Organic Inulin (Jerusalem Artichoke)

Our products are made in Cheshire, Oregon USA, from Certified Organics and ethically sourced ingredients.

Found in our product: Back to Greens

Prebiotics are non-digestible fiber compounds that stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria that colonize the gastrointestinal tract by acting as a substrate for them. Jerusalem artichokes contain plenty of inulin, which stimulates the growth of bifidobacteria and fights harmful bacteria.

The artichoke contains about 2% protein, no oil, and little starch. It is rich in the carbohydrate inulin (8 to 13%), which is a polymer of the monosaccharide fructose. Tubers stored for any length of time convert their inulin into its component fructose. Jerusalem artichokes have an underlying sweet taste because of the fructose, which is about one and a half times as sweet as sucrose.

It can help; with blood glucose levels, digestive problems, to control cholesterol, to control blood pressure, with blood formation and to boost the immune system.

The glycemic index (GI) classifies foods and beverages based on their ability to increase the level of glucose in the blood. Carbohydrates in foods with a high GI score break down into simple sugars quickly and cause blood glucose levels to spike. This peak is followed by a sharp drop in blood glucose levels. Studies suggest that the fluctuating levels linked with eating high GI foods may significantly increase the risk of fatigue, heart disease, altered mood, resistance, and diabetes. The Jerusalem artichoke contains a glycemic value of 11 and is considered a low GI food. This means that the Jerusalem artichoke provides a slow and stable rise and fall in blood glucose levels.

It is loaded with B-vitamins, including thiamine (B1). Thiamine helps with the hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Lack of hydrochloric acid may impair protein digestion and cause stomach pain by inhibiting the activation of the enzyme pepsin. Also, the tuber is a good source of dietary fiber, the indigestible portion of food derived from plants. A high-fiber diet can normalize bowel movements, preventing some cancers. Soluble fiber, found in the Jerusalem artichoke, may help lower total blood cholesterol levels by lowering low-density lipoprotein, or "bad," cholesterol levels. Studies suggested that fiber may have other heart-health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure and inflammation.

It is high in potassium and low in sodium at a rate of about 100 to 1 and as such, helps to lower blood pressure. Also, the fiber content in the Jerusalem artichoke is helpful in improving the performance of insulin in the body, which also aids in the lowering of blood pressure.

Copper and iron are essential for the new blood cell formation. It contains impressive amounts of both. A deficiency in iron can lead to anemia.

It also contains small amounts of antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E. These vitamins together with flavonoid compounds like carotenes helps seek and eliminate free radicals, offering the body protection from cancers, inflammation, viral cough, and the common cold.