Jerusalem Artichoke

Other Names : Helianthus tuberosus, sunroot, sunchoke, earth apple, topinambour
Jerusalem artichokes are not truly artichokes, but resemble ginger root instead. The Jerusalem artichoke has grown in North America since the 1500s and supplies several different vitamins and minerals. This vegetable also has many protective health benefits. Jerusalem artichokes have a texture similar to that of potatoes and you can eat them raw or lightly steamed.

The benefits of Jerusalem Artichoke are

• Provide Potassium and Magnesium : The Jerusalem artichoke is high in two essential minerals: potassium and magnesium. Potassium is a mineral that enables your heart to beat properly, keeps your blood pressure in the healthy range and enables you muscles to contract so you can be physically active. A 1-cup serving of Jerusalem artichoke will supply 644 mg of potassium, or about 20 percent of what you need each day. Magnesium is also important for heart health and contributes to proper function of your muscular system as well. One cup of Jerusalem artichoke contains about 55 mg of magnesium, which is about 17 percent of what you need each day.
• High in Fiber : A diet that includes plenty of foods high in fiber will keep your stomach, bowels and colon healthy. A 1-cup serving of Jerusalem artichoke supplies 2.5 g of beneficial fiber, which is about 10 percent of what you need to consume each day. Eating plenty of fiber also reduces your chance of developing heart disease and may lower your risk of experiencing a heart attack as well. Additionally, fiber gives you energy and adding Jerusalem artichokes to your diet may help you boost your metabolism.
• Rich Source of Inulin : Jerusalem artichokes are one of the best sources of inulin that you can add to your diet. Inulin is a type of starch that is broken down by your body differently than other starches. Inulin helps keep blood sugar stable and as such, foods rich in inulin are beneficial for individuals who have diabetes. Inulin also supports healthy bacteria in your stomach and colon.
• Iron is an essential mineral that enables your body to produce healthy red blood cells and transports oxygen to every part of your body. A Jerusalem artichoke supplies 28 percent of the 18 mg of iron that you need each day in just a 1-cup serving. Iron is also important for maintaining your immune system and helps protect against harmful germs, bacteria and other substances. Additionally, a diet high in iron can help protect against the damage caused by free radicals and also encourages healthy function of your liver.