Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), fam. Asteraceae.
   Like the previous species of sunflower, it has American origins. Quite a viable plant, it has spread self-sown in forest along the streams and lakes. It flowers in early autumn.
   The properties of Jerusalem artichoke tubers are mostly defined by the fact that, like all Asteraceae plants, in contains not starch (breaking down into glucose when digested) but inulin, the source of fructose. Is it good or bad – the scientists have no united opinion. Sometimes, inulin may cause digestive disorder. They claim that Jerusalem artichoke eliminates the heavy metal salt (of course, only if it does not contain them itself), toxins, excess of cholesterol and radionuclides.

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