Jerusalem Artichoke: A Healthier Alternative

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) belongs to the Sunflower family (Asteraceae family). Jerusalem artichoke is also known as sunchoke, sunroot or wild sunflower. Though it sounds unusual, it is a type of tuber with several nutritional properties. Jerusalem artichokes have many positive effects on the human body, both physically and emotionally.

You can include it in various recipes in various forms. Although it originated in the United States, it gets extensively cultivated in the United Kingdom. Jerusalem artichoke is a plant grown to obtain the tuber or root, which you use as a vegetable. The tubers of these plants are strikingly similar to the ginger roots morphologically but are quite different in taste. 

The name Jerusalem artichokes have no practical relation with Jerusalem. It was called Girasole in the United States as it is the Italian word for sunflower. But with use, it transformed into the word Jerusalem. The taste of Jerusalem Artichoke, one of the few edible tubers, resembles the flavour of original Artichoke, which explains the etymology of Jerusalem Artichoke. 

Varieties of Jerusalem Artichokes

If you know about Jerusalem Artichokes, you might have heard about the umpteen varieties available. It could put you in a fit of confusion while purchasing them from a store. The type, colour, and taste differ with every variety. The colour may vary between white, red, pale brown, and purple. Here we mention a few significant varieties and different types available of the same.

• Clearwater: The main variety is composed of white flesh and skin. 
• Stampede: Yellow-coloured tuber. All its varieties taste delicious.
• White Fuseau: White-skinned
• Dwarf Sunray: Short Stems
• Passamaquoddy: Purple Skinned
• Red Fuseau: Red Coloured
• Mammoth: Knobbier Variety

Nutritional Facts of Jerusalem Artichokes

Before consuming any product, it is vital to know the nutritional contents of the food product. For example, according to USDA, 100g of Jerusalem Artichoke contains the following nutritional properties. 

• Energy: 73 kcal 
• Water: 78 g
• Fat: 0.01 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Carbohydrate: 17. 4 g
• Fibre: 1.6 g
• Sugars: 9.6 g
• Calcium: 14 mg
• Iron: 3.4 mg
• Phosphorous: 78 mg
• Sodium: 4 mg
• Potassium: 429 mg
• Zinc: 0.12 mg
• Copper: 0.14 mg
• Vitamin C: 4 mg
• Vitamin A: 20 IU

The HealthifyMe Note

Jerusalem Artichoke is a sunflower species with a rich nutritional profile. It has a balanced combination of all essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins. Although it contains some carbohydrates, combining it with other healthy foods can make it highly beneficial to your health.

Health Benefits of Jerusalem Artichokes

The impact of the nutrients mentioned above is not known to many. However, these nutritional properties are beneficial to the human body in several ways. A few of them are listed below. 

Fights Obesity

Obesity occurs when a person consumes more than the required level of calories. Extra energy consumed by us is converted into fat and stored under the skin, known as adipose tissues. Therefore, excess fat gets deposited when the limit exceeds, increasing fat in the belly, thighs, buttocks, and other body parts. Jerusalem Artichokes are an excellent solution to this everlasting problem. Mostly, highly-processed foods add unwanted calories to your body. Thus dropping packaged foods and opting for healthy alternatives should be the goal. 

Jerusalem artichokes contain digestible carbohydrates, dietary fibres, and minimal fats. As a result, it aids in digestion as well. Interestingly, the calories in one serving of Jerusalem Artichoke equals 2-3 squares of chocolate. Also, weight loss is the function of the right dietary choices. Therefore, consuming Jerusalem artichokes is a healthy choice as it can make you feel satiated and aid in weight loss. 

Artichokes contain a good amount of potassium, iron, and other vitamins. It increases your body’s metabolism, thus increasing perspiration or sweating. In addition, the fibre content in Jerusalem artichokes helps break down the triglycerides. As inulin does not get assimilated in the intestine, it does not increase the body’s glucose level. Thus, it can be the best possible replacement for potatoes. Such a swap aids in cutting down on unnecessary calories. 

Good for the Gut

Jerusalem Artichokes contain a good amount of Inulin fibre. This Inulin fibre regulates bowel movement by softening the stools in the rectum. This fibre also acts as a prebiotic. Thus, in other terms, food for probiotics helps them to multiply. This good bacteria reduces the number of harmful bacteria in the stomach and flushes out the toxins from the intestine. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties; thus, your gut will be free of infection or allergy. Jerusalem Artichokes also improve the body’s overall immune system by reducing the risk of gut-related or gastrointestinal diseases. 

Improves Muscular System

Jerusalem artichokes contain a good amount of potassium. Potassium is significant for the muscle contraction and relaxation process. Along with the muscle fibres, potassium acts as a gated channel that allows the entry or exit of impulses. It transmits the nerve impulses/ signals from the brain to the muscles and maintains the cell’s electrochemical balance. These impulses instruct the muscles to contract and relax based on the command. It also affects cardiac/ heart muscle contraction. Thus, an increased potassium level means a better function of muscles and bones. It would aid in better locomotion of your body. However, several adults fall short of an adequate potassium level. 

Medical professionals advise pregnant women to increase their intake of potassium-based foods. The daily potassium intake for average adults is around 4700 mg and for pregnant women is 5100 mg. 100g of Jerusalem artichokes provides 429 mg of potassium. Thus, you can adjust the intake according to your preferences. 

Regulates Blood Sugar Level

The inulin in Jerusalem artichokes is a short-chain polysaccharide (carbohydrates) that does not break down into sugars. Therefore, it regulates the glucose metabolism of the body, implying it does not add up to the sugar content of your body. Thus the blood sugar level remains the same. Reduced sugar and small inulin can help you control type 2 diabetes. It is also helpful in the prediabetes state. 

Improves Heart Health

The presence of inulin and potassium helps improve heart health. Potassium aids in maintaining cardiac muscle contraction and also reduces blood pressure. Potassium and sodium act as counterparts. Thus, potassium reduces the effects of excess sodium and reduces blood pressure. Inulin aids in improving the blood quality by lowering the blood sugar level and reducing the cholesterol content, thereby preventing coronary heart diseases like atherosclerosis, etc. Inulin also passes the alimentary canal to reach the gut and feeds the good bacteria.

These good bacteria reduce the effect of bad bacteria. Thus, evasion of bad bacteria from the gut regulates the renin-angiotensin mechanism, lowers cholesterol levels, and lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. (Normal Range; Systolic: upper limit- 120 mmHg, diastolic: lower limit- 80mmHg).

Liver Detoxification

Jerusalem artichokes contain a good amount of proteins, even more than other roots and tubers. These proteins comprise sulphur-containing amino acids like cysteine, methionine, taurine, and homocysteine. These amino acids aid the liver in detoxifying and maintaining the flexibility of the connective tissue in the skin and the organs. Hence, consuming Jerusalem artichokes will add up to the daily quota of protein requirement. 

Improves Oxygen Transportation

Jerusalem Artichokes contain a good amount of iron. Iron is a vital part of the protein haemoglobin. Also, haemoglobin has a spherical structure that includes four iron molecules in a ferrous form. Haemoglobin aids in the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues while myoglobin stores oxygen. Thus increased iron intake means improvement in the function of haemoglobin, resulting in faster oxygen delivery to the cells and muscles. 

If you do not fulfil the daily intake of iron, your muscles may weaken. Also, you may start experiencing fatigue leading to weak metabolism and locomotion. Thus, Jerusalem Artichokes are an excellent way to fulfil the requirement as it does not add up calories and provide the necessary amount. 

Prevention Against Cancer

Studies by scientists who inspected Jerusalem artichoke leaves show few residues of flavones and lactones. As a result, these regulate cellular activity and thus maintain contact inhibition. Also, contact inhibition is the contact between two cell borders during growth. Therefore, contact inhibition prevents the proliferation of the cells and helps to avoid cancerous cells’ development. Moreover, it gets maintained by flavonoids which even destroy the free radicals that can cause oxidative stress, thereby reducing the chances of procuring cancer. 

Lactones help in reducing the environment and oxidative stress on the cells. The inulin present in Jerusalem artichokes also aids in preventing colon cancer. However, more research is required in this area.

Best Ways to Consume Jerusalem Artichokes 

• Jerusalem artichokes resemble potatoes after cooking, so you can use these as the best alternative to potato-based dishes. 
• Before cooking, you can consume Jerusalem artichokes raw as they are nutty, crunchy, and sweet, just like chestnuts. So, you can use them in salads. 
• Jerusalem artichokes are good as pickles as the fermentation process reduces the risk of gastrointestinal issues. 
• Jerusalem artichokes taste the best when roasted, just like any other tuber. So, you can use them in starters or side dishes. 
• Jerusalem artichokes are pretty famous in the form of soups, as cooking and mashing prevent gas formation in the body. 

Healthy Jerusalem Artichoke Recipes 

You can use Jerusalem artichokes in a wide range of dishes. They are tubers, meaning they can go with any dish like a potato.

Oven Roasted Jerusalem Artichokes (Vegetarian Recipe)

• Servings: 4
• Total Time: 45- 55 minutes

Ingredients

• Jerusalem Artichokes: 650-680 g
• Salt: ½ tsp
• Ground Black Pepper: ¼ tsp
• Onion Powder: ¼ tsp
• Garlic Powder:¼ tsp
• Olive Oil: 3 tbsp
• Parsley (Chopped): 2 tbsp

Method

• Firstly, preheat the oven to 205 degrees celsius.
• Wash the Jerusalem artichokes under cold water to remove the dirt from the knobs as it is an underground plant. Then, if required, you can chop the buds or eyes of the sunchokes just like potatoes. 
• Cut these Jerusalem artichokes into small 1-inch pieces and place them in a large bowl.
• Add all the spices, i.e. pepper, salt, onion, garlic powder, and olive oil, to the sunchokes. Toss these sunchokes until each part gets coated well. 
• Place these sunchokes on a roasting pan or tray and place them at regular intervals so that air circulates between these pieces. 
• Now roast these sunchokes for about 25 minutes. Next, open the oven and flip these pieces so the other side gets roasted. After flipping them, keep them in the oven for 10 minutes. 
• Once golden brown and soft, remove the pieces and garnish them with parsley. These roasted Jerusalem artichokes taste the best when immediately consumed. 

Roasted Chicken with Jerusalem Artichokes (Non- Vegetarian Recipe)

• Servings: 3 to 4
• Total Time: Around 1hr 30 minutes

Ingredients

• Chicken (Diced): 1.5 kg (1 chicken)
• Olive Oil: 3 tbsp
• Garlic cloves: 6 (large)
• Pepper: 1-2 tbsp
• Salt: Coarse, as per taste
• Lemon: 1
• Jerusalem Artichokes: 450-500g (peeled)
• Shallots: 8 (halved, peeled)
• Thyme leaves: 2 tbsp
• Green Olives: 250 g

Method

• Preheat the oven to 500 degrees celsius. Firstly, add salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp oil to the chicken, and rub the oil onto the surface of the chicken so that it can marinate for some time. Next, place the chicken in a roasting pan and keep it aside. 
• Peel the skin of the lemon into long strips, squeeze out the juice from the lemon, and set it aside along with the chicken.
• Now, combine the peeled lemon, Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, thyme, and shallots, and add the remaining oil. Season it with pepper and salt. Toss it well so that you coat all the layers well. 
• Arrange the tossed artichokes with chicken in a roasting pan and roast it for about 40-45 minutes. 
• After removing it from the oven, add the lemon juice and olives. Now continue roasting the chicken in the oven for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, the chicken is ready to be served. Garnish the dish with lemon peelings or juice. 

These recipes are worth trying as they are nutritious and, at the same time, enhance the benefits of Jerusalem artichokes. 

Allergies Concerning Jerusalem Artichokes

The allergies to Jerusalem artichokes are relatively less. However, as it is a root vegetable, there may be possible allergies related to Jerusalem artichokes. 

• People allergic to inulin can be affected by consuming sunchokes as they contain high amounts of inulin. As manufacturers and retailers label inulin as a dietary fibre, it becomes difficult to differentiate. Thus, be cautious of this fact before opting for sunchokes. Inulin intolerants can experience abdomen pain and irregular bowel movements. 
• Studies have shown that Jerusalem artichokes may be considered an IgE- mediated substance that can trigger an allergy immediately. The patients may show symptoms like rashes, digestive issues, cramps, itch, and pain in the abdomen. 
• People allergic to birch pollen can be allergic to Jerusalem artichokes. These people may experience pollen food allergy syndrome. 

Adverse Effects of Consuming Jerusalem Artichokes

Gastrointestinal Issues

Gastrointestinal issues are the most prominent side effect of consuming Jerusalem Artichokes regularly in higher quantities. The inulin content present in Jerusalem Artichokes is known to cause gastric problems like gas and diarrhoea, which can lead to irregular bowel movements. Jerusalem Artichokes act as prebiotics and activate two good bacteria in the intestine- inulin and FOS. If the tuber is not fresh, this inulin breaks down into sugars, and the digestive system cannot digest the inulin. Inulin acts as the fat content of the plants.

They are assimilated into the plants when not in use. But even if inulin acts as a boon, overconsumption may lead to diarrhoea due to the imbalance of good and bad bacteria. If you face dysentery after consuming Jerusalem artichokes, lower the quantity until your colon gets used to it. The only solution is to look for fresh plants instead of old ones and limit their daily consumption. You can consult a nutritionist before including Jerusalem artichokes in your daily diet. 

Fructose Intolerance

People with fructose intolerance inherently may experience extremely low blood pressure and accumulation of substances in the liver, even if they consume a small part of fructose. However, this is because the carbohydrate part of Jerusalem artichokes consists of fructose. Thus people having Hereditary Fructose Intolerance (HFI) should avoid Jerusalem artichokes.  

Most of the symptoms of consumption of Jerusalem artichokes are due to the presence of inulin. Inulin passes through the alimentary canal intact as it is a non-reducing sugar, also known as non-digestible sugar. Thus, it is wise to consume it in lower quantities from the beginning as it can trigger severe symptoms. 

The HealthifyMe Note

As you must have seen in the side effects section, excessive consumption can cause severe symptoms in the digestive tract. To avoid this, you must be aware of the regularly prescribed quantities of consumption and the conditions involved. 

The best quality Jerusalem Artichokes have fewer knobs and bumps and are smooth texture-wise. Avoid sunchokes that have green spots, wrinkled skins, etc. Before consuming too, you should peel and brush it well. The preferred safe quantity to consume Jerusalem Artichokes is 150g, i.e. around 1 cup. Most of the masses are not affected by sunchokes as it is a root tuber, just like a potato. However, if you are allergic to inulin, birch pollen, and fructose, then avoid Jerusalem Artichokes. 

Conclusion

Jerusalem Artichokes carry several health benefits and are a suitable replacement for potatoes, thus helping you in shedding off the extra calories. Furthermore, it detoxifies the liver, improves heart health, regulates blood sugar levels, improves muscle contraction, and cures obesity. 

With the gastrointestinal tract, Jerusalem artichokes act as a boon and a bane. In moderation, the dietary inulin fibre in sunchokes may cure colon infection and boost the good bacteria in the gut. However, if the limit exceeds, this same inulin may be a problem for your digestive tract, leading to irregular bowel movement, diarrhoea, and gas formation or flatulence. These side effects won’t be a massive problem if you consume them in moderation. If consumed in appropriate quantities, it acts as a great tuber that is crunchy and smooth in different dishes carrying lots of nutritional properties. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Are Jerusalem Artichoke good for you?

A. Yes, Jerusalem Artichokes are undoubtedly good for you as the nutritional value of Jerusalem artichokes includes iron and potassium, which aid in muscular development and nerve regulation. Jerusalem Artichokes’ glycemic or carbohydrate content is relatively less than that of potatoes as the dietary inulin fibre in sunchokes does not accumulate in the intestine, hence will not increase the calorie content. This feature also helps to maintain the blood sugar level of the body. Even if they are sweet to taste, there is practically negligible glucose content; hence they are not fattening. 

Q. What are the side effects of Jerusalem Artichokes?

A.The significant side effect of Jerusalem Artichokes is the presence of dietary inulin fibre. As this substance is non-digestible, there are chances that people are intolerant to it. Thus, people intolerant to inulin may experience indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and flatulence. You can avoid these if the consumption is in moderation. 

Q. Are Jerusalem Artichokes anti-inflammatory?

A.There is no solid evidence of Jerusalem Artichokes being anti-inflammatory. But, studies are going on to identify a bioactive compound from the leaves of this plant (Helaingin) that shows anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers have found out that this compound might even prevent atherosclerosis. 

Q. Why do Jerusalem Artichokes make you fart?

A. Jerusalem Artichokes majorly contains a starch component-inulin. This inulin is a non-digestible starch component, hence is not digested by the digestive tract of human bodies. Also, this can be a problem as most people are intolerant to inulin. If the upper limit of consumption exceeds, this inulin will not be digested, thus leading to gas formation. Thus limiting the consumption of Jerusalem Artichokes will not make you gassy. 

Q. What happens if you eat too many Jerusalem Artichokes?

A. Inulin is a significant constituent of Jerusalem Artichokes. Therefore, this will not react with your body if consumed in moderation. But suppose you do not consume sunchokes for the entire year and start consuming them excessively over a short period. In that case, it may lead to diarrhoea, gas formation, indigestion, and several gut-related issues. In addition, anything in excess is harmful, so even if Jerusalem Artichokes contain several benefits, they are detrimental to your gastrointestinal tract if consumed in excess. 

Q. Is Jerusalem Artichoke good for weight loss?

A. Yes, Jerusalem Artichoke is undoubtedly good for weight loss as, unlike potatoes, the inulin content in sunchokes does not accumulate in the digestive tract. One serving of sunchokes does not contain many calories but reasonable amounts of potassium and iron, which will aid in improving the body’s metabolism. These features aid in weight loss. Apart from this, Jerusalem Artichokes are suppressants of the appetite. Hence you might feel full even after consuming a small amount which is not the case with other snacks or tubers like a potato. Nevertheless, Jerusalem Artichokes should not be the only source to lose weight; you can add Jerusalem Artichokes to your weight loss diet. 

Q. Is Jerusalem Artichoke a prebiotic?

A. Yes, Jerusalem Artichoke contains inulin, a dietary fibre prebiotic by nature. Studies have shown that Jerusalem Artichokes do contain prebiotic properties. This prebiotic acts on the intestinal lining and feeds the good bacteria in the gut. These good bacteria act on the harmful bacteria and affect their number, thus maintaining a balance. Therefore, this results in good digestive health with regular bowel movements. But if the inulin content increases in the body, the balance between the good and bad bacteria is disturbed, causing irritations in the bowel movements, gaseous stomach, and other gastrointestinal problems. 

Q. Is Jerusalem Artichoke good for cholesterol?

A. Yes, if you have cholesterol, Jerusalem Artichokes can be a cure for this. Inulin in Jerusalem Artichokes is not broken down into simple sugars and does not accumulate in the gut lining. Hence, it does not increase the calorie content of the body. Thus, the cholesterol level remains the same, unlike potatoes. Plus, cholesterol directly affects heart health, but potassium levels of Jerusalem Artichokes are high, so it maintains the heart contraction and relaxation rhythm. Thus, opting for Jerusalem Artichokes can reduce cholesterol levels and improve cardiac health. 

Q. Are Jerusalem Artichokes good for the liver?

A. Yes, Jerusalem Artichokes are suitable for the liver. The inulin content in Jerusalem Artichokes protects the liver, bile, and gallbladder. The primary function of inulin is to detoxify the liver by brushing out the toxins while passing through the digestive tract. It also helps capture the excess fats and cholesterol, to be precise, while passing through the alimentary canal. Thus, consuming Jerusalem Artichokes can prevent liver disorders. 

Q. Are Jerusalem Artichokes diuretic?

A. Yes, Jerusalem Artichokes contain properties that can trigger the urinary bladder to pass on more urine. But this is not a side effect; instead, it is a boon as your liver will be regularly detoxified, and all the toxins will flush out along with the urine. The diuretic property is due to the presence of phytonutrients. Most artichokes are diuretic in nature. 

Q. Are Jerusalem Artichokes high in potassium?

A. Yes, Jerusalem Artichokes are a good source of potassium. Sunchokes majorly contribute to the daily potassium intake level. This potassium aids in smooth muscle contraction and well-developed bones. It may also assist in maintaining cardiac health. A 100g serving of Jerusalem Artichokes contain 429 mg of potassium. The daily intake value is 4700mg for average adults and 5100mg for pregnant women. Jerusalem Artichokes are one of the root family’s highest potassium sources. This potassium also helps in nerve transmission. Thus, including Jerusalem Artichokes would prevent potassium deficiency in your body.