What is Artichoke? Do you know the health benefits? Did you know that the Artichoke plant was used as medicine? Artichokes are available fresh, frozen, pickled, and marinated in the market. Most people have a mixed relationship with this vegetable. They either love it or hate even the sight of it. They are packed with minerals and antioxidants. Apart from the heart, their leaves are loaded with nutrients that have many health benefits. Artichoke season is from March to May. Artichokes with packed heads are fresh, while spaced heads are not. Leaves should be green with a purple tinge. Let’s see the Top 20 health benefits of Artichoke and Artichoke extracts.
1.Nutrients
Artichoke is loaded with Vitamin K, Vitamin C, folate, and minerals. It is low in fat. One raw Artichoke (around 128 grams) contains less than one gram of fat. It is rich in antioxidants and contains necessary minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. One medium-sized Artichoke gives seven grams of fiber. One Artichoke gives 60 calories.
2.Decrease Bad Cholesterol
The leaf extract of Artichoke can control cholesterol levels in the body. The added benefit of taking artichoke is that it increases “HDL” or ‘good cholesterol’ levels in the body. The specific antioxidant regulates the cholesterol level and helps prevent cholesterol formation. It helps the body’s cholesterol process and decreases the overall cholesterol.
3.Regulate Blood Pressure
Do you suffer from high blood pressure? Taking artichoke extract can help you to bring down the blood pressure to a reasonable level. It promotes an enzyme that widens the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Artichokes are rich in potassium.
4.Improve Liver Health
If you take artichoke leaf extract daily, it can protect you from liver damage. This leaf extract can cure the growth of new tissue. Artichokes help in the production of bile. Bile removes the harmful chemicals from the liver.
5.Improves Digestive Health
Fiber is crucial for maintaining digestive health as it promotes good gut bacteria, reduces constipation, decreases diarrhea, and lowers the risk of bowel cancer. Artichokes have Inulin, a fiber that works just like a prebiotic. This is the reason why Artichokes can help with the indigestion problems.
6.Ease IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a digestion-related issue. It causes problems such as stomach pain, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, and gas. But Artichokes can help ease these symptoms. Artichokes have compounds with antispasmodic (anti-spaz-mod-ick) properties. These compounds can help to stop muscle spasms and reduce inflammation in people with IBS.
7.Lower Blood Sugar
Artichokes can help to lower the blood sugar levels in the body. The artichoke extract slows down the glucose activity.
8.Anticancer Effect
Along with other advantages, Artichokes have anti-cancerous effects. Various studies have shown that Artichokes can reduce the growth of cancer cells. Silymarin, an antioxidant, found in artichokes can help in the prevention and treatment of skin cancer.
9.Improves Skin Health
Artichokes are rich in antioxidants. These improve skin health and slow down aging. Vitamin C is the biggest contributor to healthy collagen development. They aid detoxification, which reflects on skin health. The antioxidants prevent oxidative stress, which affects the skin health. Cynaropicrin is a chemical found in leaf extract and reduces the damage caused by UV rays.
10.Good For Hair
Being a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin B, phosphorus, calcium, and Vitamin C, artichokes can dull and dry hair. They give it a shiny and bouncy appearance. Boil green artichokes and leave it for half an hour. Allow it to cool and massage on the scalp. Wash your hair with warm water after overnight soaking.
11.Boosts Immunity
Artichokes are rich in Vitamin C and take care of the immune system. Since artichoke is a good prebiotic, it enhances gut health. They contain iron, which contributes to a strong immune system. It boosts the body’s defense against disease. High protein content enhances immunity for the regeneration of cells.
12.Strengthen Bones
The phytonutrients in artichokes are credited with various benefits. They are rich in manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. These minerals are important for bone health and density. Phosphorus works with calcium to build bones. Stronger bones can make life easier and make everyday tasks better.
13.Helps In Weight Loss
Artichokes are low in fat and calories and high in fiber, which makes them an excellent addition to a weight management diet. The fiber content makes you fuller for longer and reduces overall calorie intake.
14.Good Provider Of Protein
Artichokes are high in protein. One artichoke will give you roughly five grams of protein. Protein makes you feel full and helps your body to repair tissues and muscles. Consumption of more plant-based protein reduces protein the risk of heart disease rather than animal-based protein.
15.Helps To Sleep Better
One large-sized artichoke contains roughly 100 milligrams of magnesium, which is more than 20% of the recommended daily intake. Magnesium helps to sleep better, especially in insomnia. This essential electrolyte prevents heart palpitations.
16.Protective Prebiotics Provider
Artichokes are a great source of inulin, which provides prebiotics. Inulin helps to absorb calcium and magnesium and supports B vitamin synthesis. Prebiotics give feed to the beneficial gut bacteria that improve digestive health and boost immunity and mood.
17.High In Polyphenols
Artichokes are naturally rich sources of polyphenols, which can repair damaged cells. Polyphenols are a group of natural phytochemicals that mainly occur in plant-based foods, and are responsible for giving their color. They can protect you against several diseases.
18.Treat Allergies
Studies have shown that artichokes have the potential to suppress inflammation. Artichokes are an excellent source of folate, which is beneficial for reducing inflammation that can cause allergies and asthma.
19.Anti-Aging Properties
Artichokes are the number one vegetable in the antioxidant count. A study has shown that polyphenol is a potential anti-inflammatory agent and it can protect the lymphatic vessels from dangerous oxidative damage and improve the gene expression in anti-aging processes.
20.Special Diet-Friendly
Artichokes are gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, grain-free, and low in fat and carbohydrates. It can fit within any diet or lifestyle. Whether it is paleo, vegetarian, vegan, Whole part, or keto, artichokes can be an excellent vegetable for your diet.
