The Health Benefits of Eating Artichokes

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The Health Benefits of Eating Artichokes
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health benefits of artichokes, artichoke health benefits
KayaWell Expert

Artichokes are leafy vegetable that grows in temperate climates. They are related to the thistle family and are eaten as part of many different dishes worldwide. In this blog, I will discuss the health benefits of Artichokes, how to include them in your diet, and more.

  • Artichoke Nutrition Facts
  • Artichokes are a delicious and nutritious vegetable. The Artichoke's leaves, stems, and flower buds are edible. But the most popular part is the flower. It’s a nutrient powerhouse with a lot of potassium and vitamin C. They also contain antioxidants and are a great source of fiber. Besides, if you are worried about your weight, you would be happy to know that Artichokes have low calorie and fat counts.
  • So make most of Artichokes Health benefits.  explore all the different types of artichokes out there! And don't forget to pick up some artichokes next time you're in the grocery store!
  • Health Benefits of Artichoke
  • Artichokes are a versatile vegetable with several health benefits. The most notable Artichoke health benefits include:

  •            Blood Pressure Control:
  • You should add Artichokes to your diet if you have blood pressure issues. Artichokes have been shown to lower blood pressure. Though studies are still in their early stages, researchers believe that the high potassium levels in artichokes may contribute to this effect.
  •      Lower Cholesterol Levels:
  • Artichoke extracts are beneficial for lowering and managing healthy cholesterol levels. There are two main ways that artichoke extract impacts cholesterol. First, luteolin, an essential antioxidant in Artichokes, controls cholesterol production. Second, artichoke leaf extract promotes healthy cholesterol in your body.
  •    Boosts Heart Health:
  • Artichokes are rich in antioxidants and fiber. They also contain potassium, vitamins C and K, manganese, and magnesium. These nutrients work in tandem to support heart health in many ways - by reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and more.
  •    Aids Digestive Health:
  • If you're looking for good digestive health, consider eating artichokes. Fiber, abundant in artichokes, promotes a healthy gut, lowers your chance of developing certain bowel tumors, and eases constipation and diarrhea.
  •      Keeps Brain Healthy and Wise:
  • Artichokes are a natural storehouse of vitamin K- your brain's best friend. Although it is well known that this vitamin prevents blood clots, it can also improve brain function, which lowers the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
  •     Protects Against Cancer Risks:
  • Among all vegetables, Artichokes have the highest volume of antioxidants- known for their anti-cancer properties. Protect the body cells against free radicals-often associated with life-threatening cancer tumors, heart disease, and other illnesses.
  •    Ideal for Fatty Liver:
  • Artichokes can enhance liver function for those with fatty liver disease. Despite the small sample size, there is positive evidence that artichoke leaf extract can improve general liver health.
  • Before moving on to the side effects, please keep in mind the research on the health benefits of Artichokes is still ongoing. Hence, it is always safe and wise to consult your health expert before using Artichokes for any of the above benefits, especially if you have an underlying health condition.

  • Side Effects of Eating Raw Artichokes
  • If you're thinking of adding artichokes to your diet, you should also be aware of the potential side effects. While artichokes are generally safe to eat, some people may experience gastrointestinal issues after consuming them.
  • Artichokes contain cynarin, which can act as a diuretic and may cause increased urination. Cynarin can also stimulate the appetite, so eating raw artichokes may lead to overeating.
  • Raw artichokes also contain a type of soluble fiber called inulin. The body can't digest this fiber, which may cause gas and bloat in some people. If you're susceptible to these issues, you may want to cook your artichokes before eating them.
  • Overall, artichokes are a healthy food that most people can enjoy. However, if you experience any adverse effects after eating raw artichokes, you should consult your doctor or dietitian.
  • How to include Artichoke in Your Diet?
  • You are in good luck because Artichokes offer you many options to savor them. You can eat them as part of the main meal or appetizer. They're also a great vegetable to include in your diet because they're low in calories and contain lots of antioxidants. However, store them well to stay fresh and edible for long periods. Remember to store artichokes away from direct sunlight to preserve
  • You're in luck if you're looking for ways to add artichokes to your diet. This versatile vegetable can be used in various dishes, from salads to main courses. Here are some recipes and ideas for using artichokes in your meal plan:
  • ●   Artichoke and Spinach Salad: 
  • Artichokes are great for making healthy sandwiches and salads. Combine chopped artichokes, spinach leaves, diced tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. Dress with your favorite vinaigrette.
  • ●   Artichoke and Chicken Pasta:
  • Boil some spiral pasta. In a separate pan, saute diced chicken breast and garlic. Add canned artichoke hearts (drained and rinsed) and baby spinach leaves. Toss with the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty bread.
  • ●   Roasted Artichokes:
  • Cut fresh artichokes in half. Slice the two halves along their length. Spray some olive oil in a pan. Fry the freshly cut Artichokes. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 20 minutes or until tender. You can either serve it as a main course dish or add them on top of grilled chicken or shrimp.
  • Tips on Preparing and Cooking Artichokes
  • Consider artichokes if you're looking for a delicious and healthy vegetable to add to your meal! Here are some tips on preparing and cooking artichokes so you can enjoy their maximum flavor and nutrition.
      • When selecting artichokes, choose dark green ones and feel heavy for their size. Avoid artichokes that have brown spots or are starting to open up, as they will be less fresh. 
      • To prepare an artichoke, trim the bottom of the stem. cut off the stem, so it's about 2 inches from the base of the vegetable. Next, cut almost 1/4th of the top. This will help it cook evenly. Next, using a spoon, scoop out the Artichoke's fuzzy center. 
      • Once your Artichoke is prepared, you can cook it in many ways. One popular method is to steam the vegetable for about 25 minutes. Many people steam or boil them into blandness. But you can also choose to roast or grill artichokes simply. 
      • For roasting, slice in half, and sprinkle some kosher salt, lemon juice, and olive oil before stuffing with a few crushed garlic cloves. Once oven roasted, you can peel the leaves off and dip them in lemon juice or aioli.
  • Conclusion
  • The health benefits of Artichokes are hard to ignore. Not only are they a good source of antioxidants and fiber, but they also help promote a healthy gut. If you're looking for a delicious way to improve your health, add artichokes to your diet today.
  • Talking about health, we are sure our blogs are helping you stay healthy and fit. However, we can't undermine the importance of regularly consulting a health expert. That's why the Kayawell platform is designed to connect you with top health experts near you quickly and easily. Always keep in mind the age-old adage- Prevention is better than cure. Stay wise, stay healthy always!

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