What is Jerusalem artichoke?

Jerusalem artichoke is also called devil ginger, Jerusalem artichoke, and ginger is not spicy. Although it is called "ginger" and looks very similar to ginger, it is very different. Jerusalem artichokes have a high starch content, so they are not spicy and taste sweet. Jerusalem artichokes are called natural "islet fruits", mainly due to some special ingredients they contain and their regulating effects on blood sugar. Jerusalem artichokes contain a substance that is very similar to the structure of human insulin. This substance has an "insulin-like" effect, which can increase insulin secretion or increase cell sensitivity to insulin. In addition, Jerusalem artichokes are also rich in natural insulin-activating substances such as inulin. These ingredients work together to make Jerusalem artichokes have a unique effect on regulating blood sugar.

Certain compounds in Jerusalem artichokes have the effect of lowering blood sugar, which is mainly due to their ability to increase insulin secretion or improve insulin sensitivity. When the insulin level in the human body increases, the blood sugar level will decrease accordingly. Therefore, for diabetic patients or people with high blood sugar, eating Jerusalem artichokes in moderation can help control blood sugar levels.

Jerusalem artichokes have a two-way regulation of blood sugar, that is, when blood sugar rises, it can lower blood sugar; when blood sugar is too low, it can increase blood sugar. This two-way regulation mechanism makes Jerusalem artichokes more flexible and effective in blood sugar management.

In addition to its effect on regulating blood sugar, Jerusalem artichokes are also rich in a variety of nutrients, such as dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin E, and minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. These ingredients have many benefits for human health, such as enhancing immunity, promoting digestion, preventing constipation, and lowering blood lipids. It is cool in nature, has the effects of clearing heat and cooling blood, and reducing swelling, and can be used to treat fever.

The difference between Jerusalem artichokes and ginger

Although Jerusalem artichokes and ginger have similar names, they are significantly different in many aspects.

1. Variety and appearance

• Jerusalem artichoke

1. Variety: Also known as Jerusalem artichoke and Jerusalem artichoke, it is a plant-based Chinese medicinal material.

2. Appearance: The tuber is large and irregular in shape, with a light yellow or brownish yellow skin and is relatively rough. There are many slender links on the surface, and the edges have irregular serrations.

• Ginger

1. Variety: It is the fresh rhizome of a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Zingiberaceae.

2. Appearance: The tuber is small, cylindrical or spindle-shaped, with a light yellow or grayish yellow skin and is relatively smooth. There are obvious longitudinal grooves on the surface, mostly in the shape of fingers.

2. Taste and use

• Jerusalem artichoke

1. Taste: Crisp, tender and juicy, slightly sweet and spicy (but the spiciness is lighter).

2. Use: Suitable for making salads, cold dishes, stir-frying, etc. The pickles made from Jerusalem artichokes have a unique flavor.

• Ginger

1. Taste: Spicy and relatively soft.

2. Uses: It is mostly used as an ingredient to remove the fishy smell of food. Putting some ginger in some meat ingredients can also enhance the freshness.

3. Nutritional ingredients and effects

• Jerusalem artichoke

1. Nutritional ingredients: It is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals (such as iron), and special active ingredients such as polysaccharides and flavonoids.

2. Effects: It has the effects of clearing heat and cooling blood, reducing swelling, moistening the lungs and promoting fluid production, strengthening the stomach and harmonizing the middle, and diuresis.

• Ginger

1. Nutritional ingredients: It is rich in gingerol, vitamins (such as vitamin A, carotene), and minerals (such as magnesium and calcium).

2. Effects: It has the effects of dispelling cold, warming the middle and stopping vomiting, warming the lungs and stopping coughing, detoxification, strengthening the stomach and digestion, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.

4. Nature, flavor, meridians and taboos

• Jerusalem artichoke

1. Nature, flavor, meridians: cool in nature, sweet and slightly bitter, belonging to the large intestine meridian.

2. Taboos: People with spleen and stomach deficiency should not eat it, and those who are allergic to Jerusalem artichokes should also avoid eating it.

• Ginger

1. Nature, flavor, meridians: spicy, warm in nature, belonging to the spleen meridian, lung meridian and stomach meridian.

2. Taboos: People with excessive heat in the body and those with yin deficiency and internal heat should avoid eating ginger.

Effects of Jerusalem artichoke

At the same time, it is rich in amino acids, carotene, iron and other minerals and vitamins, and eating it often has many benefits.

01Two-way regulation of blood sugar

Studies have shown that Jerusalem artichokes contain a substance that is very similar to the structure of human insulin. When urine sugar increases, eating Jerusalem artichokes can control urine sugar, indicating that it has the effect of lowering blood sugar; however, when we have hypoglycemia, eating Jerusalem artichokes can also relieve it.

This function is similar to that of human pancreatic islets, so some people affectionately call it "islet fruit".

02 Improve intestinal flora

The oligofructose contained in Jerusalem artichoke plays an extremely important role in regulating intestinal flora.

It can directly reach the large intestine, be decomposed and utilized by bifidobacteria, promote the rapid reproduction of bifidobacteria, and thus increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestine.

In addition, Jerusalem artichoke is also very rich in dietary fiber, which is beneficial to promote intestinal peristalsis and help relieve constipation symptoms.

03 Protect cardiovascular system

Jerusalem artichoke contains a large amount of dietary fiber, unsaturated fatty acids, folic acid and other nutrients, which can inhibit the absorption of fat by the small intestine, thereby reducing the cholesterol level in the blood and reducing the risk of thrombosis; the potassium content is also very rich, nearly twice that of ginger, which is also a very good choice for controlling blood pressure and protecting the heart.

In addition, Jerusalem artichoke also contains active ingredients such as chlorogenic acid, which can remove free radicals, maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, and prevent the occurrence of arteriosclerosis.

04 Improve eyesight and skin care

Jerusalem artichoke is also rich in carotene, which can be decomposed into vitamin A after entering the human body, which can maintain the health of eyes and skin, and improve night blindness and rough skin.

Keep these three points in mind

01 Eat in moderation

Jerusalem artichokes are cool in nature and contain a lot of cellulose. Excessive consumption will increase the burden of digestion. Secondly, it may damage the spleen yang and reduce digestion ability. It is generally recommended to eat about 100 grams of Jerusalem artichokes at a time.

02 Do not eat with green

If the skin of Jerusalem artichokes is green, it may be contaminated by mold and rot, so it cannot be eaten. Rotten Jerusalem artichokes will produce very strong toxic substances, which will increase the risk of liver cancer, esophageal cancer, etc., and must be thrown away.

03 Two types of people are not suitable for eating

Jerusalem artichokes contain mucin, which is an allergenic substance. It can cause allergic symptoms such as redness, swelling, papules, and itching in the body. People with allergies should not eat it.

In addition, Jerusalem artichokes are cool in nature, and people with spleen and stomach deficiency are not suitable for eating. It is easy to increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Eating Jerusalem artichokes like this is more valuable

01 Stir-fried Jerusalem artichoke slices

200 grams of fresh Jerusalem artichokes, 30 grams of corn oil, and appropriate seasonings. Wash the fresh Jerusalem artichokes, cut them into thin slices and set aside. Heat corn oil in a pot, add Jerusalem artichoke slices and stir-fry evenly, then add a little soy sauce and stir-fry until cooked. Take once a day. It can clear away heat and promote the production of body fluids, and is suitable for diabetes, hyperlipidemia, etc.

02 Jerusalem artichoke and wild rice shreds

Appropriate amounts of Jerusalem artichokes, wild rice shreds, and seasonings. Wash Jerusalem artichokes and wild rice shreds, cut them into shreds; heat vegetable oil in a pot, add scallions and ginger, stir-fry until fragrant, then add Jerusalem artichokes and wild rice shreds, stir-fry until cooked, and add salt and MSG. It can clear away heat and promote the production of body fluids, and is suitable for diabetes, hyperlipidemia, etc.

03 Jerusalem artichoke bean sprouts

150 grams each of Jerusalem artichokes and mung bean sprouts, and appropriate amounts of seasonings. Wash the Jerusalem artichokes and cut them into shreds. Wash the mung bean sprouts. Put an appropriate amount of vegetable oil in the pot, heat it up, add Jerusalem artichokes and mung bean sprouts, stir-fry for a while, then add salt, MSG, chopped green onions, minced ginger, etc., and stir-fry until cooked. It can clear away heat and nourish yin, and is suitable for hyperlipidemia, diabetes, constipation and habitual constipation.

04 Jerusalem artichoke juice

Material preparation

• Fresh Jerusalem artichokes: appropriate amount (depending on personal taste and needs, generally 1-2 medium-sized Jerusalem artichokes are enough)

• Clean water: appropriate amount (for washing Jerusalem artichokes and possible dilution when juicing)

• Juicer or blender: one

• Filter or gauze: for filtering impurities in the juice (optional)

• Honey or lemon juice: appropriate amount (for seasoning, add according to personal taste, or not)

Production steps

1. Wash Jerusalem artichokes: Soak fresh Jerusalem artichokes in clean water for a while, then gently scrub the surface with a brush or hands to remove dirt and impurities. Drain the water after washing.

2. Peel and slice: Use a paring knife to peel the Jerusalem artichoke skin (if the skin is thin and tastes good, you can leave it peeled). Then cut the Jerusalem artichoke into thin slices or small pieces to make it easier to squeeze the juice.

3. Juicing: Put the sliced ​​Jerusalem artichoke slices or pieces into a juicer or blender. If you are using a juicer, just press the juice button; if you are using a blender, you may need to add a small amount of water to help the machine run. Blend until the Jerusalem artichoke is completely crushed and releases juice.

4. Filter (optional): If you like clearer Jerusalem artichoke juice, you can use a strainer or gauze to filter the squeezed juice. Place the strainer or gauze on a container, pour the squeezed juice into it, and gently press the residue on the strainer with a spoon or your hand to make more juice flow out.

5. Seasoning (optional): According to personal taste, you can add an appropriate amount of honey or lemon juice to the Jerusalem artichoke juice for seasoning. Honey can increase the sweetness and make the Jerusalem artichoke juice more delicious; lemon juice can add sourness and a refreshing taste.

6. Enjoy: Pour the prepared Jerusalem artichoke juice into a cup and drink it directly. If you like the iced taste, you can put the Jerusalem artichoke juice in the refrigerator for a while before drinking it.