Artichokes are majestic-looking vegetables usually used in salads and on pizza. But how healthy are they? To put it simply: Really healthy!
Artichoke is a plant in which the stem, leaf, and root are used to make highly concentrated “extracts.” These extracts can then be used as a medicine for various conditions. Artichokes can stimulate the flow of bile from the liver, which may reduce the symptoms of heartburn. Artichokes can also be used for kidney problems, liver problems, high cholesterol, bladder infections, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), anemia, edema, and arthritis.
Artichoke Health Benefits
Artichokes Are Packed With Nutrients
Artichokes are chock full of essential nutrients, like vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, as well as potassium and antioxidants. Here’s the nutritional value of one medium artichoke:
- 64 calories
- .4g fat
- 7g fiber
- 14.3g carbs
- 3.5g protein
- 1g sugar
Artichokes Are Rich in Protein
In addition to its full nutritional profile, artichokes offer way more protein than many other veggies at a staggering 3.5 grams per serving. Studies found that people who absorb a higher proportion of plant-based protein to animal-derived proteins have a reduced risk of coronary heart disease complications.
Artichokes Are High in Fiber
Fiber helps move your metabolism along and keeps you feeling satiated, but it also offers more lasting benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease. Half a cup of artichokes carries about 7 grams of fiber, which is more than the amount recommended for women and men.
Artichokes Improve Liver Health
It’s no secret that eating healthy is beneficial to your liver. Since it is the biggest organ in the body, with many roles to play, such as energy-saving, digesting food, and getting rid of toxins from the body, it is necessary to keep it healthy.
Artichokes contain two critical antioxidants called cynarin and silymarin, which have been proven to enhance the liver’s overall health by limiting the presence of toxins and promoting their removal from the body. Furthermore, the acids and phenols present in artichokes serve as stimulators, which help discharge unhealthy toxins from the body and promote bile generation.
Artichokes May Help Boost Your Immune System
It turns out that oranges aren’t the only thing that’ll help keep you from getting that cold going around the office. The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry listed artichokes high on the list of immune-enhancing, antioxidant-rich foods.
Artichokes Can Help Treat Allergies
Have the sniffles? It must be allergies. We all hear that way too often. Did you know that a diet rich in greens, like artichokes, has the potential to subdue inflammation? Artichokes are a great source of folate, a B vitamin that studies have found to be likely beneficial in reducing inflammation that induces allergies, and even asthma.
Artichokes May Help Lower Body Fat
While no miracle food can make you drop a few pounds, a recent study from Pharmacological Research discovered that artichokes are unquestionably helpful in keeping a healthy body weight.
Artichokes Regulate Blood Pressure
Artichokes are a rich potassium source, which helps compensate for the negative influences of excess sodium, which is known to be the inducer of high blood pressure. Potassium in artichokes replenishes electrolytes and neutralizes the adverse effects of sodium. Even diabetics are urged to incorporate artichokes in their diet, which can inhibit the complications linked to blood pressure.
Artichoke Extract Supplement
Because raw artichokes aren’t exactly palatable, people don’t often incorporate it as much in their daily diet as they should. Those who wish to reap the benefits of artichokes can now get artichoke-derived supplements right here online.
The new Lipid Supplement from Revive is medically-formulated to support healthy cholesterol levels for people of all ages. Daily use of this supplement can help improve triglyceride levels and support healthy HDL to LDL ratios. Furthermore, the supplement contains Citrus Bergamot and Beta-Sitosterol, which have shown to lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels. Each serving also contains natural artichoke extract and Resveratrol, which can promote healthy blood glucose levels and insulin levels, respectively.
Takeaway
Artichokes are remarkably nutritious, low-carb veggies that boast many health benefits. Frequent consumption of artichoke extract may help lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, support liver health, IBS, and indigestion.
Now that you know the benefits of supplementing your diet with artichokes, what are you waiting for? Pick some of these delicious delights and try cooking some at home:
- Stovetop Spinach-Artichoke Dip
- Fettuccine with Rabbit, Artichokes, and Fava Beans
- Artichoke and Feta Tarts
- Pot-Roasted Artichokes
- Fresh Artichoke, Olive, and Burrata Pizza
