Posted on 18 Oct, 2011 -
Diabetes, Digestive Problems and a Delicious Probiotic
Why jerusalem artichokes are now being hailed as a treatment for diabetes, candida and all kinds of digestive problems
A powerful probiotic and immune-stimulant, these ‘sunroots’ are also very good for anyone who gets ill easily or has been taking antibiotics
Here are some great ideas for cooking it - and details of a new ‘sunroot’ supplement
Dear Reader,
I never knew that the humble jerusalem artichoke had so many incredible health-enhancing and health-healing benefits until this week!
It all started when the wonderful, sunflower-like plants (that the lady in the allotment next to me had given me in the Spring) needed harvesting and using up.
Ever the Google-addict, I booted up my computer and started my research. Here’s what I found:
Cultivated by Native American Indians for centuries as food, medicine and general positive health tonic, they are now getting a lot of attention from 21st Century medicine research - particularly as an immune stimulant, anti-diabetic… for stabilising blood glucose, lowering high cholesterol and as a probiotic for improving bacteria ecology in the colon and fighting disease and candida in the guts.
Jerusalem artichokes are also known as ‘sunchokes’ and ‘sunroot’. The name ‘sunroot’ comes from the Native Indians who saw the sun as the giver of life and this root as a giver of good health.
Most importantly, perhaps, jerusalem artichokes are brilliant for people with diabetes. Rather than the starch you find in a potato which breaks down into glucose, the carbohydrate in jerusalem artichokes is inulin (yes, that’s right, spelled like insulin but actually different!), which breaks down into fructose when eaten - a far better sugar for most diabetics. They therefore have a very low glycemic index and barely affect blood sugar levels.
In a paper about the benefits of jerusalem artichoke powder, Dr Hildegarde Staninger Toxicologist and Doctor of Integrative Medicine, reports that this sunroot powder contains a list of Probiotic Factors including F. Bifidum, B. Breve, B. Infantis, B. Adolescentis, B. Longum, L. Salivarius and L. Rhamnosus. These help to rid the digestive system of harmful bacteria (like E. Coli, Salmonella) and recolonise it with good bacteria. The result? A huge boost to the powers of the immune system and increased resistance to many diseases and infections.
“JAP" says Dr Staninger, “is EXCELLENT for people with CANDIDA (yeast) and other fungal or bacterial infections… JAP contains 8 million Bifido Bacterium per serving. The bifido change the pH factor which KILLS the Candida which cannot survive in the more acidic environment.”
Because of the beneficial effects to the gut, jerusalem artichoke can help people with a variety of digestive issues and is good for people who have recently taken antibiotics. It also helps reduce the detoxifying load of the liver and helps increase the absorption of nutrients.
Several double-blind studies have shown that in individuals with type 2-diabetes, inulin (FOS, 8 grams per day for two weeks) significantly lowered fasting blood-sugar levels and serum total-cholesterol levels. Still other studies have shown that in individuals with elevated total cholesterol triglyceride levels, FOS or inulin produced significant reductions in triglycerdie levels.
They are also an excellent source of iron, a good source of phosphorus and potassium, of vitamin C and of vitamin B1, B3 and B5!
So how can you enjoy all these amazing benefits?
It had been quite a while since I’d eaten jerusalem artichokes but I was very keen on their wonderful nutty taste in the past when I used them as a substitute for potatoes, for making soup, and even in curries.
They can also be eaten raw like water chestnuts in a salad or gently roasted or sautéed. They are also very welcome for people who find eating difficult because they are so easy to digest.
The only problems I find with them is that they are quite fiddly to peel, are not that easy to find and can be quite expensive (once my small supply from the allotment runs out).
Taking sunroot as a supplement
Another option I’ve discovered is that you can now buy a supplement of sunroot/jerusalem artichoke that has been developed by a Doctor Lake and Profesor Read.
You need to take just one capsule a day with a large glass of water. A 30 day course of treatment costs between 82 p and £1 a day, depending on which option you choose.
There is also a special gift from Professor Read and Doctor Lake. And if you don’t find you get the results you were hoping for after 30 days then you can get your money back.
I have talked to a colleague who has successfully referred people to this site without any issues.
Take a look at the website selling Sunroot Supplement
Let me know how you get on with it!
Best wishes
