Jerusalem artichoke: benefits and harms, medicinal properties and rules of use

Jerusalem artichoke, earthen pear, Jerusalem artichoke, drumola - what kind of names this useful plant does not have, which is a close relative of sunflower. Topinambur owes its fame to the healing properties of tubers. They are used in food and used for the preparation of tinctures, ointments, rubbing. Juice is squeezed out of the earthen pear, which is very useful for diseases of the digestive tract.

Jerusalem artichoke, or earthen pear, is a low-calorie product. The energy value is 61 kcal per 100 g of fresh fruit. The bulk of the composition - carbohydrates, which are mono - and disaccharides, as well as starch. The balance of BJU looks like 12.8 / 2.1 / 0.1 g. Jerusalem artichoke is characterized by juiciness, since 79 g of water are found per 100 g of product. It is a structured liquid with minerals and vitamins dissolved in it.

The latter are represented by B vitamins, as well as vitamin A, PP, C, E and provitamin beta-carotene. Trace elements in Jerusalem artichoke a little - it is aluminum and iron. But among the macronutrients of the composition should be allocated magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and sodium.

The basis of the composition - inulin (plant analogue of insulin, necessary for the commission of metabolic processes, and hence the work of all body systems). In addition, the high content of amino acids, both essential and essential. Among the most famous are lysine, leucine, tryptophan, arginine, and others. Fats in the earth pear are not represented by trans fats causing atherosclerosis, but useful fatty acids. Among them - amber, citric, malic acid. The use of Jerusalem artichoke for the digestive tract is partly due to a large amount of fiber. Finally, the product is rich in antioxidants.

Jerusalem artichoke infrequently used in cooking. It is usually consumed for medicinal purposes. The rich vitamin and mineral composition and especially ascorbic acid of the earthen pear allow us to consider it as an immuno-strengthening and tonic fruit.

It is useful to eat it in the flu and cold season, during the autumn-winter period, because during this period the body is most affected by infections and bacteria.

Jerusalem artichoke has an antibacterial effect and also has antioxidant properties. This allows it to be used for excretion of toxins and slags. Rich in fiber, it helps cleanse the intestines, eliminate toxins, inhibit pathogenic microflora. It should be noted that such a cleaning heals not only the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

The complex of vitamins C, E, PP, B in combination with potassium, magnesium and iron can be called healing for the heart and blood vessels. Thanks to antioxidants (vitamins E and C act in their role) it is possible to clean the vessels of cholesterol plaques, as well as reduce the content of trans fat in the blood. Vitamin PP increases capillary permeability, which ultimately provides better tissue nutrition, and B vitamins (B-12 in particular) are involved in the synthesis of red blood cells. For these purposes, it is good to brew dried flowers of Jerusalem artichoke.

Potassium and magnesium strengthen the heart, increase its conductivity, and fight rhythm disturbances. Considering also a positive effect on blood vessels, Jerusalem artichoke can be considered as a means of preventing atherosclerosis, heart attacks, strokes, and thrombosis. The presence of iron in the plant allows you to prepare on its basis the compounds to combat anemia. The latter is characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin levels due to a lack of iron in the blood.Blood moving through the vessels contains little oxygen, which is reflected in the nutrition of tissues and organs, the implementation of all life processes.

Rich in fruits and calcium, which is combined with phosphorus and vitamin C, which contributes to a more complete absorption of the macro. Calcium with phosphorus is necessary for the formation and strengthening of the bone system, teeth. Calcium deficiency is also manifested by impaired functioning of the central nervous system, blood formation functions.

The presence of vitamins A and E in the topinambour, as well as beta-carotene makes it useful for the organs of vision, strengthens fiber, helps to maintain visual acuity. It is believed that fruit juice is effective in cataracts. The richness of the vitamin and mineral composition, as well as the presence of arginine in it, make an earthen pear useful during the growth period. It will provide the body with calcium, strengthen the immune system, contribute to the "maturing" of organs and tissues. Interestingly, arginine is an amino acid that is produced in the right amount for the body only in a healthy adult.

In children, adolescents and the elderly, the intensity of arginine production is reduced, but children need this amino acid. Namely Jerusalem artichoke can be called the supplier of the latest in a growing children's organism, in addition, it is a source of easily digestible proteins and carbohydrates.

To understand how useful the earth pear (as, indeed, any product) for patients with diabetes, you can only consider the main features of the disease. Sugar disease is characterized by insufficient activity or dysfunction of the pancreas, the task of which is to produce insulin. The latter allows you to break down sugar, which is then converted into energy.

With the inability of the pancreas to produce the right amount of insulin, the concentration of sugar in the blood increases, while in the body its volume decreases in a split form. As a result, there is an imbalance in the ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates and metabolic disturbances occur. Problems with metabolic metabolism provoke failures in all systems of life, and therefore a number of diseases. In addition, metabolic disorders - one of the causes of excess weight. Excess weight, in turn, is the load on organs and systems that are already working intermittently, in the first place - the heart and blood vessels.

It turns out that sugar disease is dangerous not by itself, but by the consequences that entail insufficient attention to the disease. Side effects accumulate gradually, however, and sudden insulin jumps can provoke a significant deterioration in the condition of diabetic up to coma. There are 2 types of diabetes - type 1 (when the body does not produce insulin at all, and the latter is delivered by injection) and type 2 (when the pancreas synthesizes insulin, but in small quantities).

An important discovery made by scientists, having studied the composition of the Jerusalem artichoke. It turns out that it contains inulin sorbent, which, penetrating into the blood cells, reduces their sugar level. Experts recommend to use it not only to reduce sugar in existing diabetes, but also as a preventive measure. Sugar disease is often hereditary, so the Jerusalem artichoke should be included in your diet for people whose close relatives suffer from this disease.

Under the influence of inulin, blood sugar is replaced by fructose, for the assimilation of which insulin is not required. At the same time, glucose slowly and gradually penetrates the blood cells, therefore, sugar jumps are excluded, it rises smoothly. Moreover, Jerusalem artichoke helps to improve metabolism, and due to the presence of coarse fibers will slow the flow of sugar into the blood. Problems with metabolism - this is what is inevitable with this disease. Regular consumption of Jerusalem artichoke can partially cope with the violation.

Beneficially acting on the cardiovascular system, Jerusalem artichoke helps to improve the patient's condition, in addition, it removes excess fluid from the body. This allows you to cope with edema, which usually occur in the initial stages of the disease. A pleasant concomitant effect of Jerusalem artichoke on the body will be the normalization of the functioning of the adrenal glands and the thyroid gland, which means a balanced hormonal balance. In addition, an earth pear will help improve the functioning of the digestive tract and the liver, will remove toxins from the body.

Jerusalem artichoke also allows you to cope with the problems of the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, they occur for 2 reasons - a violation of the intestinal microflora due to a sharp change in hormonal levels and a decrease in intestinal motility. Jerusalem artichoke, due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as the presence of fiber in the composition, allows us to solve both of these problems.

It destroys pathogenic microflora, contributing to the spread of beneficial. In addition, intestinal peristalsis improves, thanks to which food is digested better and better. Having a laxative effect, the earth pear will help to gently and gently get rid of constipation, including it is safe in the last weeks of pregnancy.

Root crops reduce pressure in hypertension, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. In addition, they remove toxins, which can be considered as a way to get rid of toxicosis. Often, during the waiting period of the fetus, the irrepressible appetite awakens from the expectant mother. Non-caloric topinambur, rich in protein and slow carbohydrates, gives a long-lasting feeling of satiety.

The use of the earth pear for the future mom's cardiovascular system is invaluable, since during this period the volume of circulating blood in the woman’s body almost doubles. Naturally, this gives an increased load on the heart, which needs support. Reduced hemoglobin levels are another common problem when the fetus is born. Iron-rich topinambur allows you to solve it, at least partially.

Changes in hormonal levels in pregnant women entail significant changes in the work of the nervous system. At the same time, nervousness, mood swings can cause a deterioration in the condition of a woman, provoke uterine spasms. The pear tree is rich in B vitamins and calcium, which has a beneficial effect on the work of the central nervous system.

Root vegetables have vitamin B-9, which is also called folic acid. It is required for the structure of the fetal neural tube, its brain and spinal cord. The use of Jerusalem artichoke for the fetus due to the presence of calcium in it, which is needed for the construction of the child's skeletal system. The important point is that with the lack of this trace element, the fetus “extracts” it from the bones and teeth of the mother.

Finally, rich in vitamins and microelements, Jerusalem artichoke has a tonic, anti-cough and anti-inflammatory effect. It will protect a woman's body from such undesirable, and sometimes dangerous during this period of viral diseases, colds, prepare a woman for the upcoming labor.

The list of diseases for which it is useful to use Jerusalem artichoke is quite wide and includes diseases of the joints. The positive effect of the earth pear in this case is due to silicon. It is necessary for the normal development and functioning of the joints and bone tissue. In addition, silicon helps “drive” excess moisture and salt out of the body, sand not only from the joints, but also from the liver and kidneys.

Thanks to silicon in the composition of the earth pear it is possible to maintain the required volume of division of the cells of the synovial membrane. The latter lines the joints from the inside, ensuring their smooth gliding relative to each other, and hence ease of movement. Only 50 g of fresh tubers make it possible to cover an adult’s need for silicon and significantly improve the condition of a patient suffering from diseases of the joints. There are cases when treatment with Jerusalem artichoke gave a complete recovery of the joints.

In addition, silicon makes possible the absorption of calcium (necessary for the skeletal system) and chondroitin (part of the cartilage of the spine, joints). The latter is responsible for retaining moisture in the joints, which ensures their depreciation.

For the treatment of these diseases, it is recommended to take 3-4 tuber fresh daily for 3-4 months. You can replace the use of 1-2 tubers tea based on dried and ground Jerusalem artichoke. Treatment is desirable to combine with external procedures (baths) using the Jerusalem artichoke.

Jerusalem artichoke has a positive effect not only on the joints, but also on the pancreas. At the same time, insufficient production of the latter enzymes, as well as pancreatitis, can become the cause of polyarthritis, degenerative changes in the joints. Thanks to selenium present in the Jerusalem artichoke, it is possible to arrest the inflammation of the pancreas and thereby heal the joints.

One of the main causes of pancreatitis is a violation of metabolic metabolism, in particular, lipid metabolism. As already mentioned, Jerusalem artichoke allows you to normalize metabolism, so only on this basis can it be considered an approved and useful product for pancreatitis. Often, pancreatitis is also formed with insufficient blood circulation in the pancreas. In this case, malnutrition of tissues caused by the presence of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels, persistent increase in pressure, and diabetes mellitus is usually diagnosed.

In addition to the normalization of lipid metabolism and metabolic processes, the earth pear reduces the concentration of sugar and cholesterol in the blood. In addition, it exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect. Beneficially affecting the heart and blood vessels, the fruit helps to normalize blood pressure. In other words, Jerusalem artichoke with regular consumption neutralizes all factors contributing to the development of inflammation of the pancreas. To eliminate pancreatitis and as a preventive measure of its appearance, it is recommended to eat 150 grams of earth pears daily.It is better to use it fresh or boiled, but it is better to give up fried and sour dishes.

If pancreatitis is accompanied by increased acidity of gastric juice, Jerusalem artichoke juice is useful. A third of a glass is drunk three times a day before meals until the unpleasant symptoms (but not longer than 1 month) are eliminated. Improve the taste of the juice of Jerusalem artichoke will help diluting it with carrot.

As already mentioned, Jerusalem artichoke is very useful for the digestive tract, since it has an antibacterial effect and improves intestinal motility. You can eat roots and their derivatives and gastritis. Under gastritis imply damage to the mucous layer lining the stomach, because of which the latter can not fully function. As a result, there are problems with digestion, abdominal pain, heartburn, a feeling of heaviness and burning.

Providing anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect, Jerusalem artichoke promotes healing of the damaged mucosa. In addition, he relieves pain, eliminates the taste of bitterness and nausea - the "companions" of gastritis. In other words, the plant helps in the treatment, and also eliminates the unpleasant symptoms of gastritis. Due to choleretic action, it eliminates the excessive secretion of bile and the associated heartburn, feelings of heaviness. Especially useful ground pear with gastritis with high acidity, because its juice is able to reduce acidity. Finally, Jerusalem artichoke strengthens the immune system, thereby helping the body to cope with the disease.

Since the stomach during gastritis seems to be wounded, rough and tough food can aggravate the situation. In this case, it is better to refuse raw Jerusalem artichoke, because it contains coarse dietary fiber. Baking or boiling softens the fibers. For medicinal purposes, usually used juice earthen pear. It contains all the same beneficial elements as the root vegetable, but it lacks fiber. Jerusalem artichoke juice is drunk on a third of a glass thrice a day 15 minutes before meals.

Jerusalem artichoke is contraindicated in case of allergies and individual intolerance. It causes a noticeable increase in gas formation, therefore, people prone to flatulence, as well as abdominal distension, acute colitis should not be consumed.

Despite the beneficial effects of the product on the digestive tract organs, in case of a peptic ulcer it will bring harm rather than benefit. However, even in the absence of these contraindications, it is important to remember about the moderation of eating an earthen pear. Its juice is concentrated, so it can damage the gastric mucosa with excessive consumption.

Low calorie, low glycemic index and a large amount of dietary fiber - already on the basis of this we can talk about the benefits of earthen pear for weight loss. Fiber in this case enhances peristalsis, which contributes to a better and more complete splitting of food. As a result, metabolic and especially lipid (fat) exchanges are accelerated.

In addition, once in the body, dietary fibers swell and fill most of the stomach. This will allow to eat less, saturate faster. Thanks to the slow carbohydrates of the Jerusalem artichoke, the person feels full longer.

In addition, toxins and slags are removed from the body, thanks to which a feeling of lightness appears in the body, again the metabolism improves.

Obese people often have problems with the cardiovascular system - arrhythmia, hypertension, elevated sugar and cholesterol. Regular consumption of Jerusalem artichoke allows you to clean the blood vessels, strengthen the heart, which generally heals the body and gives dexterity, well-being.

The reduction in body weight with regular intake of the earth pear is also due to the improved insulin binding to the cellular fluid. Glucose quickly splits, is transformed into fructose, which means it goes to energy, and not to fat deposits.

When losing weight, the skin of a person suffers, because when it gains mass, it stretches, losing elasticity. Thanks to vitamin B in composition and antioxidants, the earthen pear helps to maintain skin turgor, maintains its elasticity, and prevents sagging.

For weight loss it is recommended to include Jerusalem artichoke in your daily diet. Better, of course, fresh. Alternative - boiled or steamed, baked root vegetable. You can also drink the juice from the tubers. A single dose - 50 ml of juice, which is drunk an hour before breakfast and an hour after dinner.

But it is not recommended to arrange fasting days exclusively at the Jerusalem artichoke. Too coarse fibers will cause abdominal pain, in addition, the product will provoke increased gas formation, a feeling of bloating.

But if you are on a vegetable diet, the Jerusalem artichoke can be included in salads, cooked casseroles and soups from it. It is not recommended to combine fresh root vegetables with other vegetables, which also provoke increased gas formation. First of all, it is cabbage, solanaceous. To reduce the flatulence that occurs after consuming fresh Jerusalem artichokes, helps their combination with carrots, dill, thyme.

All parts of Jerusalem artichoke can be eaten, however, the tubers demonstrate the greatest value. Since the chemical composition of the brooches remains almost unchanged even after heat treatment, the Jerusalem artichoke can be consumed ready. However, the raw version will benefit and delight the original taste.

Fresh Jerusalem artichoke tastes close to radish (non-sharp varieties) or asparagus. It possesses a light glass and juicy, therefore it does not require sticking or using spices. As a rule, it is cut into slices and consumed in this form or combined with vegetables in the composition of the salad. The latter should be refilled with olive oil, you can add a little lemon juice. You do not need to be a cook to “collect” a healthy salad on your own, literally from what is in the house or growing in a garden in the country.

Jerusalem artichoke is well combined with greens, leafy lettuce, young zucchini, cucumbers, green onions. For spice, you can add garlic, lemon peel or nuts, pressed through a press.

Patients with diabetes are often prepared on the basis of Jerusalem artichoke various medicinal decoctions and infusions. They help to reduce sugar levels, tone up and heal the body. One of the options for this infusion - mince 500 g of fresh Jerusalem artichoke (pre-wash and dry with a towel) through a meat grinder. Then squeeze the juice out of the rolled mass. The resulting drink is taken 50 ml three times a day for a quarter of an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 1 month. You can store the juice in the refrigerator for up to two days, but it is better to prepare a fresh portion of juice for each day.

Jerusalem artichoke replaces coffee, if for some reason (primarily in the presence of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension), the use of a caffeine-containing drink is not recommended.

Cook it easy enough. Tubers should be washed and chopped, and then pour boiling water and leave for 5 minutes.After that, drain the liquid, allow the tubers to dry, and then fry a little in a hot, dry frying pan. The final stage of preparation - grinding pieces of earthen pear in a coffee grinder. Brewed it as usual coffee, filling it with hot water and adding sweetener, cream to taste.

You can cook on the basis of earthen pear and tea, which is recommended to drink at breakfast. Its recipe is quite simple. It is obtained by drying in the oven sliced ​​Jerusalem artichoke tubers. The temperature should be no more than 100 degrees, the drying time - 15-20 minutes. Then the raw material is ground in a coffee grinder and stored in a cloth bag or ceramic container with a lid. Prepared as an ordinary tea (2-3 teaspoons of dry raw material to 350 ml of water, time of infusion - 5 minutes).

Jerusalem artichoke syrup can be used as a sweetener for cereals, topping for cakes, ice cream. What is important - in the process of cooking, sugar is not added to it, and getting into the body, as already mentioned, Jerusalem artichoke contributes to the conversion of glucose into fructose.

The process of cooking syrup is reduced to boiling juice of Jerusalem artichoke, diluted in half with water until thick. Almost at the end of cooking, one lemon juice and zest are added to them. The finished syrup is stored in a refrigerator in a glass container.

When pancreatitis, if you believe the reviews, effective decoction of Jerusalem artichoke tubers. To prepare it, 7 root crops need to pour 2 liters of water and boil the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes. Ready broth is cooled, filtered and completely drunk during the day. It should be drunk in small portions. Conduct such sessions should be 2-3 times a week for a month.

In addition to ingestion, Jerusalem artichoke can be used as an external agent. First of all, in this way it is used to treat diseases of the joints. To do this, usually use the stalks, leaves and buds of Jerusalem artichoke. Such raw materials are taken in a volume of 1.5 kg and poured 8 liters of water (you need to take cold). Over low heat the composition is languished for half an hour, after which it is slightly cooled and filtered.

Therapeutic fluid is added to the water bath, the temperature of which should not exceed 40 degrees (optimally - 38-40 degrees). The patient should be in the bath for a quarter of an hour, making sure that his body is completely submerged under water. The duration of the procedure is a quarter of an hour, the frequency is every day for a month. Then for a month you should take a break and repeat the process if necessary.

For information on how to grow Jerusalem artichoke, and how it is useful, see the following video.