Yacon syrup became instantly one of the most famous weight loss
supplements when a certain famous TV doctor talked about it in his show.
Whenever there is such a craze, as it is right now with this, there are
also lots of misinformed people who don't understand the effects and
the potential side effects. Are there any yacon syrup side effects and
if there are then how serious are these side effects?
According to clinical studies, consuming 0,14 grams of this syrup per day is enough promote weight loss and boost metabolism. A 70 kg person should take in an equivalent of 9.8 grams per day. It is recommended to take the syrup in 2 doses and taking it an hour before a meal. It is also recommended to take it during meals by some experts. One study showed that by taking this syrup, a person can lose on average of 33 pounds in a four month period or about 2 pounds a week. How much of that was the supplement and how much was placebo, is up for debate.
Yacon can be found in a variety of forms, such as dried chips, powder, pills and syrup. The root of the plant itself can be consumed as well. The main ingredient of all these products is FOS (fructooligosaccharides). It is a natural sweetener which is difficult to break down and it goes through a person's digestive tract unmetabolized. FOS is also a prebiotic that helps to feed healthy bowel flora. In addition to Yacon molasses and syrup, it can be found in vegetables and fruits, such as asparagus, artichokes, garlic and bananas.
Yacon syrup side effects
Moderate consumption of this syrup is considered generally safe, although it is not used in infant formulas in many countries. It is known that taking large doses of this syrup can lead to flatulence and diarrhea. Individuals who suffer from diarrhea should avoid consuming supplements that contain FOS.
Small percentage of people have also experienced nausea and bloating. Individuals who are allergic to sunflower seeds should also avoid consuming the syrup. It has also been proposed that it has a testosterone boosting ability and can be therefore be beneficial to athletes, but these claims are not tested in humans.
The syrup itself is extracted from the root but it is important to know that the leaves of the plant can be potentially toxic. Potential renal damage was one of the potential side-effects of the long-term use of this syrup, according to the Journal of ethnopharmacology.
There are many more indirect yacon syrup side effects. The people really don't do enough research and therefore don't know what they get. One of the potential side-effects is that this turns into a similar craze like acai berry. People might unknowingly spend large sums of money on ineffective products that are loaded with preservatives and might not even contain the beneficial fructooligosaccharides itself.
People might also have unrealistic expectations and might consider it as a magic pill, which it is not. There have not been enough studies and research done that might yield more clues about the syrup. The people, who can reap the most benefits out of this syrup, are people who are overweight, suffer from constipation, don't consume enough fiber and suffer from high blood sugar. Individuals who don't have these conditions don't need to consume this supplement necessarily.
Although there doesn't seem to be very serious side-effects, except potential diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, it is still important to understand how the yacon syrup works and to make sure you actually need it. There is no point in spending money on supplements that don't necessarily benefit you and more emphasis should be put on balanced nutrition.
According to clinical studies, consuming 0,14 grams of this syrup per day is enough promote weight loss and boost metabolism. A 70 kg person should take in an equivalent of 9.8 grams per day. It is recommended to take the syrup in 2 doses and taking it an hour before a meal. It is also recommended to take it during meals by some experts. One study showed that by taking this syrup, a person can lose on average of 33 pounds in a four month period or about 2 pounds a week. How much of that was the supplement and how much was placebo, is up for debate.
Yacon can be found in a variety of forms, such as dried chips, powder, pills and syrup. The root of the plant itself can be consumed as well. The main ingredient of all these products is FOS (fructooligosaccharides). It is a natural sweetener which is difficult to break down and it goes through a person's digestive tract unmetabolized. FOS is also a prebiotic that helps to feed healthy bowel flora. In addition to Yacon molasses and syrup, it can be found in vegetables and fruits, such as asparagus, artichokes, garlic and bananas.
Yacon syrup side effects
Moderate consumption of this syrup is considered generally safe, although it is not used in infant formulas in many countries. It is known that taking large doses of this syrup can lead to flatulence and diarrhea. Individuals who suffer from diarrhea should avoid consuming supplements that contain FOS.
Small percentage of people have also experienced nausea and bloating. Individuals who are allergic to sunflower seeds should also avoid consuming the syrup. It has also been proposed that it has a testosterone boosting ability and can be therefore be beneficial to athletes, but these claims are not tested in humans.
The syrup itself is extracted from the root but it is important to know that the leaves of the plant can be potentially toxic. Potential renal damage was one of the potential side-effects of the long-term use of this syrup, according to the Journal of ethnopharmacology.
There are many more indirect yacon syrup side effects. The people really don't do enough research and therefore don't know what they get. One of the potential side-effects is that this turns into a similar craze like acai berry. People might unknowingly spend large sums of money on ineffective products that are loaded with preservatives and might not even contain the beneficial fructooligosaccharides itself.
People might also have unrealistic expectations and might consider it as a magic pill, which it is not. There have not been enough studies and research done that might yield more clues about the syrup. The people, who can reap the most benefits out of this syrup, are people who are overweight, suffer from constipation, don't consume enough fiber and suffer from high blood sugar. Individuals who don't have these conditions don't need to consume this supplement necessarily.
Although there doesn't seem to be very serious side-effects, except potential diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, it is still important to understand how the yacon syrup works and to make sure you actually need it. There is no point in spending money on supplements that don't necessarily benefit you and more emphasis should be put on balanced nutrition.
