You may be wondering what artichokes are and how the contribute to the development of human health. In this article you will learn about what artichokes are generally (how it is made and ate), it's health benefits and also it's side effects.
What are Artichokes?
Artichokes are thistle plants which are cultivated as food, the plant has flower buds which are edible when the flowers grows fully.
Artichokes plants are about 1.4 to 2m tall and has deep, silver, green leaves which are 50 to 82 cm in length. The edible flowers in artichokes plants has a round head shape and is about 8 to 15cm diameter.
Artichokes are mostly found in France, Spain, Italy. U.S and South Africa, artichokes are of many varieties ranging from Green (big), Green (medium size), Purple (big), Purple (medium size) and White.
Nutritional Value Of Artichokes
Artichokes are rich in vitamins ranging from Vitamin A, E, and C. Artichokes also contains sodium, potassium, calories and so on.
The below is a table that explains the nutritional value you will receive per 1 artichokes you consume;
- Calories: 64g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sodium: 0.12g
- Potassium: 0.474g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Sugar: 1.3g
- Vitamin C: 25g
Health Benefits Of Artichokes
Artichokes has several amazing health benefits which are but not limited to; protecting the body from several different types of cancers, reducing cholesterol, boosting the immune system and fighting against diseases like heart attack, atherosclerosis and diabetes.
They also help in removing toxins from the body, sustaining liver and protecting against different digestive issues.
In our next paragraph we will identifiable look at 10 of the best health benefits artichokes does to the human body.
1. Detoxifies the Liver
Artichokes are good supplements for liver detoxification because it contains a good amount of chlorogenic acid and cynarin compound which protects and heals the liver and also helps in removing toxins from the blood. The potassium contents of artichokes also helps in flushing out toxins and reduces bloating.
2. Stabilizes Blood Pressure
Artichokes are very rich in potassium which generally helps in different organs of the body. Potassium neutralizes the effect which sodium causes to the body which is increasing blood pressure. Artichokes can be taken as vasodilator for hypertension patients to prevent potassium's effect.
Diabetes patient's can also eat artichokes to stabilize blood pressure and prevent spikes. A reduce in blood pressure also prevents one from getting heart attacks and coronary disease.
3. Prevents Cancer
Artichokes has been reportedly the vegetable that contains the highest amount of antioxidants according to a report by USDA. The antioxidants contents in artichokes is polyphenol. Polyphenol which contains Chemopreventive properties can help in stopping, slowing down or reversing the flow of cancer. Rutin and Quercetin which are antioxidant properties of artichokes also reduces the effect of producing cancer.
4. Contains Vitamin C
Artichokes are also rich in Vitamin C which reduces the chances of getting health conditions like fibrosis (thickening of connective tissues due to injury) and mucositis (the inflammation of the mucous membrane) and chances of getting breast cancer and prostate cancer.
5. Cures Digestive Issues
Artichokes contains a good amount of dietary fiber which is very beneficial for the digestive system. The fiber contributes to bowel movements and reduces constipation, fiber also reduces chances of getting several stomach cancer such as bloating and stomach discomfort. Fiber is helpful for patients suffering from diarrhea as it helps in reducing excess liquid from the body and also helps in neutralizing excess or bad cholesterol, cleanses the arteries and reduces chances of getting heart diseases.
6. Prevents Birth Defects
Artichokes contains a high level of folic acid which prevents neural birth defects in newborns. With this pregnant women can have healthy and normal children because the neural tube closure needs a good amount of folic acid which artichokes provides.
7. Protects the Cells From Free Radicals
Artichokes which contains antioxidants contents helps in neutralizing the effects of free radicals to prevent them from damaging the healthy cells to gain stability. The compounds found in artichokes prevents oxidative damage and prevents cancer.
8. Improves Skin Health
The antioxidants contents of artichokes helps in preventing the skin from aging and losing appearance, the vitamin contents also contributes to collagen development. It also facilities the formation of newer cells in the skin.
9. Helpful For Weight Loss
The fiber contents of artichokes which helps the general development of the digestive system, prevents diarrhea, constipation, reduces cholesterol and also helps in weight loss.
10. Provides Iron to the Body
Artichokes can give up to 10% of the daily requirements of iron mineral. The mineral iron prevents anemia and iron deficiency. Consuming a good amount of iron also helps in digestive disorders such as Leaky Gut Syndrome and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Side Effects Of Artichokes
We have spoke a lot about some of the important health benefits of artichokes and how the improve general human health. In our next paragraph we will be looking at some of the side effects of artichokes that may come through allergies or over consumption.
1. Diuretic Effects
Artichoke leaf is mainly used in Europe as a medicinal supplement or as diuretic. The leaves are been cooked and eaten as vegetable for the stimulation of kidneys, however be informed that frequent intake of artichoke leaf would lead to frequent urination.
2. Liver and Gallbladder Effects
Gallstones or Gallbladder patients are strictly advised to take artichokes under medical supervision because the artichokes leaf extract can lead to gallbladder contractions. Liver disease patients should also take medical caution while consuming artichokes because it helps stimulating the flow of bile. The flow of bile helps in the digestion of fats and removal of toxins from the body but can negativity affect the liver.
3. Allergic Reactions
Artichokes is a member of Asteraceae family and therefore people allergic to arnica, daisies, chrysanthemums, ragweed or marigolds may also have allergy to artichoke leaf extract because these plants are related to each other.
The signs of the allergic reactions usually includes itching, swelling, swallowing difficulty and breathing trouble. You are advised to contact a health specialists when you start having any of this symptoms after consumption of artichokes.
How To Prepare Artichokes
- Firstly you have to decide if you are cooking one or more artichokes. Either way you will be required to store the artichokes in a refrigerator before making use of them in a recipe.
- Secondly you will need to take out the artichokes from the refrigerator and wash them with cold water.
- Next you cut an inch from the top of the artichoke with a sharp knife.
- You are also required to remove or trim the stem with the knife, also take note that the heart shouldn't be cut because it's part of the artichoke.
- The artichokes can now be cooked with ingredients like lemon juice, parsley, garlic, red pepper and so on depending on your preference.
Conclusion
In this guide we have discussed everything about artichokes ranging from what it is down to it's nutritional value, health benefits and side effects. It is also important to consult your medical personnel before consumption of artichokes if you have certain allergies while consuming it.
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