Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius): a functional food.
Plant Foods Hum Nutr
; 68(3): 222-8, 2013 Sep.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23709016
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.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Asteraceae
/
Alimento Funcional
/
Prebióticos
Limite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Plant Foods Hum Nutr
Assunto da revista:
BOTANICA
/
CIENCIAS DA NUTRICAO
Ano de publicação:
2013
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Brasil