The healthy properties of Jerusalem artichoke known as Jerusalem artichokes, has a long history, but many people still do not know and do not dare to include it in your diet. Artichoke (Latin Helianthus tuberosus) is a member of the Asteraceae family, which instantly makes it a relative and now the known plant species – sunflower, yarrow, chamomile, edelweiss, daisy. The appearance of Jerusalem artichoke is almost as confusing its quiet recognition as the name issue. In addition artichokes, plant-like exterior of potato and ginger root, is known as Jerusalem artichoke and artichoke. Topinambur is a culture that was brought to Europe from North America, around the seventeenth century.
The stems of the plant chase a height of 3 m goals and leaves – wide from 7 to 10 cm long and 10-20 cm somewhere are egg-shaped, slightly pointed, with a rough appearance. Jerusalem artichoke blooms in bright yellow (in the period from August to November) with colors from 4 to 8 cm (diameter). The tubers of Jerusalem artichoke are the part of it that is usable for food in various forms. If you prefer to eat artichoke raw, and probably taste will remind you of sweet turnip, almost as crisp as a handful of raw walnuts. If you decide to bake, despite the clearly expressed sweetness (analogous to that of carrots and parsnips), you will see that resembles largely well known potato.
Most often, Jerusalem artichoke is associated with the high content of inulin to it. It is very important to make a distinction between inulin and insulin. Inulin is a natural, natural polysaccharide which is composed of fructose in the high 95%. These 95% inulin in artichoke act as a natural probiotic, stimulating the development of our friendly intestinal flora bacteria. Moreover, inulin has a positive influence on the absorption of calcium in the human body to reduce and maintain low levels of blood cholesterol and also prevent the development of malignancy. With inulin not exhausted all benefits that Jerusalem artichoke brings to our health. In addition, it is low-calorie diet (only 73 calories content of 100 g.)
It will find a significant number of bioactive substances. For example, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, magnesium, silicon, iron, pectin, organic acids, amino acids and B-vitamins and vitamin C. Earth apple is known in folk medicine as a means to reduce blood sugar levels (especially valuable for people with type 1 diabetes – content of the starch in it is not decomposed to glucose, which raises blood sugar levels, and to fructose, i.e. Jerusalem artichoke has a low glycemic index) for the regulation of blood pressure; It is also used to enhance immunity in an organism that is weakened because of some kind of infection or with the seasons.
It is important to mention that thanks to its direct impact on the rapid absorption of minerals like calcium and magnesium, Jerusalem artichoke is recommended in cases of osteoporosis. If you do not need the plant for treatment of a particular disease, you can add it to the menu with purely preventive orientation or detox – for treatment of kidney, liver and blood. Able to facilitate and enhance the process of purification, putting dirt as various toxins and heavy metals. Besides extremely useful, Jerusalem artichoke is easy to grow crops, because it grows in almost any conditions. It is good before going to its management, know that the end of November is the time to which the tubers of Jerusalem artichoke grow. After this month is better not to fast, but to be patient before their collection, so that valuable substances found in the upper part of the plant to fail safely pass into the tubers.
Waiting may continue even until spring. There is no cause for concern, because the rich vitamin composition will remain intact all winter. Interesting fact – the very beginning of its cultivation, artichoke has been described as “food more suitable for pigs than people.” If we follow the logic in the same way they were treated and truffles, which are liked and were a favorite among pigs, but this does not prevent them offer a valuable delicacy in each kitchen. Unlike truffles, tuber occurs significantly more often, and once we know for its rich supply of nutrients – let’s take advantage!