Artichoke Health Benefits, Secret of Artichoke

 Health Benefits of Artichoke

The artichoke is a thistle-like plant native to the regions of southern Europe, North Africa and the Canary Islands. The most powerful part of the plant medicinally is its leaves.

The artichoke is one of the oldest medicinal plants dating back to 4th century B.C. Ancient Greeks and Romans used the artichoke for digestive problems. In the 16th century, artichokes were documented as a treatment for liver problems and jaundice. It was not until the 20th century that it became widely popular as a delicious food and a useful medicine.

1.LIVER HEALTH

Artichokes, as well as artichoke extracts from the leaves and stems of the plant have been historically recommended for liver health.  Ongoing research seems to indicate that artichokes have qualities that may protect the liver and decrease blood lipids, such as cholesterol, in the body.  Some researchers think that the mechanism for beneficial effects on the liver may be related to increased from of bile from the liver.  Among the most powerful phytonutrients in artichokes, cynarin and silymarin have strong positive effects on the liver.

2.Cancer Prevention

There are many other powerful polyphenol-type antioxidants found in artichokes that researchers believe can contribute to the prevention and management of prostate cancer, breast cancer and leukaemia.

Studies have shown that the antioxidants rutin, quercetin and gallic acid found in artichoke leaf extract are able to induce apoptosis (cell death) and reduce the proliferation of cancer cells.

In research at Comenius University in Slovakia, artichoke leaf extract was studied for its ability to inhibit growth of leukaemia cells. Over a 24-hour period, leukaemia cells were treated with a variety of concentrations of artichoke leaf extract, with results suggesting that it slows down the reproduction of the leukaemia cells while inducing apoptosis of these cells as well.

In addition, researchers at the University of Georg-August in Germany have found that the many phytochemicals in artichokes help to block the secretion of cancer agents, thus inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

3.BLOOD PRESSURE

Foods high in potassium such as bananas, sweet potatoes, and of course artichokes help to maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes within the body.

Consuming plenty of potassium and magnesium is essential for offsetting the potentially harmful effects of consuming too much sodium, and in particular can help to prevent or combat hypertension or high blood pressure.

Women and other individuals suffering from water retention may also find this useful because it elicits a mild diuretic effect to help shed excess fluid from the body.

4.Natural Remedy for Digestive Problems?

If the above-describe health benefits of artichoke hearts are not enough to convince you to add this tasty superfood to your diet, consider this: artichoke hearts are also good for your digestive system. The cynarin in globe artichokes boosts the liver's ability to produce bile, a bitter fluid that is critical for proper digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine. Artichoke hearts are also an excellent source of fiber, with 100 grams (3.5 oz) of cooked artichoke accounting for a whopping 34% of the daily value for fiber.

5.BONE HEALTH

Earlier we discussed the vitamin K content of artichokes and how it may help to reduce vascular calcification.

Another interesting benefit of vitamin K is the role that it plays in the formation of bones and the general support of ongoing bone health.

Artichokes also contain vitamin C which, as well as being well known for its immune-boosting properties, is also directly involved in the formation of a protein known as collagen. Collagen is essential for the health of our skin, bones, and connective tissues.

Magnesium and potassium are also crucial building blocks of many tissues throughout the body, with magnesium helping to enhance the uptake and absorption of calcium.

This quite clearly suggests further bone and joint health benefits offered by artichokes.

6.BRAIN AND COGNITIVE BENEFITS

Artichokes provide around 12% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K.

This vitamin may offer protection against neuronal damage and degeneration, thereby helping to keep cognitive diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease at bay in elderly individuals. In a study published by the journal Nutrients, researchers found that eating a diet that included more vitamin K was associated with better cognition in elderly people.

7.Fiber

One medium artichoke provides 10.3 g of fiber, or 41 percent of the recommended daily value. The fiber found in artichokes, called inulin, promotes intestinal health by stimulating the growth of good bacteria in the colon. It is also a soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and maintain balanced blood sugar.