after four weeks amounted to an average weight loss of 2.9 pounds and 1.9 inches.  Over all 73 percent lost weight.

My interest in Yakon stemmed from the desire to cut back on sugar.  I always ignore the hype and had no intention of using the product in accord with the studies. Desperate to lose weight, however, I just could't resist using the syrup accordingly.  That is, a teaspoon an hour before meals and at noon with my yogurt.  I then went about my business without giving it much thought.   It wasn't until a week or so of use that I realized Yakon syrup was effectively curbing my appetite and preventing me from overeating, cheating and binging.  After ten days I lost two pounds.  I'm not sure if that is due to the said increase in metabolism or my ability to better stick with my diet regimen.  All I know is that I am very pleased that it's curbing my appetite.  If price wasn't a factor I would definitely do more with the syrup, such as incorporating into more dishes and recipes. At the moment I use it sweeten coffee, tea before meals and in plain yogurt.


I prefer the taste of Yakon Syrup when it's refrigerated

I love the taste, but not everyone does appreciate the molasses-like flavor.  It is expensive and may not be suited for everyone. Some folks have reported stomach cramping and increased bowl movements, however in my research I've discerned that most people like the taste and find it to be an effective appetite suppressant.  For me personally it's the equivalent of liquid gold.  I had been struggling with losing ten pounds for quite some time, so I'm quite thrilled that my pipe dream of losing the extra weight by summer may come to fruition.  

I consider the flavorful Yakon Syrup to be tantamount to liquid gold 

Finding a reputable supplier ain't easy.  Just because it's sold at your local health food store or even Whole Foods doesn't mean it's the best source. Many of them contain fillers and aren't pure, yet their prices tend to be higher.  Those should be avoided.

One company that I like offers a pure product.   Life & Food has been around for a while and they offer pure, raw, organic and non-GMO syrup at a very competitive price.  At the moment it is on sale for $22, I say grab it now before the price goes up again.   I purchased mine via Amazon

Find Life & Food Yacon Syrup on Amazon

If you desire to lose weight by summer and, or, cut back on your sugar intake, like myself, you may find this to be a very worthy investment.

Test samples may of been provided, most likely per my request or based on experience with product featured, no other compensation was provided and review is based on my personal opinion.
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43 comments:

BethElderton said...

I would love to try this! Rather than a particular diet, we are trying to eat a greater variety of whole foods. This might be a great new sweetener.
Mary Beth Elderton

Unknown said...

I'm all about using more organic or natural things for everyday use. Especially anything better than refined sugar or high carbonhydrates.

Natasha Mairs - Serenity You said...

never heard of this. I eat way to much sugar and I have headaches when I don'teat it now

Lynda Del said...

After reading about this I would love to try it!!

jdine said...

I think I must try this! I eat gluten free waffles with sugar free syrup 3-4x/week and this sounds much healthier!

Anonymous said...

It sounds delicious & a product I would love to try!

[email protected]

Maryann D. said...

I would say Yacon Syrup sounds wonderful to try. I love natural and organic products and from the review, I do want to try this different type of sweetener.
twinkle at optonline dot net

mammafrog77 said...

I'd love to try this sweetner. I have tried about everything on the market but all have a strange taste so maybe this might taste better.
Cynthia Gray headwitchhunter2000

Cori Westphal said...

I think it sounds like a great idea. I have a major sweet tooth that I have a really hard time keeping under control. I'd love to give this a try!

coriwestphal at msn dot com

Minute said...

It sounds like a good sweetener to sweeten coffee.

Fisher said...

I have not heard of Yacon syrup, but I would not mind giving a try myself.

Unknown said...

This sounds like something I would definitely give a try to lose weight. I have a Sweet tooth that won't quit so this would be wonderful to try.

amy m said...

Like you, I tend to be skeptical of the next new thing, and I really appreciate your balanced review. I'd LOVE to try this stuff... I've been thinking of trying the dreaded master cleanse to get a jump on the thirty pounds I have to lose, but I think this might be a better option.

Julie said...

this sounds like a great product to add to my diet plan. Thank you for the chance to win

Unknown said...

if it tastes good then i would like to try it. my stomach can't take bad tasting anything anymore but it sounds like a great product

Kathy Fleming said...

Based on the review I can't wait to try this! I just tried sweet leaf and even bought some seeds to grow, but we don't like the strange after taste. So happy to find another sweetener that I can possibly grow!

christine said...

I'm really intrigued. I definitely want to try it.

Jessica said...

I have never tried this! Thanks for letting us know about this great sweetener choice.

Unknown said...

It sounds awesome! Totally makes me want to try some!

Cassandra Davis said...

Based on your review I think this sounds great, I have to give it a try!

Diana Lane Utley said...

I have been looking for new ways to speed up my metabolism. This looks like it's just what I need.

BeX said...

Looks yum

Unknown said...

I have never heard of this before but will check out the local Health shop.

laurasloves said...

Based on your review it is a product I would like to try. It would make a great alternative sweetener than I use now.
Laurie Emerson
lauraemerson17 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

MARIA SIMON

I THINK IT WOULD BE A DIFFERENT GOOD TASTE..I WOULD LOVE TO TRY THANKS FOR OFFEIRNG

SA Collins said...

Based on your review yacon seems like a great natural alternative to other sweeteners

Crystal K. said...

I'm not big on diet hype foods but I do like alternatives to sugar.

Tylerpants said...

It sounds great...I do need to cut back on sugar too! Lisa L tylerpants(at)gmail.com

Unknown said...

I think this product looks Amazing, I hope I win so I can try it !!!
[email protected]

Jan Lee said...

I hope it does work for you! I am not a fan of maple syrup and I don't want to eat anything that may increase bowel movements or give me the dreaded "D" lol Thanks for the info tho, and as all things go, whatever works for you is a plus :)

Anonymous said...

I'm not all that crazy for maple syrup or molasses, but would try it in recipes (substituting for sugar). It really is mind-boggling to me that any sweet substance could help any individual lose weight. I'd really like to try this.

laurie nykaza said...

This is a great alternative to using sugar and if you can lose weight than that will help me reach my goal as well.

Unknown said...

This is very interesting, thanks for the info.

Anonymous said...

This is interesting. I like natural alternative sweeteners. I will look more into this. Great post.

Unknown said...

This sounds awesome would love to try it rather then the same old diet

Jenn Hiles said...

Interesting information. I've never heard of Yakon Syrup before but it sounds like it's worth trying. Looks like Amazon is the easiest place to get some.

Unknown said...

I have not heard of this before. I would love to try it out, This may work better for my family

tisme143 said...

it sounds like a great sweetner and something i would use :) thanks for share @tisonlyme143

Marcia Lee said...

Thank you for your information about Yakon syrup.I just bought 3 bottles and can't wait to receive them.

rj7777 said...

I have only heard great stuff about this. I have to purchase some soon. I have been trying new items and trying to slowly make them habits in my diet. Thanks for the information! Rita Spratlen

Unknown said...

I have been trying to loose weight so anything that works is not bad for you and tastes good I am all for trying, will be checking this out. thanks for sharing the info on it.

Ogitchida Kwe's Book Blog said...

Oh I am glad to hear that you found something that tastes good. The photo almost looks like a sweet tater.

Unknown said...

Definitely was healthy after eating so many on Thanksgiving - don't know if my version contributed to weight loss.

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