How many names have this plant! Sun root, Jerusalem artichoke, earthen pear, Jerusalem artichoke - a nondescript-looking culture is popular in many countries around the world. And in each of them they know about the nutritional and medicinal properties of Jerusalem artichoke. Leaves and tubers are used in food, for the treatment of various diseases, as well as as a cosmetic. And all thanks to the amazing chemical composition of the plant.
Jerusalem artichoke: chemical composition
Biologists have discovered in the leaves and tubers of Jerusalem artichoke a huge number of useful compounds. 
For example, in terms of the amount of iron contained in a Jerusalem artichoke, it is far from potatoes, beets and carrots. In addition, the tubers contain:
- cellulose;
- inulin;
- carbohydrates;
- vegetable fats;
- amino acids (mainly in terrestrial parts of the plant);
- organic acids;
- vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6, B9.
Important! Leaves of Jerusalem artichoke, whose useful properties are provided by inulin - a natural analogue of insulin, are of particular value. Therefore, Jerusalem artichoke is recommended for patients with diabetes.
There are even more carbohydrates in Jerusalem artichoke than in sugar beet: 100 kg of vegetable gives 10 kg of fructose. That is, 100 g contains about 16 g of carbohydrates, and in addition to them - 2 g of proteins, 0.01 g of fat. Calorie root - 55-73 kcal. One root curls around 80 g. 
Useful properties of Jerusalem artichoke
Basically an earthen pear, Jerusalem artichoke boasts the beneficial properties of the root of a plant. According to the content of antioxidants, fiber and vitamins, it belongs to the tuberous vegetables. Although the composition of the components, it is more like beets and carrots. However, the leaves of the plant are often used in treatment, although they have not found such widespread use.
Useful properties of Jerusalem artichoke tubers
In the tubers of Jerusalem artichoke concentrated all the main nutrients of the plant. First of all, they are rich in vitamins of group B. Especially a lot of them in vitamin B1. It ensures the normal functioning of the digestive and nervous systems, is involved in the reactions of energy and carbohydrate metabolism in the body, supports the work of the heart.
Vitamin B1 is also found in lacunas, honey agarics, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, horseradish, sea buckthorn, pear, actinidia, turnips, wild rose.
Jerusalem artichoke is a useful plant, whose medicinal properties consist in protecting the body against bacteria, infections, and maintaining the immune system. All this is possible due to the high content of vitamin C. 
The root is rich in fiber. This fiber stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, normalizes digestion, reduces cholesterol absorption into the blood. Moreover, in the process of heat treatment, the amount of fiber practically does not decrease.
Important! Regularly eating this vegetable, you can increase the body's resistance to infections and bacteria, especially those that cause diseases of the digestive organs.
In the tubers found a huge amount of antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals. Therefore, it is especially recommended for people who work in close proximity with X-ray machines or are in the sun a lot.
What are the benefits of topinambur leaves?
To keep the leaves of Jerusalem artichoke retained healing properties, they must be collected before the flowering of the plant. They contain not only inulin, but also substances that help the healing and restoration of human tissues. To do this, cook broths, juices and pomace from the leaves and young stems of the plant. They also treat eczema, ulcers, and treat wounds. 
In folk medicine, decoctions of Jerusalem artichoke leaves are used as a rejuvenating agent, as well as a means to remove salts from the body. The effect is achieved thanks to substances that promote cell regeneration, increase skin elasticity.
The use of topinambur root in the treatment of diseases
The most widely used roots of Jerusalem artichoke found in the treatment of various diseases. Since its tubers are capable of lowering blood sugar, splitting glucose, it is recommended for patients with coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus or people prone to these diseases.
Did you know? To Jerusalem artichoke retained its healing properties after ripening, it can not be stored as potatoes, because it has a very thin skin. After digging it can be stored only in the refrigerator and then no more than a month. In sliced form it is permissible to store only a few days. Therefore, it is left to winter in the ground. He is not afraid of Morozov, but in the spring he only becomes tastier.
Inulin, which lowers the level of sugar, has another property - it lowers blood pressure. This is helped by other substances contained in the roots of the plant. However, their effect is so strong that the pressure can be reduced in those who, in principle, suffer from hypotension. 
Another use of Jerusalem artichoke in folk medicine is liver cleansing. Raw root, which is used in salads and other dishes, removes toxins from the body and restores the liver. Today, these properties of the plant are recognized by traditional medicine, and doctors have developed a special diet based on Jerusalem artichoke, which is designed to clean the liver.
Useful properties of Jerusalem artichoke seeds
The seeds of the plant have not been used in traditional or traditional medicine.
How to use Jerusalem artichoke in official medicine
Traditional medicine also appreciated Jerusalem artichoke and its medicinal properties, therefore, in the treatment of certain diseases, prescriptions include preparations based on this plant. 
For example, in atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus prescribed topinambour tablets. They are also used as a prophylactic agent. They help maintain normal microflora in the intestines, strengthen the immune system, improve performance, prevent the development of tumors. Prescribe four tablets before meals. The course is 20 days. At least two such courses should be conducted with a two-week break.
In diseases of the liver and gallbladder, an extract of artichoke is prescribed. Its effect is to:
- removal of excess salts and fluids from the body;
- protect it from toxins;
- removal of slags and heavy metals;
- bile digestion aid;
- activation of the intestine;
- assisting in the absorption of fats and proteins.
Important! Another property of the powder is blood thinning. Therefore, it is not recommended for use during menstruation and before surgery.
In general, preparations from Jerusalem artichoke are used in traditional medicine for:
- relieving symptoms of intoxication;
- increase the body's resistance to infections;
- improve bowel performance;
- inhibition of salt deposition processes;
- removal of edema;
- normalization of gastric acidity;
- increased hemoglobin;
- prevention of neoplasia;
- removal of radionuclides, toxins, heavy metals;
- withdrawal of psycho-emotional, mental and physical stress.
What treats Jerusalem artichoke, recipes of traditional medicine
The fact that topinambur is and what its beneficial properties are known for a long time, as evidenced by the popular recipes of the preparation of the plant that have come down to us. So, to reduce pressure, blood sugar concentration and increase hemoglobin use a decoction of dry roots of a pear. 3 tablespoons of raw material is poured over one and a half liters of cold water and kept for an hour over low heat. The broth should be drunk three times a week for half a liter without sugar. It will also have a positive effect on the pancreas. 
For diseases of the stomach and colds, an extract of Jerusalem artichoke herb is prepared. A tablespoon of crushed raw materials is poured 750 ml of boiling water and removed in a dark place for 12 hours. Infusion filter and drink before meals for half a glass three times a day.
Did you know? In Germany, alcoholic beverages are prepared from the plant, and in the USA, Holland and Japan - coffee.
As a hepatoprotector, a means for removing toxins and toxins, a prophylactic agent for cholecystitis, we use a pear pear tincture. For its preparation, a pound of dried leaves is poured with a liter of vodka or alcohol and removed for at least two weeks in a dark and cool place. After this period, the tincture can be applied three times a day. For this, a tablespoon of the product is diluted in 150 ml of water.
Jerusalem artichoke and cosmetology: how artichoke is used for skin and hair
Actively used topinambur in cosmetology. Basically it is used as a light anti-aging agent that can fight fine wrinkles. To do this, use a mask of grated on a fine grater plant roots, which are applied to the face and neck for 20 minutes. Applying a mask 2 - 3 times a week, after 10 procedures, you can return the skin even color, smoothness and elasticity. When dry skin in gruel is recommended to add a few drops of flaxseed or olive oil. Excellent plant showed itself in the fight against seborrhea. To do this, after each shampooing, it is recommended to apply a mask on the scalp with the addition of Jerusalem artichoke juice. Also prepare a decoction of fresh leaves of the plant. Raw materials are collected, put in a saucepan, poured with a small amount of water and put on low heat. It is necessary to boil them for at least three hours, stirring constantly, so as not to burn.
The cooled and filtered decoction is rubbed into the head three times a week. Those who do not like to fiddle with the preparation of funds for a long time can cut the tuber and rub the scalp after washing it with a slice. The procedure should be done several times a week.
In cosmetology, they actively use linden, nasturtium, amaranth, monardo, rape, peony, periwinkle, bird cherry, wild strawberries, broccoli, apricot, nettle.
Baths from the decoction of the leaves of the plant give vigor and freshness. For the preparation of bath products take about a pound of dried and shredded stems and leaves and pour five liters of water. After the mixture boils, it is removed from the heat and insist two hours. Strained broth is added to the bathroom, which must be taken at least 15 minutes.
Application of Jerusalem artichoke in cooking
Jerusalem artichoke has very pleasant roots, so the earthen pear is boiled, stewed, fried. It is dried and then added to various dishes. For this, mashed potatoes or powder are prepared from it. The powder is stored in banks and added to tea or coffee, which gives the drink a specific taste. Topinambur tea is also prepared on the basis of the leaves of the plant, which also boasts useful properties. 
You can cook delicious bread from Jerusalem artichoke, which does not get stale for four days. For this, approximately 20% puree or 5% topinambour powder is added to the flour.
But it is most useful to use an earthen pear in its raw form, in particular in various salads. Some cooks recommend pre-boil tubers in water or milk and then add to other dishes.
Contraindications for Jerusalem artichoke
In addition to the therapeutic properties of Jerusalem artichoke, it is worth mentioning and contraindications. They are few. It is not recommended to use it in case of individual intolerance, as well as in case of hypotension. The plant significantly reduces the pressure, even if it is in principle reduced. Therefore, if you have not previously tried the "solar root", start with a small amount of the plant. If you do not notice any unpleasant reactions of the body, you can safely use it in food or for treatment.
Important! Raw tubers can cause flatulence. The problem is easily eliminated if used in food tubers that have undergone heat treatment.
But in general, wisely using the Jerusalem artichoke, you get only a positive effect on the body. 
An unsightly-looking vegetable stores a lot of useful substances. In some countries, it is used along with cabbage, saturating the body with vitamins and protecting it from the negative effects of the environment. It is cooked, baked, stewed, eaten raw just like cabbage. The healing properties of the plant are recognized not only by folk, but also by traditional medicine.
Doctors prescribe topinambur diets for cleaning the body, in particular the liver. On its basis, medical preparations are prepared for the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and others. And the best part is that topinambur is easy to grow in your garden.
