Learn More About Sunchokes And Their Healing Properties
The number of nutritionists who are interested in sunchokes or Jerusalem artichokes is constantly growing. If by any chance you come across this small plant, here are a few reasons why you should buy it.
Sunchokes are not like ordinary artichokes although they share the same name – Jerusalem artichoke. This root vegetable tastes like water chestnuts and it can be consumed in a raw and heat-treated form. Because of its creamy texture you can use sunroots as potatoes too.
Jerusalem artichokes are packed with vitamins and minerals and they are considered to be one of the best natural prebiotics.
Sunchokes nutritional value
Just one cup of raw Jerusalem artichokes contains about 110 calories, 26 grams of carbs (including about 2.4 grams of fiber or 25% of the recommended daily dose) and 3 grams of protein. It is a well-known fact that fiber can help in cases of constipation and they can also reduce cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Many studies have shown that this root vegetable has a very good leveling effect on blood sugar slevels and has the ability to maintain a healthy body weight.
Minerals
The list of minerals that are part of sunchoke is really long and this is one of the main reasons why you should try it. Phosphorus, copper, iron, and potassium are some of the minerals of great importance for our overall health found in sunchokes.
Vitamins
One serving of Jerusalem artichokes contains 10% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C and 30% of the thiamine. It is known that vitamin C has strong antioxidant properties and limited the devastating effects of free radicals. In addition, a study conducted by the experts from the Linus Pauling Institute has confirmed that higher doses of vitamin C may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Thiamine and niacin belong to the B-group of vitamins and they help maintain healthy skin, eyes and hair and they also convert the food we eat into energy.
Prebiotics
The vast majority of carbohydrates found in sunchokes are actually a form of inulin (polysaccharides) which normally acts as a prebiotic, thereby providing food for the probiotics in the body. Probiotics enhance the work of the immune system, reduce cholesterol level, produce vitamins, and prevent the development of bacteria that lead to various diseases. By consuming prebiotics, we increase the level of probiotics in the body even more than if we take probiotics as supplements. Studies have shown that drinking juice which contains inulin from sunchokes significantly increases the levels of certain probiotic bacteria in the body.
How to use sunchokes?
Sunchokes (sunroots) or Jerusalem artichokes can be consumed in a raw form in salads, but many argue that sunchokes prepared in this way are not very tasty. If you are suing them for the first time, it would be best to peel them and cook them in salted boiling water until they soften (10-15 minutes). After that, create a puree. You can also add them in soups and broths.