Is Jerusalem artichoke a good source of insulin?
A. In reference to the question about Jerusalem artichoke as a source of insulin, I believe the carbohydrate in Jerusalem artichoke is INULIN. Insulin is the (protein) hormone that controls glucose absorption by animal cells. If eaten, insulin is broken down to its component amino acids, which is why insulin is injected intradermally by dependent diabetics. Inulin is a carbohydrate which breaks down to fructose. Fructose is not used to treat diabetes, but is considered a better sugar for most diabetics because it must be converted to glucose before being absorbed by cells. Description – The Jerusalem artichoke is in no way related to the globe artichoke. It is a member of the Sunflower family and produces a similar flower. Plants may grow to a height of six to eight feet. It is perennial living from year to year. The edible tubers resemble potatoes but are rough and knobby. Culture – The Jerusalem artichoke is widely grown in gardens in Texas. It is propagated by spring planting of tub
