You Need to Eat More Artichoke — Your Body Will Thank You
When a vegetable is good for your face and your health, it’s simply the best. Artichokes are becoming more and more sought after for multiple health reasons, but let us not forget it was the ancient Greeks and Romans who first discovered the glorious benefits eons ago. Artichokes come packed with nutrients, which aid in the battle against illness and also act as a source of healthy living. Artichoke belongs to the Cynara family, and the base (known as the heart) and the fleshy lower part of the leaves are what people eat. The core of the artichoke (called the choke) is not edible. Artichokes are best eaten after being steamed or boiled for upwards of an hour (depending on the size), and there are a variety of recipes you can work the nutrient-packed green into.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the core benefits of artichokes and why they should be a mainstay in your diet.
Antioxidant rich
Artichokes are rich in antioxidants, which can help battle illnesses like cancer, as well as give a much-needed boost to your immune system and increase circulation throughout your body. In fact, artichokes contain more antioxidants than red wine, blueberries, or dark chocolate. Foods high in antioxidants are known to combat free radicals that can damage cells and cause problems in the body.
Rich in potassium
Potassium replaces electrolytes in your body and is helpful in offsetting the amount of salt that you eat, in turn lowering your blood pressure. Magnesium, also found in artichokes, can help normalize your blood pressure and regulate your blood sugar levels.
High in fiber
Artichokes are super high in fiber — and we all know how important it is to get fiber into your system. Artichokes have the highest amount of fiber among vegetables and most grains. One medium artichoke has approximately 10 grams of fiber (and around 65 calories!), which is approximately 40 percent of the recommended daily intake.
High in vitamin K
Artichokes are a source of vitamin K, which, in addition to helping with blood clots and bone strength, reduces damage to neurons in the brain. Research continues to show links between vitamin K deficiency and Alzheimer’s disease. Artichokes act as vasodilators, meaning they open blood vessels and allow more oxygen into your brain, which improves your cognitive ability.
Low in calories
Artichokes are low in calories and fat, but high in fiber, so you feel fuller. It depends on the size of the artichoke, but on average you’re looking at 65 calories or less per serving for a medium-size artichoke, which is pretty great.
Help digestion
Artichokes improve digestion, and artichoke leaf extract has been found to relieve indigestion pain, including acid reflux. Artichoke leaf extract can help increase the flow of bile in your system, which helps you break down food and digest fats faster.
Strengthen bones
Artichokes can help with bone health because vitamin K is present in the vegetable, which helps to strengthen bones. Artichokes also produce collagen, which helps with connective tissue and bone density. Iron is also present, which again increases bone strength.
Lower cholesterol
Artichokes can help reduce cholesterol levels. Being that artichokes are so rich in soluble fiber, they help lower cholesterol and balance blood-sugar levels. The artichoke leaf extract has increasingly been linked to a natural means of lowering cholesterol and decreasing symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome.
And they’re good for your skin
Artichokes also have skin benefits. The antioxidants found in artichokes can potentially aid in the prevention of wrinkles. Like many other antiaging ingredients, the nutrients found in artichokes can help improve skin elasticity and hydrate skin. These nutrients can also strengthen and elevate your shine in your hair. Products like Green People’s Quinoa & Artichoke Shampoo have already tapped into this growing trend.
Keep in mind
There are concerns associated with artichoke leaves or extracts, particularly for people with gallbladder disease, pregnant or nursing women, young children, and people who suffer from kidney or liver disease. Make sure to consult a healthcare provider if you are concerned.
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