Artichoke – what is it for and benefits and recipes!

It serves to help in the treatment of anemia , atherosclerosis , diabetes , heart disease, fever , liver, weakness, gout, hemorrhoids , hemophilia, pneumonia, rheumatism, syphilis , cough, urea, hives and urinary problems.

Its scientific name is Cynara scolymus and it can be bought in natural products stores, manipulation pharmacies, street markets and some markets. So, check out now everything about  Artichoke – What is it for? Benefits and Recipes!

Artichoke Nutritional Value:

Artichokes are  low in saturated fats and cholesterol , being a rich source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. They contain vitamins include vitamin C , thiamine , riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, vitamin B6 , vitamin B12, vitamin A , vitamin E, vitamin D, and vitamin K. They also provide minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, sodium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc.

What is artichoke used for:

1. Helps Prevent Cancer:

Artichoke is absolutely packed with a number of vital antioxidants and phytonutrients such as quercetin, rutin, gallic acid and cynarin. Artichokes make my list for the top 10 antioxidant foods because of their high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbing Capacity) score, which tests a plant’s power to absorb and scavenge free radicals.

Artichokes are ranked no. 15 on my list in terms of having a high ORAC score and therefore a powerful ability to fight oxidative stress in the body .

One of the most important benefits of a food that contains a lot of antioxidants is its ability to ward off various types of cancer, as cancer cells can partially grow due to oxidation and the formation of “free radicals” in the body when these go unchecked. . .

2. Helps Fight Cardiovascular Diseases:

Artichoke consuming and extract has  been correlated with lowering unhealthy cholesterol levels , calming inflammation in the body and improving blood flow.

People with higher cholesterol levels are more at risk of developing heart disease and suffering from cardiac arrest or stroke, but luckily the powerful cynarin substance found in artichokes is one of the best natural remedies to bring cholesterol back to a healthy level.

The lipid and glycemic lowering action of artichokes also helps them to prevent coronary heart disease and metabolic disorders.

3. Helps Liver and Digestive System Detoxification:

Due to its ability to stimulate digestive bile production and detoxify the body,  artichoke is included in the GAPS diet, which is a diet specifically created to nourish the digestive tract and restore proper intestinal health.

Eating GAPS diet-approved foods like Artichoke is correlated with improving gut flora, reducing symptoms related to digestive disease, and boosting immunity as well – since much of the immune system is actually kept within the gut.

Artichokes  contain a powerful antioxidant flavonoid silymarin, which is an effective liver protector. A specific substance in artichoke called cynarin has been shown to positively stimulate the production of bile, which is produced by the liver and is ultimately responsible for enabling digestion and aiding in the absorption of nutrients.

4. Helps Accelerate Weight Loss:

Artichokes  are very rich in fiber, which is crucial for numerous functions in the body. Fiber keeps the digestive system running smoothly and relieves conditions like constipation and diarrhea.

It plays an important role in helping the body detoxify itself of waste, extra cholesterol , sugar and toxins, as well as fiber acts to facilitate liver function and make us feel full after eating.

Studies have shown that consuming lots of soluble fiber, like the kind found in artichokes , is a great way to avoid dangerous visceral fat — the kind that builds up around your organs and can lead to various diseases.

A high fiber diet is correlated with maintaining a healthy weight and also reducing your risk of serious diseases including colon cancer, heart disease and more. Fiber is technically the part of any plant food that cannot be digested, so it must make its way through your digestive system and then leave your body.

5. Helps Control Diabetes:

The high amount of fiber found in  artichoke has the ability to help keep blood sugar levels steady, preventing spikes and dips in insulin that can lead to serious problems for diabetics.

The fiber in  artichoke allows glucose to be absorbed into the blood more slowly, and since fiber is a substance that can be digested and does not require insulin, fiber does not count towards the amount of carbohydrates or glucose you consume.

Jerusalem artichoke has been shown to improve insulin secretion and sensitivity in diabetic rats, which is also promising for diabetics.

6. Impede a Anemia:

A one-cup serving of artichoke provides about 10 percent of the average person’s daily requirement for the important mineral iron. While many people think of animal products like meat and eggs as the only and best sources of iron,  artichokes are also a good source, especially for plant eaters who need to make sure they get enough of the vital mineral.

Iron deficiency is more common among women, especially premenopausal women, and also children. Low levels of iron can result in fatigue, weakened immune system, poor concentration and ability to concentrate, as well as digestive disorders like leaky gut syndrome and irritable bowel disease.

7. Improves Skin Health and Appearance:

The foods you eat are how your body receives antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which ultimately show up in your appearance because they make up the layers of your skin.

Antioxidants, in the form of vitamins and minerals, help prevent skin aging, making it dry and losing its texture and appearance. For example, collagen makes up about 70% of the cells in your skin, and the antioxidant vitamin C is one of the biggest contributors to healthy collagen development.

Therefore, not eating enough foods that contain vitamins and antioxidants often results in low collagen production and other skin-related conditions that prematurely age the skin. A strong immune system is also crucial to keeping your skin healthy.

Artichoke Weight Loss?

Artichoke has  actually been linked with weight loss. This is because it facilitates the digestion of foods rich in fats. However, it does not help to reduce appetite.

This food is low in calories, as we have seen, and is rich in fiber, a nutrient that is very useful for weight loss. In addition, as it contributes to ensuring greater satiety and thus delaying the onset of hunger.

Weight loss also occurs because of the improvement in intestinal functioning that artichoke causes. In addition, for weight loss through this vegetable to occur effectively. The recommended thing is to follow a totally healthy diet and include the practice of regular physical activity daily.

How to use Artichoke:

The artichoke  can be consumed in natura, in the form of raw or cooked salad, tea or in industrialized capsules. In addition, artichoke capsules should be consumed before or after the main meals of the day, along with a little water.

How to prepare artichoke tea:

Ingredients:

• 2 to 4 g of artichoke leaves ;
• A cup of water.

Preparation mode:

• Place 2 to 4 g of the artichoke leaves in a cup of boiling water and let it rest for 5 minutes.
• Also, strain and drink afterwards.

Artichoke Gratin Recipe:

Consuming artichoke gratin is a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of this medicinal plant.

Ingredients:

• In addition, 2 Artichoke flowers;
• 1 package of sour cream;
• Plus 2 tablespoons of grated cheese.

Preparation mode:

• In addition, to prepare the Artichoke Gratin, simply place all the sliced ​​ingredients on a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
• Add the cream last and cover with the grated cheese, taking it to bake in the oven at 220ºC.
• Also, serve when it’s golden brown.

Artichoke side effects:

No side effects of Artichoke were found .

Artichoke Contraindications:

Artichoke is contraindicated for individuals with bile duct obstruction, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.