The forgotten superfood: Jerusalem artichoke's return to health spotlight

It’s completely unlike anything else, so many people prefer to skip it in the store. Today, it's known that these variously shaped tubers have numerous health benefits; they regulate the digestive system, help with constipation, and lower blood sugar levels.

Yes, very much so, and diabetics should especially pay attention to it. Jerusalem artichoke is a source of inulin (constituting a substantial 17% of the tuber), a natural sugar from the fructan group. Inulin acts as a natural prebiotic, helping to rebuild intestinal flora, even after antibiotic treatment. Importantly, inulin normalizes glycemia in type 2 diabetes and reduces insulin resistance.

But that’s not the end of Jerusalem artichoke's health benefits. These tubers are also worth noting because they support digestive system functions and metabolism, help with constipation, and eliminate bacteria responsible for diarrhea. It's worth knowing that Jerusalem artichoke facilitates the absorption of calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Jerusalem artichoke has LDL cholesterol-lowering effects, reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, regulates blood pressure, and is also beneficial for people on a weight-loss diet. It contains a lot of fiber, which provides a feeling of fullness and regulates metabolic processes.

Jerusalem artichoke is widely used in the kitchen; it can, for example, replace potatoes. Simply steam the tubers or boil them, and before that, it's worth immersing them briefly in cold water with lemon juice to prevent discoloration. The cooking process should be short, as the vegetable cooks easily.

You can make homemade fries from the tubers by cutting the vegetable into strips and frying them till golden in deep fat with a few cloves of garlic. You can also make chips by slicing the Jerusalem artichoke thinly or make pancakes similar to potato pancakes. Sauteed in butter, the tubers are a delicious addition to meat and fish dishes.

Jerusalem artichoke can also be eaten raw. Its taste is sweet, slightly nutty, similar to artichoke and Brazil nuts.