title: Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius): a functional food.
abstract: Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is an Andean tuberous root that is regarded as a functional food given that it contains fructooligosaccharides (FOS), inulin and phenolic compounds. The consumption of FOS and inulin improves the growth of bifidobacteria in the colon, enhances mineral absorption and gastrointestinal metabolism and plays a role in the regulation of serum cholesterol. Furthermore, the literature reports that the consumption of these prebiotics promotes a positive modulation of the immune system, improving resistance to infections and allergic reactions. Certain studies have demonstrated the potential of yacon as an alternative food source for those patients with conditions that require dietary changes. This review intends to describe the potential of yacon as a prebiotic and its cultivation and industrial processing for human consumption.
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science, School of Food Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. grethelchoque@yahoo.es
authors.forename: Grethel Teresa Choque
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Delgado
authors.forename: Wirla Maria da Silva Cunha
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Tamashiro
authors.forename: Mário Roberto
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Maróstica Junior
authors.forename: Glaucia Maria
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Pastore
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019659:Asteraceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D001644:Bifidobacterium / Q000254:growth & development; D003106:Colon / Q000382:microbiology; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005511:Food Handling; D055951:Functional Food / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007444:Inulin; D009844:Oligosaccharides; D010636:Phenols; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D035281:Plant Tubers / Q000737:chemistry; D056692:Prebiotics
chemical_list: D009844:Oligosaccharides; D010636:Phenols; D056692:Prebiotics; C116580:fructooligosaccharide; D007444:Inulin