What is Jerusalem Artichoke Powder?

Jerusalem artichoke, (Helianthus tuberosus), also called sunchoke, sunflower species (Asteraceae family) native to North America and noted for its edible tubers. Jerusalem artichoke is popular as a cooked vegetable in Europe and has long been cultivated in France as a stock feed. In the United States, it is rarely cultivated, but small quantities are used in making pickles, relishes, and dietary preparations. The tubers are rich in the carbohydrate inulin.

Jerusalem artichoke tubers can be eaten raw or cooked. Like most root vegetables, they are versatile and can be substituted in dishes calling for potatoes, carrots, turnips, and many others. They are most commonly prepared by boiling or roasting. The thin skin can be left on or removed. Raw tubers will discolor when cut or peeled and left exposed to air, but this does not affect edibility.These Jerusalem artichoke tubers enjoy widespread popularity, especially in Europe. It has an interesting sweet and crunchy taste with a number of health benefits.

What are the benefits of Jerusalem Artichokes ?

Lower blood sugar and pressure: The inulin found in Jerusalem artichokes can help lower blood sugar and reduce fasting insulin in those with type 2 diabetes. High levels of potassium found in sunchokes make them an effective, natural remedy for high blood pressure. Potassium helps balance levels of excess sodium consumed in foods found in the typical American diet, a common contributor to high blood pressure. Lower blood pressure can have long-term health benefits, like fewer heart attacks, strokes, and a lower risk of death from heart disease.

Enhance immune function: The Jerusalem artichoke is filled with antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, along with flavonoid compounds like carotenes. These compounds help remove free radicals from the body, helping to protect against disease and illness.

Balanced microbiome: The gut-healing, digestive benefits of sunchokes help to balance your microbiome, the trillions of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses that work together to promote the daily operations of your body. A diverse and balanced microbiome not only supports healthy digestion, but boosts your immune system, helps protect against illness, improves metabolism, reduces inflammation, and contributes to maintaining healthy body weight.

Reduce cholesterol: The soluble fiber found in Jerusalem artichokes can help lower cholesterol by reducing the amount of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol found in the body. Regular consumption of Jerusalem artichoke or its extract not only helps to reduce bad cholesterol but may boost HDL (“good”) cholesterol in adults with high cholesterol.

Better digestion: Prebiotics are carbohydrates that your gut cannot digest, so they become food for healthy bacteria in the gut. When you eat Jerusalem artichokes, its prebiotic properties help healthy bacteria grow, which in turn, helps digestion. Most of the gut-healing power found in Jerusalem artichokes comes from one prebiotic in particular – inulin. Inulin is a fructan (a chain of fructose molecules) that the gut bacteria use to produce short-chain fatty acids, which nourish colon cells to aid digestion and promote gut healing.