Jerusalem artichoke: benefits and harm to the body

Jerusalem artichoke or earth pear is a food and medicinal plant, a relative of sunflower. His homeland is in the north of America, where the plant is still found in the wild today. Its name comes from the Tupinamba tribe - the natives of Australia, who brought root crops with them to European countries in the 17th century. Since then, Jerusalem artichoke, the benefits and harms of which are still being studied today, has entered the treasury of medicine.

Jerusalem artichoke: benefits for the body

Since the 80s of the last century, and especially the last 20 years, large-scale biochemical studies have been carried out, confirming the healing properties of Jerusalem artichoke.

From the aerial parts and tubers, plants in many countries of the world produce phytopreparations, biocorrector, functional and diet food, nutritional supplements, medicines, and therapeutic cosmetics.

The beneficial properties of the plant are due to its ability to accumulate in the tubers a natural polysaccharide - inulin. Once in the digestive tract, the polysaccharide is cleaved.

Part of it enters the systemic circulation, and the unsplit part passes through the intestines, collecting and leading to the outside:

• toxic and radioactive substances;
• conglomerates of cholesterol;
• excess lipids.

Parts of the inulin chains that enter the blood also cleanse it of harmful substances. It was established that Jerusalem artichoke does not accumulate pesticides, nitrates, radionuclides, salts of heavy metals from soils contaminated with these elements.

Inulin has a stimulating effect on the muscle tissue of the intestine, providing fast transport of food, cleansing the digestive tract of undigested food residues. Jerusalem artichoke flour is a part of probiotics, restoring the natural gastrointestinal microbiocenosis. The regular use of tubers and preparations stimulates the synthesis of endogenous vitamins and increases the protective properties of the body.

Inulin has antitumor properties. In Japan, Jerusalem artichoke is introduced into dairy mixes, bakery products, and drinks. It is established that thanks to them, Japan has the lowest mortality rate from cancer of the digestive system. Plant preparations contribute to the rejuvenation and prolongation of life.

The root crop absorbs and accumulates a large amount of silicon from the soil, which is involved in the construction of tissues:

• pituitary gland and brain;
• lens of the visual analyzer;
• thyroid gland;
• kidney
• hearts.

Without a sufficient amount of mineral in the body, elastin production decreases, which negatively affects the structure of the vascular wall, skin, hair, and nails. The body needs exactly biophilic silicon, capable of binding to phospholipids, proteins and pectin. In this form, silicon is better absorbed by the body. Biophilic silicon is supplied by plants capable of accumulating it from the soil, in particular Jerusalem artichoke.

Jerusalem artichoke does not contain selenium - a substance that is necessary for the health, growth and vital functions of the body. But interesting studies were conducted at the University of Irkutsk. It turned out that with the introduction of Jerusalem artichoke, the uptake of selenium from food increases.

Organic acids normalize the digestive system. They stimulate the secretory function of its organs.

A large number of proteins in Jerusalem artichoke not only provide the body with "building material", they are similar in structure and properties to thymus proteins that activate and restore the gland - one of the main parts of the immune system. The later the involution (reverse development) of the thymus occurs, the longer the body remains young.

Read also:Jerusalem artichoke - cooking recipes

Healing properties

Tuberous sunflower (another name for the plant) in Indian medicine was used before the discovery of America. Earthen pear is used in folk and official medicine in the treatment of many diseases.

Earthen pear has:

• diuretic;
• laxative;
• reparative;
• vasodilator;
• anti-atherosclerotic;
• antihyperglycemic;
• antitumor effect.

The first evidence of the use of inulin-containing plants in the treatment of heart disease, aging, obesity and diabetes can be found in the writings of Avicenna, dated X century. Modern research methods have significantly expanded the list of indications for the use of Jerusalem artichoke.

What diseases does it help?

Jerusalem artichoke is used in the treatment of various pathologies:

1. cardiovascular system:

• hyper- and hypotension;
• tachycardia;
• anemia;
• heart rhythm disturbance;
• a stroke;
• varicose veins;

2. digestive system:

• inflammation of the pancreas and intestines;
• insufficient secretory function of the digestive system;
• gastrointestinal dysbiosis;
• gastric and duodenal ulcers;
• dyspeptic syndromes;
• poisoning;
• prevention of cancer of the stomach and colon;
• has hepatoprotective (protects the liver) effect;

3. Metabolism:

• atherosclerosis;
• obesity
• type I and type II diabetes;
• gout

4. nervous system:

• neuritis;
• neurosis;
• conditions after stress;
• decreased performance;
• sleep dysfunction;
• headache;

5. skin and its derivatives:

• acne;
• seborrhea;
• eczema
• furunculosis;
• dermatoses;

6. bone system:

• osteochondrosis;
• osteoporosis;
• sciatica;
• rheumatism;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• polyarthritis;
• heel spurs.

Jerusalem artichoke is a therapeutic and prophylactic agent for infectious and parasitic diseases. The introduction of drugs from Jerusalem artichoke or fresh root crops increases the effectiveness of the treatment of helminthiases. Sometimes an earthen pear helps to eliminate parasitic worms without drug therapy.

Jerusalem artichoke preparations improve the condition of patients with cancer before and after chemotherapy and radiotherapy. They remove toxins, protect against negative radicals, contribute to the restoration of the mucosa, increase immunity. Jerusalem artichoke helps to remove stones and sand from the kidneys, urinary and gall bladder.

Rules for taking Jerusalem artichoke

Jerusalem artichoke must be taken for a long time. Studies have shown that the use of Jerusalem artichoke for 20-30 days normalizes blood pressure. Jerusalem artichoke with constipation or a tendency to them improves the transport and motor function of the digestive tract.

To cleanse the skin and alleviate the condition in the pathology of the skeletal system, it is necessary to take baths with Jerusalem artichoke leaves every other day.

In the treatment of diabetes, Jerusalem artichoke can affect the amount of insulin. Therefore, the dose of Jerusalem artichoke should be calculated by the endocrinologist, and treatment should be carried out under regular monitoring of blood sugar in order to correctly adjust the amount of insulin.

However, in case of violation of the blood coagulation function and a tendency to bleeding, Jerusalem artichoke preparations should be used in short - no more than 7-10 days, courses. The dosage of drugs also requires correction - it needs to be halved.

Useful properties for losing weight

Jerusalem artichoke is a valuable product for normalizing weight. Its use in food enhances digestion. Plant root fibers help to “trigger” gastrointestinal motility. Cleansing the intestines from harmful substances, helminths and undigested food residues contributes to the activation of the metabolism, utilization of adipose tissue, better absorption of nutrients from less food. Jerusalem artichoke helps those who are on a diet to muffle the feeling of hunger, since, when swollen, dietary fiber fills the stomach, and it gives a "signal" to the brain about satiety. Inulin enhances the breakdown of fats, provides the body with the necessary energy for metabolism.

Jerusalem artichoke has diuretic properties and removes excess water from the body, eliminating edema and several kilograms.

How to use for men's health?

Jerusalem artichoke is useful not only for women.

Its preparations are capable of:

• improve potency;
• treat sexual dysfunction, especially caused by a violation of the blood supply and stress;
• reduce the risk of developing prostate adenoma.

Due to the content of arginine in tubers and stimulation of the absorption of zinc, selenium, Jerusalem artichoke stimulates spermatogenesis and testosterone synthesis, normalizes prostate function.

To strengthen male strength, it is enough to eat 2-3 tubers of Jerusalem artichoke per day or take preparations from the plant.

Jerusalem artichoke syrup: benefits and applications

Jerusalem artichoke syrup can be purchased at the pharmacy or prepared independently. Is Jerusalem artichoke syrup useful? Of course, since it has on the body all the positive effects that are characteristic of preparations from the plant and fresh tubers.

A syrup is prepared by evaporating the juice from the tubers to the consistency of liquid honey and preserving it with lemon juice. Syrup completely replaces sugar. If a person is not a sweet tooth, then it can be consumed in 1 tablespoon. 60 minutes before breakfast and an hour after dinner for weight loss, activation of metabolic processes, lowering blood glucose levels. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.

Earthen pear recipes

Jerusalem artichoke is eaten fresh, pickled, baked and boiled. From it prepare the first, second courses, desserts, drinks.

The most useful fresh root vegetable.

In the salad "from 100 diseases" apply:

• peeled Jerusalem artichoke tubers - 2 pcs.;
• raw carrots - 1 pc.;
• green apple - 1 pc.;
• walnut kernels - 100 g;
• ½ lemon juice;
• odorless vegetable oil - 2 tbsp. l

Peel vegetables and apple. Grate, mix with lemon juice and oil.

For Jerusalem artichoke casseroles you will need:

• Jerusalem artichoke root crops - 2 pcs.;
• chicken egg - 1 pc.;
• mayonnaise - 1.5 tbsp. l .;
• hard cheese - 20 g;
• vegetable oil (for frying) - 2 tbsp. l .;
• greenery.

The peeled root crop is cut into thin slices and fried until golden brown. Mix the egg, mayonnaise and grated cheese and pour the slices. Bake the dish under the lid. Serve with sour cream or melted butter.

Composition, calorie content

Jerusalem artichoke tubers contain a large amount of fructose, which replaces glucose if the body lacks insulin.

In addition, the tubers have:

• cellulose;
• amino acids synthesized only by plants;
• pectin substances that remove radionuclides;
• inulin;
• vitamins B1, B2, C;
• carotene;
• organic and fatty acids;
• mineral elements: iron; manganese; calcium; magnesium; potassium; sodium; silicon.

In the amount of iron, zinc and silicon, Jerusalem artichoke tubers are 5 times superior to conventional root crops. In addition, Jerusalem artichoke surpasses these root crops in terms of vitamins C, B1, B2.

The calorie content of root crops is 70 Kcal per 100 g.

Contraindications and possible harm

Jerusalem artichoke has practically no contraindications, the only thing is individual intolerance. A limitation of the use of fresh tuber is a tendency to increased gas formation.

Jerusalem artichoke can be harmful if there is a bleeding disorder. It is necessary to carefully eat an earthen pear for food in case of cholelithiasis and urolithiasis. The root crop can cause stone movement, blockage or damage to the ureters, or bile ducts.