Jerusalem Artichoke helps in boosting immunity, regulating blood sugar levels and also great for the beneficial bacteria. It is rich in potassium and proteins, do not cause blood cholesterol levels to over shoot, help in metabolizing fats, has abundant quantity of iron and great for detoxification. It helps in preventing constipation and is a substitute for your coffee.
What is Jerusalem artichoke?
Jerusalem artichoke is another name for the widely famous sunchokes. It is not actually a type of artichoke but is a root vegetable with dark and tough skin and white, starchy flavor quite similar to potato in taste. So now you can switch your child’s potato fries and chips with that of Jerusalem artichokes – a healthier and still a tasty option.
Jerusalem artichokes were originally grown in North America and when the Europeans came here, is what leads to its spread. Being a member of the sunflower family, it is widely cultivated in temperate climates.
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12 Amazing Health Benefits of Jerusalem Artichoke for Kids
Jerusalem artichoke has several surprising and amazing health benefits which can be used to your advantage by including it in your child’s diet. Some of these benefits are mentioned below-
As a potassium rich vegetable
Jerusalem artichokes are rich in potassium. Potassium is essential for your overall health and also reduces the risk of heart diseases.
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Can boost the immunity
Growing children with a not – so – strong immunity are an easy prey to various infections and they get infected quite frequently too. Jerusalem artichoke also contains certain amounts of anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E. These are necessary for boosting the immunity.
Helps in regulating blood sugar levels
For a very long time, Jerusalem artichoke has been included in the diet as it was shown to have significant effects on lowering the blood sugar levels. This is especially beneficial for those who have inherited diabetes mellitus.
Jerusalem artichoke is great for the beneficial bacteria
Jerusalem artichoke is loaded with Inulin and Inulin has fructans. These fructans are what are great for the beneficial bacteria of the gut. It also inhibits the growth of the harmful bacteria as the beneficial bacteria acts against it.
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Do not cause blood cholesterol levels to over shoot
Jerusalem artichokes have moderately high calories similar to potatoes but they are low on fats and triglycerides. Thus, they help in lowering blood cholesterol levels.
Help in metabolizing fats
Jerusalem artichokes are rich in Inulin which is anon – digestible dietary fiber and this Inulin is rich in probiotics. These probiotics act as a fat burner and help to metabolize fats.
Jerusalem artichoke has abundant quantity of iron
One cup of Jerusalem artichokes provides your body with a one – fourth of your daily requirement of Iron. This is an impressive amount of iron supplied by Jerusalem artichokes. Iron is necessary for the body in formation of hemoglobin and oxygen transport. Deficiency of iron in the body leads to anemia.
Jerusalem artichokes are rich in proteins
Jerusalem artichokes are high on proteins especially Sulphur containing amino acids – methionine, cysteine, homocysteine. The Sulphur containing amino acids are necessary for maintaining the flexibility of connective tissue.
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Great for detoxification
Jerusalem artichoke is rich in sulphur containing amino acids which help liver in detoxification process.
Jerusalem artichoke as a dietary supplement
It has been observed that traditionally, Jerusalem artichoke was given as a dietary supplement. It being rich in several and vital minerals and nutrients was a great option for a dietary supplement.
Help in preventing constipation
Jerusalem artichoke contains abundant amount of non digestible dietary fiber – Inulin. Inulin thus helps to increase the bulk of the stool and its easy movement through the gut. Thus it is helpful in relieving constipation.
Substitute for your coffee
Consumption of coffee is many times discouraged to the side effects of caffeine. Using Jerusalem artichoke for a substitute of coffee can be a good choice. You can dry and roast them to use as a coffee substitute.
JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE RECIPE
Now that you know of the several amazing health benefits of Jerusalem artichoke, here is a simple, yet tasty Jerusalem artichoke stew recipe-
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups red onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups Jerusalem artichoke, chopped
- 2 cups carrots, chopped
- 1 tsp pink rock or grey sea salt
- 1 lb venison or beef stew meat
- 1 quart vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced
How to make:
- Over medium heat, sauté oil, Jerusalem artichokes, onion, garlic, carrots, and salt for 5 -7 minutes.
- Then add meat, water, broth, and rosemary. Let the mixture come to a light boil and then simmer down the heat.
- Cover the vessel and allow it to simmer for 45 more minutes.
Your fresh, warm and healthy Jerusalem artichoke stew is ready to be served to six people.
Conclusion
Jerusalem artichokes are root vegetables belonging to the sunflower family. They are native to North America and are widely referred to as sunchokes.
Jerusalem artichokes have several surprising health benefits which include – lowering blood sugar levels, metabolizing fats, lowering blood cholesterol levels, as probiotics, helping in growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the harmful ones, rich in proteins, helps liver in detoxification, boosts immunity, rich in potassium and can be used as a dietary supplement.
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References
https://www.chatelaine.com/health/diet/five-health-benefits-of-jerusalem-artichokes-sunchokes/
https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/jerusalem-artichoke.html
