Jerusalem Artichoke According to Ayurveda
Not from Jerusalem OR part of the artichoke family, the name is derived from the Italian Girasole Archicioffo meaning “sunflower pinecone” being the root of a species of sunflower.
If you haven’t seen it before it looks a little bit like ginger, and it’s a starchy vegetable which can be used in place of potato.
Jerusalem Artichoke contains small amounts of anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and the dietary fiber Inulin. A very good source of minerals and electrolytes, especially potassium, iron, and copper. It also contains small levels of some of valuable B-complex group of vitamins such as folates, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, and thiamin.
An excess could imbalance Vata, but in moderation is fine. It balances Pitta and Kapha well, containing the enzyme inulase and a large amount of the starch inulin which is converted into levulose. A tuber which diabetics can eat with impunity.
Nourishes the lungs, relieves asthmatic conditions, treats constipation, stimulates insulin production and reduces insulin needs (good for diabetic conditions).