Artichoke is a winter flower bud found in the Mediterranean regions and their cuisines. It is well-known for its culinary and health benefits which include certain medicinal effects. It scientifically belongs to the Cynara family.
Artichokes grow on trees or rather artichoke plants that are about one to two meters tall with silver-green leaves. The globes measure about six to ten cm in diameter with a weight of around 150 grams. The edible portions of its bud are the lower fleshy part and base. They are often categorized based on the size, color and spine of the cultivars. Artichokes are generally found in green and purple colors, in medium and big sizes.
Below listed are the artichoke health benefits.
Artichoke enjoys a stardom status in many dishes prepared across various cuisines, while being low in fat content as well as calories. This enables you to enjoy it in good proportions in your meals without the guilt of gaining weight.
Fiber is a very important dietary component which helps to improve digestion by enabling better bowel movement. This ingredient is a rich source of dietary fiber, making it a favorite among digestion enhancers.
Another health benefit of artichoke is that it is a good source of folic acid that is a co-factor in enzymatic reactions. It is also beneficial for the synthesis of DNA during the pre-pregnancy period and to treat neural tube defects.
Artichoke contains components like cynarin and lactones that are helpful for preventing cholesterol synthesis, keeping the heart healthy. It improves the secretion of bile that causes the reduction of overall cholesterol levels in the blood.
The artichoke is known to have antioxidants that are very important to prevent waste reactions occurring due to free radical formation. Even many cancerous reactions can be prevented by consuming this flower bud.
A good proportion of Vitamin C in artichokes makes it possible for the body to resist inflammatory reactions and also to prevent infections to a good extent.
The Vitamin K content found in this food product is also known to improve bone health. It achieves this by promoting bone-forming metabolic activities. Neural damage to the brain is also prevented by the presence of this vitamin.
Due to the strong effect of some vitamins like Vitamin K which is very useful for the neural system, artichokes are a good source for the production of Alzheimer’s drugs.
A number of vitamins found in artichokes like niacin, Vitamin B-6, thiamine and pantothenic acid are known to induce optimum metabolic activities, thus helping in keeping the body healthy.
Potassium content in artichokes is known to regulate blood pressure, thus keeping the heart healthy.
Besides being excellent for health and metabolism, artichokes are known natural agents for better skin and hair. Wondering why? The rich supply of antioxidants and peptides in artichokes improves skin texture and nourishes the cells, getting rid of fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes for a smooth, youthful appearance! Antioxidants prevent damage to the skin that occurs as a result of free radical formation.
Individuals suffering from skin ailments can consume a concoction of artichokes for improved, nourished and younger looking skin. Wash an artichoke well, chop off the base of the vegetable and let it boil on high heat for about an hour. Reduce the heat after an hour let the vegetable simmer for about half an hour. Drink a glass of the artichoke juice in water. You can add a tablespoon of honey for taste. You can drink the liquid either hot or cold. This concoction is tremendously beneficial for the skin and one can notice an immediate effect on the skin quality in a few days of drinking artichoke juice.
Many skin creams, gels, potions and lotions contain artichoke extracts for its skin luminosity and anti-ageing properties. The vegetable also promotes blood circulation throughout the body for improved and younger looking skin. Artichokes reduce the cholesterol in the blood, thus promoting a healthy liver, which in-turn leads to healthy and nourished skin as the liver eliminates toxins from the body.
What’s more? The benefits of the artichokes are not limited to just the skin! This vegetable also helps nourish and condition you hair. More about it follows!
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