I wanted to find another sweetener that I could use instead of Xylitol, because Xylitol is expensive, and if you consume too much in 1 day, it gives you gas. So I did some searching and found Yacon syrup. It is safe for those with candida, and diabeties.
I ordered mine from iHerb.com, I found it there the cheapest, about $10.89 or something + $4 shipping, so I ordered 2 jars to be economical. I ordered it Monday a.m. and it arrived today by UPS.
It is a thick, dense, dark syrup; looks and tastes like molasses, only not as bitter as molasses. You can use it in cooking, baking, on top of cereal or toast, in drink shakes or milks, etc.
I tried some in yoghurt and it is good.
Here is some data I found on the web about it.
quote:
Peruvian Yacon Nectar is Low-Carb and Low-Glycemic.
Imagine a natural low-calorie sweet treat that is positively good for you and one you can indulge in even if you're diabetic. Nature's low-calorie sweetener yacon syrup!Yacon syrup is a glucose-free sweetener that can improve digestive health as well as help reduce sugar intake. It is pressed from the root of the yacon, a distant relative of the sunflower. Yacon has been consumed in the Andean highlands of Peru for centuries.
Yacon root is considered the world's richest source of fructooligosaccharide (FOS), a unique type of sugar that can't be absorbed by the body. FOS acts as a prebiotic, serving as food for the “friendly” bacteria in the colon, and preclinical studies have indicated that consumption of FOS may help increase bone density and protect against osteoporosis. Because the sugar in yacon is mostly FOS, the syrup is low in calories and is a good sweetener for use by dieters and diabetics.
Our organic yacon syrup has a dark brown color and sweet flavor, like a cross between caramel and molasses. Use it as you would honey or maple syrup on foods and in recipes or sweeten beverages with a spoonful.
FOS also acts as a prebiotic, serving as food for the “friendly” bacteria in the colon, including lactobacillus and bifidobacteria species. It provides health benefits including:
Aids digestion
Enhances absorption of calcium and magnesium
Improves elimination of toxins
May reduce the risk of colon cancer
FOS is also high in antioxidants and potassium. Preclinical studies have indicated that consumption of FOS may help increase bone density and protect against osteoporosis. Other benefits noted with FOS supplementation include increased production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate. In addition, the beneficial effects of FOS on the presence of bifidobacteria suggest an improved absorption of vitamins, such as the B complexes.
Just thought I'd share if anyone is interested.