Ground pear plant. Earthen pear or Jerusalem artichoke: benefits and harm

September 7th, 2013

Jerusalem artichoke is a close relative of the sunflower, popularly known as the “earthen pear.” This vegetable comes from the Asteraceae family and is a perennial club plant.

Jerusalem artichoke has a strong, developed root system; the size of this vegetable can reach 3-4 meters in height. This vegetable is very widely used in folk medicine in all countries of the world.

It is also very popular in cooking, and is traditional in its use, especially its root vegetable. The shape of Jerusalem artichoke has a slightly strange structure.

The taste of this root vegetable has a fairly pleasant taste. From the point of view of nutritionists, Jerusalem artichoke has high nutritional value as a root vegetable.

But doctors are confident that this wonderful vegetable contains a large number of beneficial properties that keep the immune system healthy. Jerusalem artichoke was first developed in North America; by the way, today it is very widespread there throughout almost the entire continent.

For the first time, the beneficial properties of Jerusalem artichoke were learned in the Indian tribe “Tupinamba”; the name Jerusalem artichoke came from its name; they began to eat it even before the discovery of North America. This plant has unique medicinal properties, and the taste of the root vegetable has an unforgettable taste. At the beginning of the 17th century, Jerusalem artichoke was first brought to Europe. The man who made this discovery was named Samuel de Champlain.

He sent the roots of this vegetable to France, and he compared it with an artichoke. The taste differed significantly, which was the reason why Jerusalem artichoke was called “Jerusalem artichoke” in Europe. Since that time, Jerusalem artichoke began to be actively grown throughout this continent of Europe. More than 50 years have passed since that moment, and growing this vegetable is possible in almost all types of soil.

But over time, the number of Europeans increased significantly, and with this the name of Jerusalem artichoke changed, for example, it began to be called “Canadian potato”, “sun root” and “jirasole”. Today, fructose, various alcohols, liqueurs, wine, and beer are produced from Jerusalem artichoke. And Jerusalem artichoke tubers have been used for a long time in the preparation of traditional Belgian dishes, as well as Dutch, German, French and English.

In Russia, they first learned about Jerusalem artichoke in the middle of the 17th century. This root vegetable has been widely used in folk medicine. Thanks to infusions from this root vegetable, many traditional healers helped people overcome heart disease, as well as vascular diseases.

Most often, the infusion was infused with wine. At this very time, the root vegetable of the earthen pear was widely in demand in Russian cooking. Mostly dishes made from this root vegetable were consumed by the Russian nobility and were considered quite exotic. Since this vegetable spread very quickly throughout Russia, by the end of the 17th century it was already grown as a separate high-yielding food crop.

Jerusalem artichoke with plums

The leaves are oblong with serrated edges. The inflorescence, like that of a “sunflower”, is a basket, only the flowers are smaller. Jerusalem artichoke has a highly developed root system that goes deep into the ground. Thanks to this, Jerusalem artichoke is not whimsical and is not afraid of drought. In appearance, these are huge “sunflowers” ​​2-3 meters high.

Tubers with convex buds form on the roots. Jerusalem artichoke tubers can be of various shapes and colors (yellow, pink-red, lilac-violet). Jerusalem artichoke tubers also vary greatly in their weight. From very small (10-15g) to huge (100-150g). Jerusalem artichoke root vegetables taste like cabbage stalks, only sweeter. They eat Jerusalem artichoke in any form. It is very tasty raw, in various salads. Jerusalem artichoke is boiled, fried, stewed, salted and pickled. In any form, Jerusalem artichoke will pleasantly diversify your menu, plus it will benefit your health. This is a truly healthy product for a healthy diet.

In the USA, diet coffee is prepared from earthen pears. In case of diabetes mellitus, it is used as an adjuvant to lower blood glucose levels.

The homeland of Jerusalem artichoke is North America, where to this day this plant is widespread from the north to the south of the continent. The tasty and highly nutritious roots of the earthen pear were consumed by Brazilian Indians long before the discovery of North America by Europeans (it is from the name of the Indian tribe “Tupinamba”, which from time immemorial used Jerusalem artichoke tubers for food, that the current name of this plant, unique in its benefits, came from).

Jerusalem artichoke came to Europe at the beginning of the 17th century thanks to the traveler and discoverer Samuel de Champlain, who sent Jerusalem artichoke tubers from Canada to France and for the first time compared them in taste with artichoke (and most likely thanks to this comparison, since then Jerusalem artichoke in Europe is better known as “ Jerusalem artichoke"). Since then, for more than 50 years, the cultivation of Jerusalem artichoke, which is very unpretentious to growing conditions, has become widespread in many European countries (and along with the increased popularity among Europeans, Jerusalem artichoke also received other names, including “Canadian potato”, “jirasol”, “ solar root"). In Europe, to this day, fructose, alcohol, liqueur, wine and beer are produced from cultivated Jerusalem artichoke, and the tubers of this plant have been traditional ingredients in Belgian, Dutch, French, German and English cuisine for many years.

In the 18th century, the spread of potatoes sharply reduced the consumption of ground pears. In 1844, the French scientist Boussingault began to praise it in every possible way, declaring it unfairly forgotten. Jerusalem artichoke has again attracted the attention of gourmet food lovers.

In Russia, the earthen pear was known in the 17th century, but not as a vegetable, but as a medicinal plant. Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich ordered to interview all healers about the methods of healing known to them and the healing herbs that they had ever used. And some reported that they treat heart disease with earthen pear infused with wine. At first it was prepared and served as a gourmet dish, and only in rich houses. Recipes for preparing dishes from unusual tubers appeared in cookbooks. In the 30s of the 20th century, vegetable grower A. A. Valyagin promoted the earthen pear as a very productive, frost-resistant and unpretentious crop.

It is of primary importance when returning to special areas that are unsuitable for another crop. Tubers are harvested in early spring. Unlike potatoes, dug up Jerusalem artichoke rhizomes are not stored for a long time. Frozen tubers acquire a sweet taste, since fructose is formed during the hydrolytic breakdown of inulin. From the stems you can press a sweet juice suitable for molasses. The plant is planted for decorative purposes as a green fence, as well as as a backdrop crop (to protect crops and plantings from northern winds). In beekeeping it is used as a late crop that supports honey production. It is especially valuable as food for domestic animals in early spring.

Composition of fruits (tubers) of Jerusalem artichoke

Scientists who studied the composition of Jerusalem artichoke were surprised by the variety of vitamins and minerals included in its composition. In terms of iron content, Jerusalem artichoke is significantly superior to other tubers (carrots, potatoes, turnips, beets, etc.). In addition, Jerusalem artichoke contains: potassium, calcium, silicon, magnesium, sodium, fluorine, chromium and other minerals. Jerusalem artichoke contains fiber, pectin, organic acids, fats, proteins and essential amino acids. Jerusalem artichoke is rich in vitamins: B1, B2, B6, C, PP, carotenoids. Carotene in Jerusalem artichoke is 60-70 mg per 1 kilogram.

Jerusalem artichoke contains essential amino acids: arginine, valine, lysine, leicine, etc. Jerusalem artichoke has a high fiber content. All this makes Jerusalem artichoke a product, simply a necessary product for maintaining health. What is especially appreciated about Jerusalem artichoke is that its root vegetables are rich in a natural analogue of insulin - inulin. That is why Jerusalem artichoke is recommended, first of all, for patients with diabetes.

Fresh autumn root vegetables are healthier because, during storage, part of the inulin is converted (as a result of hydrolysis) into fructose. This is also not bad for diabetics, because... fructose replaces sugar in the diet of diabetic patients. In terms of the amount of carbohydrates, Jerusalem artichoke is superior to sugar beets and sugar cane. From 100 kilograms of Jerusalem artichoke tubers, up to 10 kg of fructose is obtained.

Medicinal properties of Jerusalem artichoke

Hippocrates said that “food should be medicine, and medicine should be food.” Jerusalem artichoke fits these requirements perfectly. Fresh Jerusalem artichoke juice is used to reduce stomach acidity during heartburn. Jerusalem artichoke juice is used to treat polyarthritis. It has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. Jerusalem artichoke juice normalizes the functioning of the digestive system (relieves stomach pain and intestinal colic) and helps with constipation. Jerusalem artichoke has a beneficial effect on our cardiovascular system. It is useful for atherosclerosis, hypertension, tachycardia, and coronary disease.

Jerusalem artichoke helps well with gout, urolithiasis, anemia, salt deposits, and obesity. Jerusalem artichoke decoction lowers blood sugar levels, reduces blood pressure, increases hemoglobin, and has a beneficial effect on the pancreas. Jerusalem artichoke simply needs to be included in the diet of residents of large cities with unfavorable environmental conditions, because it has the ability to neutralize the negative consequences of environmental influences. Jerusalem artichoke is able to remove heavy metal salts, toxins, radionuclides and excess cholesterol from the body. This antitoxic effect of Jerusalem artichoke is due to the combined actions of inulin and fiber, which are part of its composition.

Use of Jerusalem artichoke in cosmetics

Jerusalem artichoke has long been used as a cosmetic against wrinkles. You just need to grate the Jerusalem artichoke tubers and apply the resulting pulp to your face using a napkin. Leave for 15-20 minutes. Make this mask once every 3-4 days. A noticeable effect occurs after 10-15 procedures. Wrinkles are smoothed out, the skin becomes soft and elastic. A greater cosmetic effect can be achieved if you add a little linseed or hemp oil to the resulting pulp.

The root crops of this vegetable are used in the feed, technical, and food industries. Moreover, the yield of this vegetable is much greater than that of corn, sugar beets, and potatoes. But the nutritional value of this vegetable in Russia ranks first in the cultivation of vegetable crops.

Jerusalem artichoke is a versatile plant that is grown not only for its beneficial and tasteful qualities, but also to create an interior; this vegetable can also be used to improve the soil, protecting crops from strong winds. Jerusalem artichoke is used to make marmalade, jelly, jam and preserves, as it contains a large amount of pectin.

These mixtures are well suited for feeding young children, as well as for people who are on a diet. Also, this vegetable is often used in the production of bread and buns, meat and dairy products, canned food, and is used in the production of alcohol and various drinks.

Jerusalem artichoke is used in the preparation of dietary supplements, and is primarily used as a source of inulin in the pharmaceutical industry. Jerusalem artichoke is very widely used in cooking. This vegetable is very similar in its pulp to radishes. The taste is sweet and nutty, slightly reminiscent of chestnut.

Jerusalem artichoke kvass

You can make a delicious compote from old and dried tubers, without adding sugar. It is easy to make healthy and tasty kvass from Jerusalem artichoke. Cut the tubers, fill them with cool water and place them in a warm place. After 3-5 days, the kvass is ready. Jerusalem artichoke dishes will not only diversify your menu, but will also give you health and vigor.

Decorative Jerusalem artichoke

If you have your own dacha or land plot, then Jerusalem artichoke planted around the perimeter will serve as a dense flowering two-meter fence. This hedge will protect your area from the wind. In addition, Jerusalem artichoke can displace any weed and weeds. Love this extraordinary plant, and it will give you health and good mood.

Jerusalem artichoke is consumed both raw and cooked. When exposed to light, the white flesh of an earthen pear immediately takes on a purple hue. Therefore, after peeling and cutting it into slices, immediately place them in water acidified with half a lemon. Due to the unusually irregular shape of the tubers, it is often more convenient to first boil them in acidified water, and only then peel them - the boiled peel is much easier to remove. Jerusalem artichoke is prepared in many of the same ways as potatoes or parsnips. It is excellent fried and stewed. It can be baked in the oven by first dipping it in melted butter. But in any case, the tubers must first be boiled for 10-15 minutes until they become almost soft.

Several recipes:

1) Jerusalem artichoke with cream: Mix Jerusalem artichoke with an equal amount of potatoes. This will tone down the flavor slightly and you will have an excellent side dish.

2) Jerusalem artichokes, baked in the oven: 900 g Jerusalem artichoke, 1 tbsp. l. olive oil, 1 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper, parsley for decoration. Preheat the oven to 220 degrees. Clean the Jerusalem artichoke with a vegetable brush. In a large baking sheet, toss the root vegetables with salt, oil and pepper. Roast in the oven for 1 hour until the vegetables are soft. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

3) Jerusalem artichoke salad: 1 carrot, 1 Jerusalem artichoke (you can replace kohlrabi), 2 cucumbers, 2 tomatoes, 2-3 lettuce leaves, greens - parsley, dill, cilantro, basil, feta cheese 100 g, 2-3 tbsp. olive oil, juice from half a lemon. Grate carrots and Jerusalem artichoke on a fine grater, cut cucumbers, tomatoes and feta cheese into cubes, chop lettuce and herbs, mix everything, pour in lemon juice, season with olive oil.

4) Salad scrub for the stomach(to help those losing weight): Carrots, apples, Jerusalem artichokes, cabbage.
Grate all products on a coarse grater, sprinkle with lemon juice, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil. Do not add salt!
Use either instead of breakfast or in the evening when you want to eat, but your diet doesn’t allow it)
In just a month you will lose several kilos!

5) Jerusalem artichoke with tofu: - tofu - 100 g, radish - 100g, Jerusalem artichoke - 100g, vegetable oil - 1 tbsp, kefir - 3 tbsp, salt, pepper - to taste

Peel the vegetables and chop on a coarse grater. Grind the tofu with salt and pepper, add kefir. Pour the resulting sauce into the vegetables, add vegetable oil and mix everything.

6) Jerusalem artichoke with mustard: Jerusalem artichoke - 500g, onions - 4 pcs., butter - 20g, cream - 125g, mustard - 1 tsp, lemon juice, lemon balm. Peel the Jerusalem artichoke, cut into thick slices, blanch in boiling salted water for 1 minute. Chop the onions, sauté in melted butter, add cream and mustard. Place Jerusalem artichoke slices on this mixture, simmer over low heat for about 12 minutes, season with lemon juice. Sprinkle with lemon balm.

7) Jerusalem artichoke cutlets: - Jerusalem artichoke - 500g, cabbage - 500g, egg - 2 pcs., flour - 2 tbsp. l., vegetable oil - 150g, cream - 100g, salt - to taste.

Wash the Jerusalem artichoke, peel and grate on a coarse grater. Finely chop the cabbage, mix with Jerusalem artichoke, add cream and simmer under the lid until tender. Quickly combine eggs and flour (brew) with hot vegetable mixture and add salt. Stir until a homogeneous puree is obtained. After this, form cutlets, roll in breadcrumbs and fry on both sides in vegetable oil.

The word “Jerusalem artichoke” sounds unfamiliar to many people. It is a pity that such a wonderful root vegetable has an undeservedly low popularity. We invite you to study Jerusalem artichoke together, the beneficial properties and contraindications of this product, as well as some recipes for preparing delicious and nutritious dishes.

Origin story

The root vegetable got its unusual name from the name of the North American Indian tribe - Jerusalem artichoke. In the areas of the Great American Lakes, a unique plant began to be grown two thousand years ago. Jerusalem artichoke came to Europe before potatoes. This happened in the 16th century with the assistance of French settlers who escaped famine in 1610 thanks to unknown tubers. In France, Jerusalem artichoke was very popular, and they began to grow it as a cultivated plant. It was soon replaced by potatoes, which showed higher yields and had a neutral taste. Gradually, Jerusalem artichoke moved into the category of gourmet plants and began to receive undeservedly little attention from people.

The vegetable became widespread in Russia only in the thirties of the last century. This was greatly facilitated by the All-Union Conference on the Study of this Culture, organized by Academician N.I. Vavilov. On it, the outstanding breeder gave a detailed description of the plant and called for the cultivation of Jerusalem artichoke everywhere. The beneficial properties and treatment of various diseases with root vegetables have become actively used in folk medicine.

Biological portrait

The plant received its other name - earthen pear - due to its external resemblance to sweet fruits. Jerusalem artichoke also has many different “nicknames”: sun root, Jerusalem artichoke, tuberous sunflower, sweet or schnapps potato. Various names have been given to the root vegetable over the years, all due to its remarkable properties and extraordinary benefits.

Experienced gardeners speak of Jerusalem artichoke as an unpretentious vegetable crop that does not require special attention or special care. The perennial herbaceous plant can grow up to three meters in height in a season. But the main value is in its tubers, which winter safely in the ground. Their shape varies and can resemble a pear, an apple or a spindle. Under the thin skin lies a white, elastic pulp that has a slight aftertaste of sunflower oil. Tubers in the soil can withstand severe frosts, reaching -30 o C.

Unique Features

The medicinal properties of Jerusalem artichoke are based on its most valuable quality - the almost complete absence of heavy metals in it. The root vegetable has an amazing ability - not to absorb any artificial fertilizers or harmful substances. Moreover, Jerusalem artichoke grows well on lands affected by radiation, while remaining absolutely clean.

The extraordinary taste and dense structure allow the vegetable to be eaten in any form: raw, fried, boiled. You can use it to prepare sweet dishes, compotes, jam, purees and much more. Any food will be extremely healthy if the preparation is based on Jerusalem artichoke. The medicinal properties (photos of the plant are presented in the article) are based on the rich chemical composition of the root vegetable.

The benefits of earthen pear

If you list all the components that make up the root vegetable, you will get a very long list, which will include a considerable part of the elements of the periodic table. Iron, potassium, silicon, magnesium, zinc, various vitamins, carbohydrates - this is just a small list of the most important substances that Jerusalem artichoke contains.

The beneficial properties and treatment of various diseases are based on the plant’s remarkable ability to remove waste and toxins from the human body. The action of the root vegetable can be compared to the work of a brush, which thoroughly cleans everything around it. The removal of toxic substances is facilitated by the presence of pectin, which contains Jerusalem artichoke in excess.

The beneficial properties and contraindications for consuming this vegetable are of interest to many. Note that there are much more of the first:

• A rich set of microelements, similar in composition to the pharmaceutical potassium-magnesium complex, improves cardiac activity, cleanses the walls of blood vessels and stabilizes blood pressure.
• High iron content quickly cures the body of anemia.
• Jerusalem artichoke improves intestinal microflora in case of dysbacteriosis, allowing you to cope with problems such as constipation.
• A high anti-inflammatory effect is observed in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases: ulcers, colitis, gastritis.
• The vegetable perfectly neutralizes heartburn.
• Has choleretic properties.
• Recommended in cosmetology for anti-aging procedures and improving skin tone.

All men should know that the medicinal properties of Jerusalem artichoke have a positive effect on the sexual sphere, helping to maintain potency until old age. Also, earthen pear reliably prevents the development of prostate adenoma. Regular consumption of this healthy plant will forever relieve men from unpleasant ailments.

The healing properties of Jerusalem artichoke also apply to children. Delicious dishes made from earthen pear improve appetite, increase hemoglobin levels in the blood and contribute to the overall strengthening of the immune system. Thus, Jerusalem artichoke can be considered a family product.

Inulin is the basis of the healing properties of Jerusalem artichoke

The dry matter content in earthen pear reaches 20%. Of these, the majority (about 80%) is the carbohydrate inulin. It is a natural analogue of insulin, consisting almost entirely of fructose. Once inulin enters the body, it partially breaks down into individual molecules and enters the blood. The remaining undigested part actively binds and removes from the body a large number of harmful and ballast substances, including: fatty acids, toxic compounds, heavy metals, pathogenic microbes. By enhancing the contraction of the intestinal walls, inulin helps rid the body of toxins and undigested food. In blood vessels, the molecules of this carbohydrate perform a similar job, clearing them of harmful metabolic products and chemical components that enter the bloodstream with medications.

The healing properties of Jerusalem artichoke are manifested in the body's stable resistance to various infections, intestinal bacteria and viral diseases. Inulin also has a lot of positive effects, including improving intestinal microflora, activating the gastrointestinal tract, stimulating the functioning of the gallbladder and the protective functions of the liver. A high antitumor effect of carbohydrates was also noted.

The polysaccharide inulin is an ideal sugar substitute; its presence allows the vegetable to be actively used in dietary nutrition. Jerusalem artichoke seems to be an indispensable remedy for the treatment and prevention of diabetes. Doctors recommend regularly eating several tubers a day, and your blood sugar will always be normal.

Be careful when using

No matter how useful the product is, there is always a considerable number of people who cannot tolerate Jerusalem artichoke. The medicinal properties and contraindications for consuming this crop should be known to everyone who wants to add an interesting vegetable to their menu. In any case, you need to introduce a new product into your diet gradually, checking the body’s reaction to it.

It is imperative to take into account the fact that some substances in the composition of Jerusalem artichoke contribute to increased gas formation in the intestines. People suffering from flatulence should avoid eating pear dishes. Even if your body willingly accepts a tasty root vegetable, you should never abuse it.

Leaves and stems: benefiting from them

Not only the tubers, but also the above-ground parts of the Jerusalem artichoke plant are of great importance. It will be useful to know the medicinal properties, recipes for preparing medicinal tinctures and tea for those people who suffer from various joint diseases. The easiest way is to prepare a decoction from dried leaves and stems. A tablespoon of the crushed mass is poured into a glass of boiling water and left for half an hour. The resulting drink can be drunk evenly throughout the day in small portions.

A bath for which Jerusalem artichoke leaves are brewed will have an additional effect. The healing properties allow the use of such procedures to alleviate the condition of arthritis, arthrosis, bursitis, and osteochondrosis. Baths are also good as part of a complex of therapeutic measures after injuries to the musculoskeletal system. To prepare a decoction, add 100 g of dry or fresh crushed leaves to five liters of water and boil briefly over moderate heat. After forty minutes, the resulting mixture should be filtered and added to the bath. The procedure should not take more than 15 minutes.

People suffering from vascular disorders also benefit from a bath using Jerusalem artichoke stems and leaves. The beneficial properties of the plant determine the positive effect of such procedures on the walls of blood vessels. The recommended course of treatment is at least ten baths. Therapy can be repeated after a month's break. The green decoction is also used as a homemade lotion, rubbing the skin of the face and neck with it daily. The natural product remarkably cleanses and tones the epithelium, also eliminating dermatitis, diathesis and acne.

In the treatment of many diseases, traditional medicine recommends taking Jerusalem artichoke tea. The beneficial properties of the drink are varied and multifaceted. But you should not prescribe it yourself; it is better to first consult with your doctor.

For those who want to replace the consumption of white sugar with healthy natural substitutes, Jerusalem artichoke syrup will serve as an excellent alternative. Its beneficial properties are based on the rich content of fructose, which can completely replace the usual sugar sweetness. In appearance and taste, the syrup resembles flower honey, distinguished by a transparent amber hue. It can be added to taste to hot drinks, compotes, confectionery and chocolate.

Jerusalem artichoke in cooking

The medicinal properties of Jerusalem artichoke can be used when organizing a healthy diet. In addition, dishes based on earthen pear can significantly diversify the daily menu.

• Salad. Adding raw crushed Jerusalem artichoke tubers to the seasonal vegetable mixture will significantly enrich it with flavor and increase nutritional value. Carrots, apples, beets, and sauerkraut go well with earthen pears. It is advisable to season vegetables with vegetable oil - sunflower or olive. You can also make a salad from boiled root vegetables. For 3-4 medium-sized tubers you need to add boiled eggs (2 pcs.) and canned young corn (1 can). Cut all products (except the last one) into medium cubes and season with mayonnaise. As a result, we get a nutritious meal.

How to choose the right root vegetables

When buying Jerusalem artichoke in a store, you first need to look at the condition of its skin. A wrinkled appearance and dark spots indicate low quality of the product and violation of the rules of its storage. The tuber should be firm to the touch, without visible damage or soft areas. The normal surface of Jerusalem artichoke looks slightly rough and uneven in places.

Storage rules

The thin skin of Jerusalem artichoke is easily damaged during transportation and storage. Keep the tubers in the refrigerator, placing them in a paper bag. At home, Jerusalem artichoke can be stored normally for no longer than a month. Therefore, you should not stock it in large quantities. Freezing will help significantly extend the shelf life.

Those people who grow their own vegetables in garden plots are advised to leave part of the harvest in the ground without digging it up until spring. This way, all the beneficial properties of the plant are preserved. The supply of sugars and vitamins during the cold period will not only be preserved, but also increased.

Other uses of Jerusalem artichoke

The earthen pear is useful not only in nutrition and treatment. There are some plant varieties that are also used as ornamental crops. As you can see, Jerusalem artichoke has multiple purposes: it is beneficial in nutrition, decorates the garden area and reliably protects other plantings in the garden with its tall and strong stems.

In beekeeping, the use of earthen pear as a late honey crop has also been noted. The green mass of Jerusalem artichoke serves as an excellent food for domestic animals.

» Pear varieties

Some say that Jerusalem artichoke tastes like a pear, hence the name earthen pear, others say turnip. The differences in taste are due to the fact that the root vegetable is a guest from distant Brazil, which appeared in Russia in the distant seventeenth century.

Our ancestors paid tribute to its beneficial qualities. Respectfully called - Volga turnip. Used in cooking and medicines. Today, alas, the root vegetable is not so respected.

Perennial, tuberous herbaceous plant of the sunflower genus. The above-ground part has tall stems, heart-shaped leaves, yellow inflorescences, and a basket similar to a sunflower. A powerful root system with shoots similar to strawberry shoots and cone-shaped tubers. The plant blooms from July to September, harvesting is at the end of September, October.

Jerusalem artichoke grows all over the globe and has an incredible number of names. It is called Jerusalem artichoke and red drum, earthen pear and bulba. In the tradition of many peoples, respect for the earthen pear is due to knowledge of its amazing properties.

The root vegetable is very useful. Including it in the diet is recommended not only for healthy people. Its medicinal properties are known.

Tubers are used to produce sugar, alcohol is made from them, and yeast is secreted. The stems and leaves are used for silage, the most valuable feed for livestock, with a high content of vitamins.

The plant is used in forestry. For example, 2015-2016 became problematic for the forest districts of the Tambov and Ryazan regions. To prevent wild animals, especially wild boars and elk, from moving to other places, foresters planted Jerusalem artichokes. The quickly grown high-quality food (tops, roots) “kept” the animals in their usual habitat.

The nutritional value of earthen pear tubers is significantly superior to potatoes. But the main difference is that instead of starch, it contains inulin, organic soluble sugar, which greatly increases the nutritional value of the root vegetable.

Useful and healing properties

Jerusalem artichoke is an absolute masterpiece of nature, gifted to man. The beneficial substances in its composition are necessary for the functioning of the human body.

The composition of the earthen pear is a visual illustration of the entire periodic table:

• calcium– coordinator of the work of cell membranes, blood clotting, regulator of nerve conduction, muscle function, cardiovascular system, responsible for the formation of bone, muscle, and dental tissue;
• phosphorus– the main partner of calcium, responsible for the growth and restoration of the body, a conductor of vital glucose, vitamins A, B, D;
• magnesium– optimizer of more than 300 enzyme reaction processes in the body, responsible for immunity, blood clotting, functioning of the nervous and muscular systems, metabolism;
• silicon– assistant in the absorption of magnesium, calcium, regulates metabolic processes, helps the formation of many enzymes, hormones, amino acids, promotes the growth of bone and muscle tissue;
• sodium– responsible for water metabolism, the process of protein hydration, delivery of amino acids and glucose through cell membranes;
• potassium– maintains blood composition, activates enzymes, regulates protein and carbohydrate metabolism, is necessary for the excretory function of the kidneys, normal intestinal function, nervous system, heart contractions, responsible for blood pressure;
• iodine– necessary for energy metabolism, normalization of biochemical reactions, development of body growth with the help of thyroid hormones, affects brain function;

The root vegetable also contains zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, iron, cobalt and other trace elements. The composition of minerals is balanced. By eating root vegetables, a person replenishes the body with these essential elements in full.

Jerusalem artichoke – vitamin cocktail. A complete set of B vitamins, vitamins C, D, A, E. Their complex effect helps to rejuvenate the body, increase its resistance and endurance.

The root vegetable is valuable because it contains:

• fructose, classified as the sweetest organic saccharide, normalizes blood sugar levels, strengthens the immune system, and prevents caries;
• inulin, a substance that results in the breakdown of fructose and glucose, activates the body’s defenses, removes radionuclides, heavy metals, reduces intoxication, prevents the formation of tumors, and promotes weight loss;
• pectins, substances that absorb fats, lower cholesterol levels, and can cleanse the body of waste, toxins, radionuclides, are not absorbed by the body, are enterosorbents;
• cellulose, a necessary substance for smooth functioning of the intestines, lowering cholesterol, cleansing the body of carcinogens;
• protein, the building block of the body.

The set of organic acids in its composition is unique:

• amber,
• apple,
• fumarova,
• malonova,

which optimize metabolic processes in the human body, increase resistance due to bactericidal and antioxidant properties, favor the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, normalize the production of bile, saliva, and pancreatic juice.

Root vegetables are considered a medicinal dietary food. Recommended for people suffering from diabetes for its ability to regulate blood sugar. This is a cure for diabetes growing in the garden.

Medicine for high cholesterol. Pectin prevents the formation of new plaques, removes triglycerides, eliminating the causes of cholelithiasis and atherosclerosis.

The plant is useful for the treatment of constipation, obesity, thrombophlebitis. Constant consumption of tubers can prevent the occurrence of cancer problems!

• salt deposits;
• diabetes;
• increased acidity;
• gout;
• psoriasis;
• osteochondrosis, arthrosis;
• injuries, burns;
• stomach ulcer, gastritis;
• insomnia, depressive disorders.

The list is impressive, but not complete. The main advantage among the healing properties of the plant is prevention.

If you want to be healthy, vigorous, want to live long and happily, include Jerusalem artichoke in your diet, so that it replaces the consumption of potatoes by 2/3. Success guaranteed!

Contraindications for this plant

No, There are no obvious contraindications for the use of medicines from root vegetables.. There are also no prohibitions on eating it. All that matters is a sense of proportion. This gift of the gods will not interfere with any of us.

It is unknown how babies react when breastfeeding, if a miracle vegetable appears in the mother’s diet, there are no statistics for pregnant women. It has been proven that everyone from 10 years old to old age can and should use it.

Agricultural technology of Jerusalem artichoke

Agricultural technology is similar to potato cultivation. The plant is not whimsical, grows on almost any soil. Loves high-quality cultivation of the land and manure.

To preserve the tubers, planting should be done in both April and October. Only the earth is capable of maintaining their integrity for a long time.

Tubers dug out of the ground are planted. Whole and halves are used. Planted to a depth of 10 cm with a distance between tubers and rows of 50x50.

Planted before cold weather in autumn so that the plant does not germinate. In spring, sprouts appear after 20 days at a temperature of 3°. During germination, it is necessary to loosen the row spacing a couple of times to open air access to the soil.

To increase yield, the tops of the stems are pinched a month after germination or when the stem reaches a meter in height. Weeding, watering in dry summers, hilling are traditional methods of increasing productivity. However, this culture will feed even a slacker. It grows without care, giving a good harvest.

One plant can give birth to up to 150 tubers, from which other similar plants will then grow. To prevent the power of Jerusalem artichoke from strangling everything that grows on the site, the root system needs to be protected. Dig obstacles into the ground.

Tuberization begins in August. When it is necessary to free part of the plantation from an overgrown plant, the stems are mowed at the beginning of July, which leads to a natural attenuation of the growth of the crop.

Treatment with earthen pear

The leaves, stems and roots of the plant have medicinal properties. Fresh juice is used to reduce acidity and treat the gastrointestinal tract. Drink a teaspoon of juice before meals.

Skin diseases, burns, gout are treated with a paste of leaves. Plantain compresses and gauze dressings with crushed leaves can be taken without restrictions. Baths with a decoction of stems and leaves are beneficial. Fill the bucket one-third full with green Jerusalem artichoke mass, add water at about 90°C, leave, strain, and pour into a bathtub with water at a comfortable temperature. Baths help with atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, and problems with the musculoskeletal system.

Eating root vegetables every day makes a person stand out among others. A smooth face, white healthy teeth, good hair, excellent skin turgor without wrinkles, signs of those who know a lot about this vegetable crop.

Cosmetic tricks for preparing plant-based beauty potions:

• mask, grind the peeled tuber, apply the resulting mass to the face, shoulders and décolleté in a thin layer, leave for half an hour, rinse with warm water. Usually there is no feeling of dryness; if necessary, use a moisturizer based on herbal ingredients, for example, chamomile;
• lotion, squeeze the juice of the leaves, dilute with spring water 1:1, wipe morning and evening. After just a few days, it will become difficult to recognize your reflection in the mirror;

Proper nutrition is the basis of health. Natural gifts cannot be replaced by man-made inventions. In order not to regret your lost health later, do not put off getting acquainted with the miracle root vegetable.

The plant got its name earthen pear because of the elongated shape of the tubers. In Rus' it was called the “Volga turnip”. The tubers taste like cabbage stalks. The harvest dug up in the spring is sweeter and tastier. The lumpy surface of the root vegetable is covered with thin skin, weight up to 100g. Color white, yellow, purple, reddish. The stems of the perennial plant reach a height of 2-2.5 m. The beneficial properties of Jerusalem artichoke are used to strengthen the immune system, reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, eliminate salt deposits in joints, and in therapeutic nutrition for diabetes mellitus.

Useful composition of Jerusalem artichoke

The plant contains amino acids important for health:

• Arginine, produced in sufficient quantities in a healthy adult body, but not enough in children, the elderly and those weakened by disease. It is often used in dietary supplements to improve muscle nutrition, stimulate the immune system, enhance the synthesis of growth hormone, rejuvenate the body and reduce the amount of fat under the skin.
• Valine is necessary for the growth and synthesis of various tissues, improves muscle coordination, reduces sensitivity to pain, heat, cold, and is useful as a remedy for depression.
• Histidine helps the processes of tissue growth and regeneration, is part of hemoglobin, is used to treat allergies, anemia, ulcers; sufficient intake prevents hearing loss.
• Isoleucine, which is not synthesized by the body, must be supplied in the diet. Participates in energy supply processes and regulates sugar levels.
• Leucine is important for muscle tissue, increases protein synthesis, saves glucose, and prevents the destruction of protein and glucose molecules.
• Lysine, an essential amino acid found in proteins, is essential for growth processes. Stimulates the breakdown of fats and their conversion into energy.
• Methionine helps lower blood cholesterol, fatty deposits in the liver, and relieves symptoms of depression.
• Tryptophan reduces sensitivity to pain and stimulates the synthesis of growth hormone, which is important for increasing muscle mass and reducing body fat. Particularly useful for depression, frequent bad mood, sleep disorders, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Phenylalanine is involved in the synthesis of thyroxine, a thyroid hormone. The amino acid is necessary for the synthesis of endorphins, “hormones of happiness.” Jerusalem artichoke is useful in preventing and eliminating the deficiency of the following microelements:
• Potassium contained in cells. Potassium deficiency causes neuralgia. The microelement leaves the body especially intensively during vomiting, diarrhea, with sweat, and during treatment with diuretics;
• Calcium deficiency increases the risk of osteoporosis and causes rickets in infancy;
• Manganese, which affects growth, the function of blood formation, and the activity of the gonads;
• Magnesium, involved in metabolic reactions, regulating the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction;
• Sodium deficiency occurs due to excessive dieting, fasting, taking diuretics, frequent sweating, and excess fluid intake. If there is a lack of a microelement, they lose weight, gases form in the intestines, and muscle cramps occur;
• Iron, which stimulates respiration processes and is part of hemoglobin. Deficiency is manifested by anemia (anemia);
• Silicon, involved in the life support of the body. The trace element accelerates redox reactions, ultimately affecting hemoglobin levels. It is necessary to prevent the development of atherosclerosis, a violation of the strength of bone tissue. Meat foods slow down the absorption of silicon, while vegetable foods enhance it.

As you know, potassium and sodium are antagonists; an excess supply of one microelement causes a deficiency of the other. In case of potassium deficiency, edema and ascites (dropsy) form. Including Jerusalem artichoke in your diet restores balance. To achieve results as quickly as possible, you need to give up the habit of adding salt to your food.

Jerusalem artichoke is beneficial due to its inulin content. This fructose polymer is a carbohydrate. With regular consumption of fresh earthen pear, the number of bifidobacteria in the colon increases, producing vitamins necessary for the body and suppressing pathogenic microflora - staphylococci, enterococci, shigella, salmonella. One Jerusalem artichoke tuber contains up to 20% inulin.

Jerusalem artichoke is useful for eliminating vitamin deficiency. In terms of vitamin C content, pears are 3-5 times higher than potatoes. The root vegetable is rich in B vitamins:

• B1 is essential for heart health, digestive and nervous system health;
• B2 is important for optimal functioning of the thyroid gland and reproductive function;
• B3 (nicotinic acid) promotes the absorption of vitamin C;
• B5 is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, cholesterol production, and metabolic processes;
• B6 is also involved in the production of hemoglobin and the transmission of nerve impulses between neurons and muscle tissue.
• B7 (biotin), takes part in the processes of regulation of protein and fat metabolism, the production of the enzyme glucokinase.

By mechanically cleansing the inner surface of the intestines, water-soluble fiber and dietary fiber from Jerusalem artichoke are useful in reducing cholesterol levels in the blood, preventing constipation, preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, and reducing the risk of cholelithiasis.

As you know, fiber is not digested and is excreted from the body, capturing harmful substances. A diet rich in plant fiber quickly makes you feel full and prevents you from overeating. With insufficient fiber intake, the risk of gastritis, pancreatitis, and malignant tumors increases.

Useful properties of Jerusalem artichoke

Botanists know more than 300 varieties of earthen pear. This plant is unpretentious, so it grows well in damp soils and in poor lighting. What does Jerusalem artichoke treat? Eating earthen pear improves the functioning of the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. Eating Jerusalem artichokes has a particularly positive effect on the state of the digestive system. Tuberous sunflower also cleanses the body of harmful radioactive substances. Jerusalem artichoke has many medicinal properties and will help:

• increase immunity;
• reduce blood sugar levels;
• eliminate joint pain;
• improve blood circulation;
• reduce stomach acidity.

It can be used to treat:

• duodenitis;
• gastritis;
• diseases of the small intestine;
• stomach ulcers;
• colitis;
• pancreatitis;
• enteritis;
• It is also effective for polyarthritis.

Jerusalem artichoke for diabetes

Since the plant reduces the amount of sugar in the blood, Jerusalem artichoke is an indispensable food product for diabetes.

The benefit for diabetics lies in the presence of inulin in Jerusalem artichoke - insulin of natural origin.
It can be used to treat type I and type II diabetes. If a person has insulin-dependent diabetes (type I), the product should be consumed regularly to achieve positive results.

In the metabolic process, inulin replaces glucose, due to which the energy deficit in the body's cells is significantly reduced. It also helps improve glucose absorption at the cellular level. At the same time, the health and general condition of the sick person improves.

During stabilization of glucose metabolism (with regular use of Jerusalem artichoke in food), the pancreas begins to independently synthesize insulin.

It is useful to use the product as a prophylactic for people who have relatives with this disease.

Recipes from Jerusalem artichoke for diabetes and metabolic disorders:

• Grate and take 30-40g of tubers before meals for a month.
• Wash fresh tubers, chop finely, dry and grind. Take 1 tsp every day. powder before meals 2 times a day.
• Peel and finely chop fresh root vegetables, brew with boiling water, and simmer in a water bath for 15-20 minutes.
• Drink 1 liter during the day, treat every other day. The decoction is effective for metabolic disorders and excess weight.

How to cook Jerusalem artichoke

Many people do not know how to cook Jerusalem artichoke correctly. Tubers should be thoroughly washed and cleaned before use. This plant can be eaten raw or cooked.

Jerusalem artichoke flowers are used for brewing tinctures and medicinal teas, leaves for salads, and root vegetables for preparing all kinds of dishes.

The product can be subjected to almost all types of culinary processing: boiling in water and milk, frying, stewing, baking, drying and fermenting. Existing recipes for Jerusalem artichoke dishes allow you to prepare healthy dietary food from it for daily use.

Medicinal properties of Jerusalem artichoke for humans

The rich composition of the Jerusalem artichoke makes this plant an excellent cure for various diseases. Moreover, the roots, juice, stems, and leaves of the plant have medicinal properties. Regular preventive consumption of earthen pear will help prevent and cure many diseases. Doctors have long noticed that consuming the root vegetable of this plant helps prevent heart attack, stroke, stabilize blood pressure and even improve vision.

For the treatment of joints

Jerusalem artichoke contains a large amount of silicon. This element is involved in the processes of growth and division of cells of the synovial membranes that are located inside the joints. Just 50 g of Jerusalem artichoke fulfills a person's daily need for silicon. Regular consumption of earthen pear can reduce pain and relieve joint stiffness. Jerusalem artichoke is used externally for rheumatoid arthritis and radiculitis for pain relief.

To cleanse joints, decoction of 1 kg. fresh tubers are added to a bath of water at a temperature of 37-40 degrees. The bath should be taken for 15 minutes, then lie down for 1-2 hours. The procedure is carried out daily for 20 days. Then a break of 2 weeks is taken, after which the course of treatment can be repeated.

For pancreatitis

Pancreatic disease is accompanied by metabolic disorders and deterioration of blood supply. Consumption of Jerusalem artichoke can improve metabolic processes and eliminate inflammation. For pancreatitis, you need to eat 150 g of raw root vegetables daily. Before eating, wash thoroughly and eat with the peel, which contains many useful substances.

If you have a disease of the pancreas, it is recommended to drink Jerusalem artichoke in the form of a decoction. For pancreatitis, it is recommended to eat boiled, dried, raw pear roots. But pickled, baked, fried Jerusalem artichoke should not be consumed if you have a diseased pancreas, because Jerusalem artichoke prepared in this way will contribute to irritation of the gastric mucosa.

For weight loss

Jerusalem artichoke will help you get rid of excess weight. The root vegetable of the earthen pear contains a lot of fiber, which can cleanse the body of waste and toxins. When the body actively gets rid of harmful substances, it speeds up metabolism and leads to fat burning. When eating earthen pear, the body's carbohydrate and fat processes improve, which helps to quickly get rid of extra pounds. The calorie content of Jerusalem artichoke is 61 kcal, so it is perfect for preparing dishes for weight loss.

During pregnancy

Ground pear is rich in vitamins and microelements, so this root vegetable is useful for expectant mothers to consume. Jerusalem artichoke also has laxative properties and is recommended for pregnant women who suffer from constipation. For a laxative effect, Jerusalem artichoke must be consumed raw. During pregnancy, Jerusalem artichoke will help fill the body with calcium and other beneficial substances. During lactation (breastfeeding), doctors also recommend consuming tuberous sunflower root vegetables.

The benefits of Jerusalem artichoke for men

Vitamins, beneficial micro- and macroelements contained in Jerusalem artichoke can have a positive effect on the stronger sex. Moreover, eating earthen pear is beneficial for men of all ages. If they include dishes with this root vegetable in the menu, they will significantly reduce the risk of diseases of the genitourinary system. By consuming Jerusalem artichoke daily, men can prevent problems with potency and the development of prostate adenoma.

The benefits of Jerusalem artichoke for women

Use in cosmetology. Every woman can feel its effect if Jerusalem artichoke is one of the ingredients of creams and masks. It easily fights fine wrinkles, reduces inflammation, soothes irritated skin, and prevents the formation of acne. This effect on the skin is possible thanks to the silicon, copper, zinc and sulfur it contains.

Jerusalem artichoke makes excellent anti-aging masks for the face and neck: to do this, you need to grate the fresh root vegetable on a fine grater, add a few drops of linseed or olive oil and apply the resulting paste to your face for 15 minutes.

By making such a mask every 2 days for 1-2 months, you can smooth out fine wrinkles and restore elasticity to the skin.

This product is also used to make:

• peeling products;
• moisturizing facial liquids replacing micellar water;
• acne toners;
• infusions for taking health baths;
• masks for strengthening hair and against dandruff;
• special decoctions for hair loss due to alopecia.

Baths with Jerusalem artichoke

Baths, the main component of which is Jerusalem artichoke, are indicated for the treatment of skin diseases, burns, fractures, joint pain and long-term non-healing wounds.

To prepare a bath, take 2 kg of leaves and stems of the plant, which are cut, placed in a 5-liter pan and filled with water. The resulting mixture is boiled for 20 minutes, after which the broth is slightly infused, filtered and poured into the bath, diluted with water to a temperature of about 32 degrees. This bath is taken for 15 minutes.

Use in cooking

The great benefits of recipes and the minor harm of Jerusalem artichoke make this vegetable a popular product in many kitchens. The tubers have a pleasant taste and are juicy, so they will help make your daily menu not only healthy, but also appetizing. The best way to consume ground pear is fresh juice. But frequent eating of this vegetable raw may cause side effects. Therefore, it is recommended to alternate raw and heat-treated Jerusalem artichoke.

Bread and other flour products are baked from dried and ground pear tubers. To prepare Jerusalem artichoke powder, wash it well and cut into thin slices. Then place the slices on a baking sheet and place in the oven, the temperature of which does not exceed 60 degrees. Crush the dried vegetable with a rolling pin and then grind it in a coffee grinder. When baking, the resulting powder is mixed with flour in a ratio of 1:5. In addition to flour products, dry crushed vegetables are added to coffee.

You can also prepare an independent dish from the Jerusalem artichoke. To do this, the tubers must be peeled, filled with water and cooked until tender. To prevent the vegetable from darkening during cooking, add a little vinegar to the water. Pour sour cream over the finished Jerusalem artichoke or grease with butter. You can improve the taste of the dish by replacing water with milk. After the tubers are cooked, pour the milk into another container and bring to a boil. Separately, fry a little flour and add it to the milk, which continues to simmer over low heat until thickened. Pour this sauce over the pieces of earthen pear and sprinkle with herbs on top.

The benefits of Jerusalem artichoke for children

Several years ago, a study was conducted showing the usefulness of Jerusalem artichoke on a still unformed organism - children.

In children who regularly consumed a salad made from raw Jerusalem artichoke root vegetables, the following was observed:

• Increased appetite.
• Increase in hemoglobin by 6.3 g/l.
• The salt sediment in the urine has disappeared.
• Boosting immunity. The number of cases of infectious diseases has decreased.

Conclusion: Jerusalem artichoke good for children and their parents .

Treatment using Jerusalem artichoke root vegetable

Tubers

It is Jerusalem artichoke tubers that contain the maximum amount of vitamins and minerals that have beneficial properties. This part of the plant contains inulin, antioxidants and amino acids, which affect the body as follows:

• reduce vascular tone;
• increase hemoglobin;
• promote the removal of stones;
• bind and remove radionuclides and heavy metal salts.

Leaves

This part of Jerusalem artichoke contains about six percent pectin, due to which it is used in the treatment of:

• gout;
• gastrointestinal diseases;
• anemia;
• urolithiasis;
• overweight;
• atherosclerosis;
• diseases of the nervous system.

Flowers

Infusions and decoctions of Jerusalem artichoke flowers relieve signs of intoxication, fight headaches, heartburn, high blood pressure, cramps and intestinal colic. In addition, the flowers of the plant have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Root

Jerusalem artichoke roots are rich in iron, which the plant contains more than carrots, potatoes, turnips or beets. In addition, the roots of this root vegetable contain potassium and calcium, silicon and magnesium, sodium and fluorine. The root of the plant is used to treat runny nose and joint pain.

Seeds

Jerusalem artichoke seeds are not used in folk medicine.

Benefits of Jerusalem artichoke juice

The main benefits are:

• Jerusalem artichoke juice is effective for constipation.
• It reduces stomach acidity well. Useful for ulcers, gastritis and other gastric diseases. Promotes their rapid treatment.
• Has laxative and diuretic effects.
• Restores pigmentation well.
• Used as a dietary supplement for diabetics. Since Jerusalem artichoke juice can lower blood sugar levels.
• Has anti-inflammatory properties.

All beneficial properties are given only for freshly squeezed, unprocessed juice.

How to use Jerusalem artichoke

This healthy root vegetable has a beneficial effect on all vital systems of the body, eliminates chronic pathologies and compensates for vitamin deficiencies. Depending on the state of health and existing diseases, Jerusalem artichoke fruits can be consumed in various ways:

• To correct intestinal microflora, it is recommended to introduce fresh tuber juice into the diet. To do this, you need to grate several fruits on the finest grater and place the resulting pulp in gauze (you can fold it in two layers). Squeeze well, take 1/2 cup of sweetish juice at a time. It is recommended to store Jerusalem artichoke juice in the refrigerator for no more than a day.
• Kvass based on Jerusalem artichoke will help in the fight against spring vitamin deficiency. To prepare, you need to chop several peeled tubers and place them in a 3-liter container (we cover the bottom of a 3-liter jar with Jerusalem artichoke equal to its volume). Pour warm water and close the container with a piece of gauze or linen. Infuse in a warm place for 4-5 days, take a glass of chilled kvass daily. To speed up the fermentation process, you can add a slice of rye bread (dried), or 1 tbsp. a spoonful of rye sourdough bread. Honey or sugar is added as desired to the finished drink.
• To prepare a decoction of Jerusalem artichoke root vegetables, you need to take three tubers per liter of liquid, peel them and boil for about 20-25 minutes. As a result, you will get a sweetish decoction, which is recommended for anemia, hypertension and pancreatitis.

Application of Jerusalem artichoke

Decoction

The decoction lowers blood pressure and sugar concentration, increases hemoglobin, and also has a beneficial effect on the pancreas.

3 tbsp. dry Jerusalem artichoke roots, pour 1.5 liters of water and put on low heat for an hour. Drink the decoction hot or cold and without added sugar, 500 ml per day three times a week.

Infusion

This form of the drug is used for colds and stomach diseases.

To prepare the infusion, 1 tbsp. Jerusalem artichoke herb is poured with 750 ml of boiling water and left to infuse for 12 hours. The strained infusion is taken 100 ml three times a day, before eating.

Tincture

Jerusalem artichoke tincture is an excellent hepatoprotector that protects liver cells from the negative effects of toxins. The tincture helps remove toxins and waste from the body. The use of Jerusalem artichoke tincture prevents the development of cholecystitis and reduces gas formation.

500 g of dried leaves are poured with a liter of alcohol or vodka, after which the tincture is infused in a cool, and always dark, place for 15 days. Take one tablespoon of tincture (the product is diluted in 150 ml of liquid) three times a day.

Syrup

Jerusalem artichoke syrup replaces sugar for diabetic patients. In addition, such syrup reduces the need for diabetics for insulin drugs, since it stabilizes (namely lowers) blood sugar levels.

Jerusalem artichoke syrup, which is an immunostimulating product, is recommended for:

• improving performance;
• enhancing vitality;
• restoration of gastrointestinal functions;
• eliminating manifestations of dysbacteriosis.

The syrup has no side effects and can be used simultaneously with other types of therapy in both children and adults.

1. Jerusalem artichoke is one of the best vegetables that cleanses the body.
2. In Germany, a drink is made from Jerusalem artichoke, which is, to put it mildly, “intoxicating.”
3. Jerusalem artichoke is much healthier than commonly used vegetables among gardeners (potatoes, beets, carrots). However, recently this root vegetable has been significantly gaining popularity.
4. In Japan, Holland and the USA, coffee is brewed from Jerusalem artichoke.

The benefits and harms of Jerusalem artichoke: conclusion

Note that all the beneficial properties of Jerusalem artichoke described in this article are contained only in its raw form. Any heat treatment reduces their properties significantly, and accordingly, the nutritional value for the body also decreases.

So, let's summarize:

Benefits of Jerusalem artichoke:

The benefits of Jerusalem artichoke have been proven.

• In the treatment and prevention of diseases of the stomach, duodenum, pancreatitis, diarrhea and constipation.
• Useful for intestinal dysbiosis. Creates favorable microflora.
• Diabetics. The root vegetable can really lower blood sugar levels. And for those who are predisposed to diabetes, Jerusalem artichoke will be a good preventive measure.
• Hypertensive patients. Lowers blood pressure.
• Jerusalem artichoke has a positive effect on male potency and prevents prostate adenoma.
• It has cleansing, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and diuretic effects.
• There is a possibility that Jerusalem artichoke may help in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Harm of Jerusalem artichoke:

• In individual intolerance to root vegetables.
• Patients with flatulence. Fruits contribute to increased gas formation. However, in healthy people, excessive gas formation is not observed.
• If you abuse it. Everything is useful - in moderation.

Conclusion: Jerusalem artichoke has many beneficial properties and can help cope with many diseases. The main thing is to use it regularly, but in moderation. Pairs very well with other vegetables.

Jerusalem artichoke is a tuberous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family.. The above-ground part of the plant, that is, its stem and leaves, are very similar to a sunflower. The roots are pear-shaped tubers. They can be yellowish, white or with a purple tint. Yellowish Jerusalem artichoke is very similar to potatoes or ginger. They taste similar to mild radishes. Ripen in September-October.

Jerusalem artichoke is not an agricultural crop, but many people grow it in their gardens as a medicinal plant with medicinal tubers. They can be eaten raw, but besides this, there are many recipes for drinks and sweet dishes with Jerusalem artichoke. These tubers can also be eaten boiled and fried.

Photo of tubers

Here you can see a photo of Jerusalem artichoke tubers:

Chemical composition

While examining the composition of Jerusalem artichoke root, doctors were amazed. Despite the external resemblance to potatoes, the earthen pear is many times healthier this root vegetable.

In the composition of Jerusalem artichoke root, water occupies the largest part. In addition it contains:

• 11% proteins;
• 1% fat;
• 4% fiber;
• 6% ash.

Jerusalem artichoke roots contain a lot of inulin (15-35%). Fructose contains 2.5-3.5%, there are also pectin substances and hemicellulose.

Sun root is rich:

• potassium (48%);
• silicon (10%);
• phosphorus (3.7%);
• iron (3.7%);
• calcium (3.3%);
• copper;
• zinc;
• sulfur.

It also contains arginine, carotene, choline and vitamins C, PP, B1, B2.

We talked in more detail about the benefits and harms of Jerusalem artichoke, as well as its chemical composition.

Useful and healing properties

We talked about the medicinal properties of this plant in.

Contraindications to the use of earthen pear

How to use?

For diabetes

1. Wash 0.5 kg of Jerusalem artichoke and dry with a paper towel.
2. Cut and pass through a juicer.
3. If you don’t have a juicer, you can grind it in a meat grinder, put the pulp in cheesecloth and squeeze out the juice.
4. Take 1/3 cup daily for a month 15 minutes before meals three times a day.

Attention! Every day you need to squeeze fresh juice, but if this is not possible, it can be stored for no more than a day in the refrigerator.

For edema

1. Wash fresh tubers, chop finely and dry, grind in a coffee grinder into powder. Take 1 teaspoon of powder twice a day before meals for a month.
2. You can take fresh tubers, which are grated before use. You should get at least 1 tablespoon of grated Jerusalem artichoke. Take before meals twice a day for a month.

To cleanse the body

Every day you need to eat at least 100 g of Jerusalem artichoke in any form: cheese, boiled, baked, fried, drink freshly squeezed juice. Use for at least 1 month.

Short-term introduction into the diet will not produce any effect.

From high blood pressure

1. Wash the tubers and grate them.
2. Pour 250 g of pulp into 0.5 liters of boiling water, put on low heat and simmer for 15 minutes, then strain and store in the refrigerator.
3. Take 0.5 cups of decoction 3 times a day for a month.

For the treatment of gastrointestinal tract

For gastritis, stomach ulcers, high acidity, frequent heartburn, colitis, chronic constipation and disorders Jerusalem artichoke juice is needed for intensive treatment. In the future, it should be introduced into your daily diet in raw, boiled or baked form.

1. Wash the Jerusalem artichoke tubers and cut them.
2. Pass through a juicer or twist through a meat grinder and squeeze out the juice, putting the pulp in cheesecloth.
3. Take 15 minutes before meals, 2 times a day, 0.5 cups.
4. The course of treatment is 1 month.

Attention! Ground pear is a real salvation for nausea; it acts almost instantly. You can drink 1/3 glass of freshly squeezed juice. If this is not possible, then simply eat a few pieces of raw Jerusalem artichoke.

Earthen pear can relieve conditions in many chronic diseases, as well as cure them in the initial stages. It will help strengthen the immune system and cleanse the body of toxins. But the main condition is regular use; please note that all recipes indicate a course of use of 1 month.

Natural remedies have a cumulative rather than immediate effect. Therefore, tangible results will appear no earlier than in a month.