Despite of what it’s called, Jerusalem artichoke is neither from Jerusalem nor a type of artichoke. This healthy veggie is actually native to the eastern parts of North America, and it comes from a plant cultivated mainly for its tuber which is what Jerusalem artichoke is — a root vegetable enjoyed just like a potato in so many regions of the planet.
The fact is Jerusalem artichoke may also be eaten raw, provided that it is washed very carefully beforehand. However, this can be a real challenge because the outer surface of the vegetable is quite bumpy and rough. The skin, which can vary anywhere from white and light brown to purple and red, can be consumed as well.
Jerusalem artichoke is usually added to salads and stews. Since the flesh of this vegetable is very much similar to a potato in terms of texture and consistency, one may be used as a substitute for the other for cooking. However, many say that Jerusalem artichoke has a nuttier flavor and slightly sweeter than a potato.
With that being said, you are not going to have a hard time incorporating Jerusalem artichoke in your diet. And you really should because it is actually packed with a variety of nutrients, making it good for your health. In fact, this root vegetable is also good for your skin and hair. Get to know more about the benefits it offers by reading on!
Jerusalem Artichoke Helps Promote Regular Bowel Movement
This vegetable that grows below ground level is packed with dietary fiber, a nutrient important for regular bowel movement. Having it included in your everyday diet together with other fiber-rich foods can help in lowering your chances of having constipation. Make sure that you drink plenty of water and remain physically active too!
It Also Helps Lower Your Risk of Colon Cancer
Experts say that consuming foods rich in dietary fiber such as Jerusalem artichoke may help you dodge colon cancer much better. Since toxins and waste products are flushed out of your body more efficiently by fiber, they are not given enough time to wreak havoc to your health, particularly in the form of deadly colon cancer.
The Vegetable is Perfect for Those with Diabetes
Are you suffering from diabetes? Make sure that you serve Jerusalem artichoke more often on the table. That’s because it is a great source of inulin, a type of sugar. What’s so nice about inulin is it won’t cause your blood sugar levels to rise. In other words, Jerusalem artichoke can help save your from the complications of having diabetes.
Consuming It Helps You Achieve Your Ideal Weight
If you wish to shed off excess pounds, minding what you eat is very important. The inclusion of Jerusalem artichoke in your everyday diet is a wonderful idea because it is packed with dietary fiber, making it heavy on your stomach. The said vegetable is also low in calories and has a negligible amount of fat in it.
Jerusalem Artichoke Helps Keep High Blood Pressure in Check
There are plenty of minerals found in Jerusalem artichoke, and this does not really come as a surprise since it grows under the ground. Potassium is one of the many nutrients found in Jerusalem artichoke, which is a mineral that helps relax the walls of the blood vessels, thus promoting normal blood pressure. Potassium is also good for the heart muscles.
The Root Crop is A Good Source of Iron
Iron is a mineral that helps prevent anemia, in particular the kind that you can get from a diet that’s poor in the said nutrient. Iron is important for the production of red blood cells or RBCs, blood components that carry oxygen throughout your body. Opting for iron-rich foods like Jerusalem artichoke helps prevent anemia from striking.
It Keeps Your Skin and Hair Looking Phenomenal
Jerusalem artichoke contains impressive amounts of vitamin C. As you may already know, vitamin C is a type of powerful antioxidant that hunts down free radicals, keeping them from damaging skin cells. Vitamins A and E are also present in every serving of Jerusalem artichoke, making this root vegetable good for your hair.
