5 Surprising Benefits of Sunchokes for Fertility (Jerusalem-artichokes)

According to anecdotal evidence, sunchoke may help to improve fertility by protecting reproductive gametes from oxidative damage, due to its rich source of antioxidants.

It contains a substantial amount of choline which has been shown to improve ovarian function and pregnancy outcomes and protects against certain neural and metabolic insults [1, 2].

Sunchoke also known as Helianthus tuberosus, is a nutritious root vegetable with a variety of benefits for fertility and overall health. Its high content of bioactive compounds may help protect against chronic diseases, improve gut health, and promote overall well-being.

Although, Inulin found in sunchoke may cause bloating and gas, however, studies say it can be a potential and effective functional food for preventing high blood sugar levels [3].

Shifting the spotlight onto the remarkable sunchokes, also known as Jerusalem artichokes. While their peculiar name evokes images of balmy Middle Eastern vistas, it may surprise me to know that these hardy tubers are, in fact, native to North America.

Resembling knobbly, rustic potatoes, the sunchokes are hailed for their lofty nutritional value and their particular role in enhancing reproductive health.

Sunchokes nutritional value

Major Nutrient Amount per 100 grams of Sunchokes (Jerusalem-artichokes) according to USDA

• Carb 17.4 g
• Fiber 1.6 g
• Calcium 14 mg
• Iron 3.4 mg
• Magnesium 17 mg
• Phosphorus 78 mg
• Potassium 429 mg
• Vitamin C 4 mg
• Thiamin 0.2 mg
• Niacin 1.3 mg
• Pantothenic acid 0.397 mg
• Vitamin B-6 0.077 mg
• Choline 30 mg
• Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) 0.19 mg

Bioactive compounds

Sunchoke, also known as Jerusalem artichoke, is a nutritious root vegetable that contains a variety of bioactive compounds [k10] with potential benefits for healthy fertility. These compounds include:

Inulin:

Inulin is a type of prebiotic fiber found in plants like sunchokes [4], dandelion roots, and chicory roots. They contain up to 20% of the prebiotic fiber. It has been traditionally used as a liver tonic and diuretic. that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This can help to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system.

Chlorogenic acid:

Plants like Apples fruits, Coffee bebeansand sunchokes are rich in Chlorogenic acid [5], an antioxidant that has been shown to protect against cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Quinic acid:

Quinic acid [6] is an antioxidant that has been shown to protect against cancer and liver disease. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Caffeoylquinic acid:

Caffeoylquinic [7] acid is an antioxidant that has been shown to protect against cancer and heart disease. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Kaempferol:

Broccoli, Kale, and sunchoke are rich sources of Kaempferol [8], an antioxidant that has been shown to protect against cancer and heart disease. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Quercetin:

Sunchokes including, Onions, grapes, peppers, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries, are rich sources of quercetin and other antioxidants. Quercetin [9] is an antioxidant that has been shown to protect against cancer, heart disease, and brain disease. It also has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

These bioactive compounds are responsible for many of the potential health benefits of sunchoke. Sunchoke has been shown to improve blood sugar control, reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and protect against chronic diseases.

Benefits of Sunchokes for Fertility

There is limited scientific evidence to support the claim that sunchoke is beneficial for fertility. However, some people believe that sunchoke may help to improve fertility because it is a good source of antioxidants and fiber.

Antioxidants can help to protect cells from damage, and fiber can help to regulate hormones. Here are other interesting before of sunchoke attributed to its rich nutritional value.

1. Aids nutrient absorption

Sunchokes are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and iron. These nutrients are important for overall health and may also play a role in fertility

More importantly, Sunchoke contains Inulin, a compound that may also boost nutrient absorption, particularly minerals. Among these, the minerals that are vital for fertility health like magnesium, selenium, and zinc, observable in sunchokes, have been scientifically proven to support both male and female fertility in terms of nutrient deposits.

Lastly, Inulin and other probiotics are currently been studied, and so far have promising results in treating fertility-related problems [11].

2. Improves Sperm Quality

Sunchoke contains a good amount of Chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant that has been shown to improve sperm quality according to an animal study [12].

An In vitro study on human frozen sperm has also confirmed that Chlorogenic acid which is abundant in sunchokes may protect sperm cells from oxidative damage [13].

In another study, 35 male Wistar rats with streptozotocin-induced Type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomly assigned to one of four groups: control, Lactobacillus plantarum, inulin, or combination. The rats were treated for 8 weeks, and their fertility markers, testicular tissue development, and testicular were improved at the end of the study [14].

Sunchokes is rich in inulin, one of the probiotics with the potential to treat infertility caused by Type 2 diabetes mellitus [15]. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings in humans.

Also, in the male reproductive system, sunchokes are loaded with minerals that contribute to healthy sperm development and function. Zinc, for instance, is crucial for the production of quality male sperm cells as highlighted by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

3. May improve hormonal disorders

Sunchokes are a good source of fiber, which can help regulate hormones. This may help to improve ovulation and menstruation.

Kaempferol is an antioxidant found in sunchokes aids the restoration of redox imbalance by stimulating estrogen signaling which creates a pathway for the development of the ovulatory follicle [16, 17, 18].

Also, Chlorogenic acid found in sunchokes could be effective in ameliorating follicular development as well as hormonal disorders and PCOS [19]. Although it was noted in a rat study, a study on humans is needed for further validation.

Additionally, magnesium works in tandem with B vitamins, boosting progesterone production, a hormone integral to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy in women. Furthermore, sunchokes being abundantly rich in vitamin B6, augments this function.

4. Protect against oxidative stress

Sunchokes are a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage. This may help to improve the quality of eggs and sperm.

Interlacing the properties of sunchokes with antioxidant activity is the high prevalence of polyphenols present in these tubers.

Antioxidants like quercetin and Quinic acid, found in sunchokes, are verbalized in multiple research studies for their radioprotection, anti-neuroinflammatory, protective influence against oxidative stress [20], thus contributing to overall reproductive health.

5. Promotes healthy gut flora balance

More importantly, these tubers are packed with substantial amounts of inulin, a certain type of prebiotic fiber that helps in maintaining a healthy gut flora balance.

Adding another layer to the fertility benefits, these homely tubers assist in stabilizing blood sugar levels. Metabolic factors like insulin resistance can impact fertility in both males and females, making the dietary inclusion of sunchokes invaluable.

The presence of the prebiotic inulin acts as a low-glycemic carbohydrate, ensuring controlled blood glucose levels, thereby helping to create an optimal hormonal environment for conception and pregnancy

Other Health Benefits of Sunchoke

• Promotes weight loss: Sunchoke is a low-calorie food that is high in fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied, leading to reduced calorie intake.
• Improves digestion: Inulin, a prebiotic fiber found in sunchoke, promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can improve digestion and overall gut health.
• May help prevent cancer: Sunchoke contains antioxidants that may help protect against cancer by neutralizing harmful free radicals.
• May protect against heart disease: Sunchoke may help protect against heart disease by lowering blood sugar levels [3], reducing inflammation, and improving blood vessel function.

Sunchoke downsides

• Digestive problems: Eating sunchokes raw may cause digestive problems in some people, such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. This is because they are a good source of fiber, which can be difficult for some people to digest.

• Blood sugar levels: Sunchokes may lower blood sugar levels. This may be beneficial for people with diabetes, but it could be dangerous for people with low blood sugar.

• Allergies: Some people may be allergic to sunchoke. This is a rare allergy, but it can cause symptoms such as hives, itching, and swelling.

Sunchokes in pregnancy

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that sunchoke is safe to eat during pregnancy. However, some people believe that sunchoke may be safe to eat during pregnancy because it is a good source of nutrients. However, more research is needed to confirm this.

How to eat sunchokes to avoid digestive disorders

Sunchoke is a root vegetable that is high in fiber and can cause digestive problems if not eaten properly. Here are some tips on how to eat sunchokes to avoid digestive disorders:

Start with a small amount and gradually increase your intake with time. This will give your body time to adjust to the high fiber content.

Cook sunchokes thoroughly. This will help to soften the fibers and make them easier to digest.

Drink plenty of fluids when eating sunchokes. This will help to keep your digestive system moving.

Avoid eating sunchokes raw. This can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Peel sunchokes before eating them. The skin can be difficult to digest.

Cut sunchokes into small pieces. This will make them easier to digest.

Add sunchokes to soups, stews, and other dishes. This can help to mask the flavor and make them more palatable.

Eat sunchokes in moderation. Too much fiber can cause digestive problems.
Here are some additional tips for people who are prone to digestive problems:

Conclusion

There is limited scientific evidence to support the claim that sunchoke is beneficial for fertility. However, some people believe that sunchoke may help to improve fertility because it is a good source of antioxidants and fiber. It is important to talk to your doctor before eating sunchoke, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any health conditions.