Jerusalem artichoke syrup: properties, how to cook at home

Jerusalem artichoke is often called "earthen pear" or "Jerusalem artichoke", the plant received these names due to the presence of tubers that are suitable for food. The benefits and harms of Jerusalem artichoke syrup, as well as other tuber-based foods, are the subject of much debate among healthy eating advocates.

Composition and calorie content of Jerusalem artichoke syrup

The plant was introduced to Europe at the beginning of the 17th century from Brazil. Wild species are still found in North America. In Russia, it is common in the northwest of the European part. Many consider it to be a relative of the potato, but this is a delusion, since real Jerusalem artichoke belongs to the genus of sunflower of the Asteraceae family. This indicates that it belongs to perennial herbaceous plants.

In terms of chemical composition, Jerusalem artichoke is similar to potatoes, but in terms of nutritional value, it surpasses vegetable crops several times.

The tubers are used raw, boiled, fried, or stewed. Salads and drinks are prepared from them, canned and dried. Jerusalem artichoke can often be found in city parks or recreation areas as a decorative species that enhances the fertility of poor soils and can serve as a barrier for flowers that are prone to damage due to strong winds.

The composition of Jerusalem artichoke syrup completely depends on the chemical elements that the roots are rich in. The drink is obtained by pressing and boiling. It is sold in specialized departments, as well as prepared independently.

The peculiarity of the syrup is the content of substances unique in their importance - fructans. In Jerusalem artichoke, they are represented by 1-linked inulin, which is necessary for the most important chemical reactions.

The benefits of drinking Jerusalem artichoke syrup are revealed by analyzing the effect of nutrients that it is rich in. It contains:

• citric, malic, fumaric and succinic acids;
• trace elements (among them - manganese, iron, silicon, potassium, calcium);
• essential amino acids (lysine, methionine, leucine);
• polysaccharides;
• B vitamins;
• vitamin C;
• oligosaccharides;
• pectins;
• dietary fiber of a special type.

Glycemic index of Jerusalem artichoke syrup

Jerusalem artichoke tuber syrup has a nutritional value of 267 kcal. A special property of carbohydrates is a slow conversion into energy, and not deposition of body fat.

The glycemic index of foods is required to analyze their ability to increase blood glucose levels. Jerusalem artichoke syrup index is 16 units: this is a low indicator.

For diabetics, Jerusalem artichoke syrup is beneficial as a blood sugar regulator. The systematic use of molasses leads to a decrease in patients' need for insulin.

Why is Jerusalem artichoke syrup useful?

The syrup has beneficial effects on various body systems. Researchers of the properties and effects of this plant on humans identify the main mechanisms:

1. Increase in defenses, strengthening of immunity. With regular use, resistance to various infections and viruses grows, therefore it is recommended as a means of prevention during seasonal epidemics.
2. Strengthening the mental activity of the brain, increasing concentration. This property is used as an additional component in the diet of people with serious mental stress (while writing scientific papers for students, passing exams for schoolchildren, defending scientific projects with teachers and graduate students).
3. Increased physical activity, increased endurance. These properties are used for the introduction of Jerusalem artichoke syrup as an additional supplement to the diet of athletes or people with increased physical activity associated with the main activity.
4. Promote the strengthening and formation of musculoskeletal tissue. This property is important when planning the diet of primary school children and adolescents.
5. Strengthening resistance in stressful situations, contributing to the normalization of blood pressure.
6. Prevention of cancer (the use of syrup helps to reduce the risk of developing cancer cells).
7. Regulation of the digestive system (the content of dietary fiber of a special type helps to normalize the systems of digestion and removal of harmful substances.).
8. Participation in the normalization of water balance.
9. Stabilization of blood pressure indicators reduces the risk of arrhythmia.

For immunity

Earthen pear syrup contains an increased amount of vitamin C. In addition, it contains nicotinic acid, which promotes more active absorption of ascorbic acid. This property can explain the ability of Jerusalem artichoke syrup to influence the strengthening of immune forces and work as a powerful immunomodulatory agent.

With anemia

The composition of molasses is especially valuable because of its high iron content. This mineral is important for the body as it helps deliver oxygen to tissues and cells. Iron is necessary to normalize blood flow, improve blood counts and blood clotting. Iron deficiency affects all aspects of activity, the following symptoms appear:

• fatigue;
• drowsiness;
• lack of appetite;
• decreased immunity.

These are signs of anemia. The iron content makes the earthen pear drink useful for people suffering from various types of anemias. It is recommended to be taken daily during the course prescribed by a specialist, as a complex treatment.

Slimming

The use of Jerusalem artichoke syrup for weight loss is associated with its ability to normalize metabolic processes, as well as cleanse the body of toxins. Fiber and dietary fiber of a special type have the ability to remove toxins without affecting other important processes. In addition, the main thing when drawing up a diet is the inclusion of foods with slow-type carbohydrates, which are able to transform into useful energy, and not harm in the form of excess fat deposits.

With diabetes mellitus

The benefits of earthen pear syrup for diabetes are undeniable. This is due to the low glycemic index. Jerusalem artichoke syrup is recognized by traditional medicine experts and is considered an effective remedy for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. For reception, use juice, molasses or decoctions based on tubers. The only condition for obtaining a therapeutic effect is the systematic nature of its use.

The contained inulin promotes the absorption of glucose, after which the insulin necessary for the body is produced naturally.

For pregnant and lactating women

Pregnancy is a special period in the life of every woman: for 9 months, women try to choose healthy and nutritious meals that are not capable of harming the body. A drink made from Jerusalem artichoke tubers is beneficial during pregnancy due to the increased content of such a trace element as iron. This affects the development of the fetus, as well as the prevention of defects. For nursing mothers, Jerusalem artichoke syrup is useful in that it helps to increase lactation, and also saturates milk with nutrients.

Is it possible to give Jerusalem artichoke syrup to children

Jerusalem artichoke syrup can provide significant benefits for children. Many manufacturers use the beneficial properties of the root crop and prepare special syrups for children called "Tomba" and "Topimba" from it. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is added to them, which affects the taste of Jerusalem artichoke syrup, and also increases the benefits of consumption by adding extra vitamin C.

Macronutrients and vitamins, which are contained in the earthen pear, have a beneficial effect on the growth and development of the children's musculoskeletal system.

How to take Jerusalem artichoke syrup

Taking syrup for therapeutic purposes is recommended to be used as a complete sugar substitute. It can be added as a sweetener.

Therapeutic courses for taking syrup are designed for a period of at least 14 days. Treacle is consumed 1 hour before the main meal, daily, 2 times - in the morning and in the evening.

How to make Jerusalem artichoke syrup at home

You can make your own earthen pear molasses. Fresh roots are chosen for cooking:

1. Wash them thoroughly with a brush.
2. Grind in a blender or electric meat grinder.
3. Then squeeze the juice through several layers of gauze.
4. The resulting liquid is heated to 50 ° C,
5. Leave at this temperature for 8 to 10 minutes.
6. The heating procedure is repeated 5 times.
7. After cooling, add lemon juice, pour into storage containers.

Store at 3 - 5 ° C.

Harm of Jerusalem artichoke syrup and contraindications

The harm from the use of Jerusalem artichoke syrup can develop if there is an individual intolerance to the components of the composition.

Excessive use can lead to bloating and gas formation, this can be harmful to the general condition of the body, and therefore the syrup is contraindicated in flatulence.

People with a diagnosis of gallstone disease take syrup with caution, since there are risks of provoking the movement of stones with blockage of the ureter.

How to choose and how to store Jerusalem artichoke syrup

A quality product is presented by retail chains in bottles with tightly sealed lids, with a volume of 180-200 ml. Concentrated syrup contains 3 components:

• lemon juice;
• water;
• Jerusalem artichoke tubers juice with a low fiber content.

The syrup has a shelf life of 12 months from the date of manufacture; it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of Jerusalem artichoke syrup are concepts that cannot exist separately. The presence of useful elements makes the syrup a unique product that can have positive effects on all body systems. There are a minimum of contraindications for admission: they may be individual intolerance to the product, flatulence and cholelithiasis.

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