ArtichokeΒ is a variety of thistle that is grown for food purposes. The edible portion consists of the flower buds before the flowers bloom. The artichoke dates back to the 8th century BC and is native to the Mediterranean area. They can also be found in Northern Africa.
Artichokes Are Good for Weight Control and High in Fiber
The artichoke is low in both calories and fat. A single serving of artichoke is just 50 calories but nearly 14% of the recommended daily allowance of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber helps make you feel full after eating. Meanwhile, it aids in controlling constipation. The dietary fiber also lowers LDL cholesterol which is the bad cholesterol. Studies have found that artichokes and the fiber they contain help cut down the risk of colon cancer by preventing toxic compounds found in the food from absorption.
Artichokes Are Good for Your Blood Pressure
Studies have found that artichokes contain a large amount of potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral that has a huge impact on many organ systems. Researchers know that potassium aids in neutralizing the effects of excess sodium which increases blood pressure. Because of the potassium, artichokes act as a vasodilator. Nutritionists suggest that artichokes are helpful for people who are already taking medicine for hypertension as well. The artichoke also helps to prevent the effects of potassium deficiency. Promising results from studies show that people with diabetes should add artichokes to their diet to avoid the complications associated with high blood pressure and diabetes.
Artichokes May Be Good for Your Liver
The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that artichokes were good for removing toxins from the liver, and now modern medicine is studying the same notion. Artichokes contain two antioxidants that are beneficial to the health of the liver. Cynarin and silymarin have been studied, and promising results show that these antioxidants reduce the presence of toxins and facilitate their elimination from the liver and the body. Studies show that cynarine and silymarin may help promote regrowth and repair damaged liver cells.
Artichokes Contain High Amounts of Vitamin C and K
A single serving of artichokes contains nearly 25% of the daily requirement of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage from free radicals like air pollution. The high amount of vitamin C in artichokes supplies collagen to aid wounds in healing quickly. Vitamin C also protects the body from disease by helping it absorb iron. Artichokes contain nearly 25% of the daily recommended allowance of vitamin K. Vitamin K plays a huge role in blood clotting and bone health. Researchers are studying vitamin K’s benefits in bone mass density in older men. Early results are promising and suggest that vitamin K is associated with a higher bone mineral density and higher scores in an ultrasound test. Researchers are hoping that the results suggest a diet containing higher doses of vitamin K may mean better bone health in older men.
Vitamin K has been shown to help improve insulin resistance. Vitamin K has been investigated as a critical nutrient for protecting cells that line blood vessels, including both veins and arteries.
Artichokes Are High in Folic Acid
Studies have found that artichokes are rich in folic acid. Folic acid is also known as folate, an essential B vitamin. Studies have shown that folic acid is involved with enzymes in the synthesis of DNA. Folic acid is suggested to pregnant women to prevent miscarriages and neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Folic acid is being studied in its relationship to preventing colon cancer and cervical cancer. The folic acid in artichokes may effectively combat conditions associated with folate deficiency, such as liver disease, alcoholism, and ulcerative colitis.
