The artichoke and its seven benefits for our health
Artichokes are a type of thistle. This plant is native to the Mediterranean and has been used for centuries for its potential medicinal properties.
Its health benefits include lower blood sugar levels and improved digestion, heart health, and liver health. For this reason, artichoke extract, which contains high concentrations of compounds found in the plant, is also increasingly popular as a supplement.
Let's see together the seven health benefits of artichokes.
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1. Artichokes are very rich in nutrients
Artichokes are very rich in nutrients. Consider that a medium artichoke contains, in variable percentages, the following components: carbohydrates, fibre, proteins, fats, vitamin C, vitamin K, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and zinc.
Would you have ever said that?!
Artichokes are low in fat (only 60 calories per medium artichoke) while rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They are particularly rich in folate and vitamins C and K and also provide important minerals, such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and iron.
One medium artichoke contains nearly 7 grams of fiber, which represents approximately 23-28% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI).
To top it off, artichokes are among the richest in antioxidants of all vegetables.
2. Artichokes help lower "bad" cholesterol and increase "good" cholesterol
Artichoke affects cholesterol in two main ways:
First, artichokes contain luteolin, an antioxidant that prevents the formation of cholesterol.
Secondly, artichokes stimulate our bodies to process cholesterol more efficiently, bringing it to lower overall levels.
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3. Artichokes help regulate blood pressure
The consumption of artichokes helps regulate blood pressure, thanks to the rich presence of potassium
4. Artichokes help improve liver health
In general, the substances present in the artichoke protect the liver and allow the growth of new tissues. They also stimulate the production of bile, which helps remove harmful toxins from the liver.
5. Artichokes help improve digestive health
Artichokes are a great source of fiber, which can help keep your digestive system healthy by promoting friendly gut bacteria, reducing the risk of certain intestinal cancers, and relieving constipation and diarrhea.
Artichokes also contain inulin, a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic.
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6. Artichokes can help relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that affects the digestive system and can cause stomach pain, cramps, diarrhea, bloating, constipation and flatulence. The antispasmodic properties of artichokes can help stop muscle spasms, balance gut bacteria, and reduce inflammation.
7. Artichokes may have anti-tumor effects
Some antioxidants – including rutin, quercetin, silymarin and gallic acid – in artichokes are believed to be responsible for these anti-tumor effects and, in general, contribute to creating protective barriers and generating an overall state of well-being.
