And do you know about the useful properties of pears? Not the one on the tree, but the other one, earthy?
Meet Jerusalem artichoke
The earth pear or Jerusalem artichoke is an amazing plant, the aerial part of which resembles a basket of sunflowers, though smaller in size, and it happens that on one stem of such baskets can be from two to five. He also has an underground part, and there, like potatoes, are formed tubers, but only the form they can be very different. A distinctive feature of this plant is its colossal ability to survive: the underground tubers carry frosts to -40, and in summer it is retained by roots that go deep into the earth. And yet - he practically does not accumulate harmful substances, remaining always an environmentally friendly product.
What is useful for earthenware Jerusalem artichoke?
Unfortunately, earthen pear or Jerusalem artichoke is used in nutrition not often, although its useful properties can perform with our health real miracles.
Jerusalem artichoke is rich in vitamin C ; in the tubers were found potassium, magnesium, iron, silicon, beneficial for the work of the heart. It contains a unique substance - inulin, which lowers the sugar content in the blood. Inulin is a natural substitute for insulin, which means that it is useful for diabetics.
Pectin, found in root crops, helps to release the body from toxins, and a balanced composition of trace elements is an excellent "cleaner" of the intestine.
Jerusalem artichoke in Chinese medicine
Homeland of this plant is North America, but in Europe Jerusalem artichoke got from China, where the earthly pear has been used for a long time by Chinese medicine. The plant is included in drugs for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, restoration of liver and gastrointestinal function, as well as for weight loss.
However, it is worth remembering that excessive consumption of root vegetables can cause increased gas production, so eat on health, but do not lose sense of proportion.