Jerusalem artichoke, better known as sunchoke, is a root vegetable from the sunflower family with a sweet and nutty taste and a profile similar to potatoes. Don’t let its name confuse you: it is neither from Jerusalem nor an artichoke, but it does store inulin, the carbohydrate found in artichoke, in its tuber roots.

Inulin does not have much of an effect on blood sugar levels and therefore is a diabetic-friendly carbohydrate. It also helps the absorption of calcium necessary for bone health. Inulin also breaks down fructose in the gut and provides prebiotics that fight harmful bacteria in the intestines and prevent constipation.

On top of the benefits from inulin, the sunchoke’s roots are popular as they can be consumed raw or cooked and are a great source of iron, thiamin and potassium.  It does, however, cause flatulence in some people, gaining another nickname in the culinary world: the fartichoke.

Glycemic Load= 11