Jerusalem Artichoke as Functional Food in Rats and Dogs:

Jerusalem artichoke / wild sunflower is an erect, hardy, tuberous perennial plant of Asteraceae family. It is cultivated in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Mumbai, Baroda and Hyderabad. The Jerusalem artichoke differs from other Helianthus species in its production of tubers, which are formed underground on the ends of short stolons. The tubers are tan coloured with white flesh. Each plant produces 20 to 25 large tubers. The tubers are of particular interest because they contain significant quantities of inulin. Some hind gut bacteria, such as bifidobacteria are able to hydrolyze inulin and subsequently produce volatile fatty acids and lactic acid which may lower the pH in the large intestine. This can suppress the growth of putrefactive bacteria. Encouraging increased number of bifidobacteria can potentially displace putrefactive bacteria. Moreover, inulin breaks down into sugar fructose when eaten. Fructose is reputed to be of value in the diets of people with diabetes.

Pagina's: 240, Paperback, LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing