Jerusalem artichoke - useful properties and contraindications

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

Tall stems and bright yellow Jerusalem artichoke flowers are visible from afar. This plant is also famous for its delicious roots. The beneficial properties of Jerusalem artichoke are highly valued in its homeland - in America.

Composition and calorie content

For the appearance of root crops, Jerusalem artichoke is often called "earthen pear", although the tubers look more like ginger. You can find the name "Tuberous sunflower" (because of the flowers of culture) or "Jerusalem artichoke".

The composition of this amazing plant is a real pantry with useful substances, although Jerusalem artichoke can grow in poorly lit areas, poor soils, in constant dampness.

Jerusalem artichoke does not accumulate harmful substances from the soil, therefore, there are no salts of heavy metals, nitrates in the tubers.

The chemical composition of Jerusalem artichoke is represented by the following substances:

• chrome;
• selenium;
• magnesium;
• iron;
• phosphorus;
• sodium;
• omega-3 fatty acids;
• calcium;
• potassium;
• nicotinic acid;
• phylloquinone;
• biotin;
• pantothenic acid;
• vitamins C, A, group B;
• boron;
• vanadium.

The calorie content of an earthen pear is 73 kcal per 100 g.

Jerusalem artichoke contains almost no fat, but a lot of vitamins, vegetable protein, which contribute to the saturation of the body. For this reason, the tubers, with continued use, help to smoothly reduce weight.

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Useful properties of Jerusalem artichoke

The rich chemical composition of Jerusalem artichoke determines its beneficial properties. The vegetable contains proteins and carbohydrates that are easy to digest. And the polysaccharide inulin, which is present in the composition, regulates metabolism, normalizes the intestines.

The main beneficial effects of Jerusalem artichoke on the body:

• normalizes digestion, relieves diarrhea, constipation, promotes the development of normal microflora in the intestines;
• has bile-excreting properties, prevents bile stagnation;
• helps to remove toxic substances from the body due to its high fiber content;
• normalizes blood sugar levels;
• supports immunity, helps to better endure seasonal colds.

Jerusalem artichoke is able to prevent the development of oncological processes in the body. Due to the presence of potassium in the composition, it can help with heart disease. The amino acid content of arginine and phosphorus helps to increase endurance during exercise and hard work.

Baths with earthen pear leaves help get rid of osteochondrosis, atherosclerosis, arthritis.

For women

Earthen pear tubers are especially beneficial for women. The complex of substances of a unique vegetable helps to prevent the development of breast and uterine tumors. Iron helps to cope with anemia, muscle atony, and increased fatigue.

Root vegetables help maintain a good appearance. With the regular inclusion of tubers in the diet, vision, the condition of nails, hair improves, the enamel of the teeth is preserved, and the mental mood is normalized.

Experts recommend Jerusalem artichoke if there are such pathologies:

• high blood pressure;
• vegetative dystonia;
• tachycardia;
• problems with blood vessels.

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The vegetable helps with edema, salt deposition, autoimmune diseases. It is used in cosmetology. Tuber gruel is used as anti-aging masks. Constant use helps to lighten the skin, remove inflammation, acne breakouts.

If you replace potatoes with Jerusalem artichoke in your dishes, you can significantly reduce weight.

For men

For the stronger sex, the earthen pear is useful for the presence of zinc, vitamin C, which prevent the development of inflammation of the prostate gland, and have a positive effect on the state of the reproductive system.

Zinc is involved in the production of sperm, increases their motor activity. Arginine helps the absorption of zinc, improves sperm production.

Potassium has a positive effect on metabolic processes, normalizes blood pressure, helps with tachycardia, to which men tend to. Selenium helps maintain potency.

Jerusalem artichoke contains thiamine. This vitamin is important for carbohydrate metabolism, which must be maintained during intense physical exertion.

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For kids

Unique tubers are good for children thanks to their rich set of vitamins. Plant protein helps new tissues grow well. Jerusalem artichoke helps to increase appetite, improve digestion, while not leading to obesity.

With gastritis, colitis, the vegetable helps to relieve inflammation in the digestive system, helps to restore the mucous membrane, normalizes the acidity of gastric juice, reduces heartburn, and eliminates flatulence.

If a child has chronic diseases, Jerusalem artichoke can be introduced into the diet only after consulting a doctor.

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For pregnant

During the waiting period for the child, many products are excluded from the menu of expectant mothers. Earthen pear is recommended for consumption. Thanks to the beneficial properties for pregnant women, it is able to eliminate heartburn, reduce nausea, relieve symptoms of toxicosis, and replenish the lack of vitamins.

Amino acids have a beneficial effect on the development of the fetus, normalize the mental state of a woman, soothe, fight insomnia. Jerusalem artichoke helps to cope with hunger, while not gaining excess weight. The vegetable is effective for low hemoglobin levels, which are characteristic of pregnant women with constipation.

During breastfeeding, Jerusalem artichoke can cause colic in an infant. You need to consult with your doctor about eating a vegetable.

Contraindications and harm

Despite the beneficial properties, there are restrictions on the use of Jerusalem artichoke that must be taken into account. The composition contains amino acids that are difficult to digest by the body, which is weighed down by various pathologies. Elderly people should not get carried away with this vegetable, eat a large number of root crops.

Contraindications for use for women and men: personal intolerance and tendency to flatulence. When overeating, there may be bloating in the abdominal cavity, abdominal pain, rumbling, and impaired digestion.

Violations are especially noticeable with a single use of the root crop. Systematic application does not cause negative consequences. This effect on the body indicates the high biochemical activity of Jerusalem artichoke.

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Heat treatment of tubers, for example, baking or boiling, eliminates the negative effect of the vegetable on the body.

How to eat Jerusalem artichoke

Root vegetables can be eaten fresh, boiled, fried, baked, made into juices, smoothies, flour, brewed in the form of tea. Fresh tubers taste like crispy cabbage stump. The fried vegetable is similar to fried potatoes with a sweet flavor.

Useful properties of Jerusalem artichoke are taken into account when preparing various dishes. Nutritious juice is prepared from peeled root vegetables. They are rubbed on a fine grater, squeezed through cheesecloth.

For salad, fresh tubers are peeled, cut into thin slices. Any greens, fresh carrots, onions, and a boiled egg will well complement such dishes. It is better to season with vegetable oil, unsweetened yogurt or sour cream.

Outcomes

Jerusalem artichoke does not require special care, does not need fertile soil and good conditions during the fruiting period, actively produces oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide. For this reason, it has become widespread.

The nutritional value and beneficial qualities have made Jerusalem artichoke a popular herb. Many dishes can be prepared from the tubers, and the leaves can be brewed as tea. Due to its unique composition, Jerusalem artichoke helps in the treatment and prevention of many diseases, is useful for losing weight.