The Benefits of Artichokes

Artichokes are low in calories,with only 60 calories for one medium cooked globe and fat-free.It is a natural diuretic,a digestive aid,and provides nutrition to health-promoting bacteria in the intestinal tract. Some studies suggest that fresh artichokes help control bloodsugars in diabetics and lower cholesterol levels thus warding off arteriosclerosis. Although artichokes have a high amount of natural sodium, they are still lower than most processed foods, and a real good source of fiber, potassium and magnesium. Some claim an extended period of eating artichokes when in season will result in a cleaning and detoxification of the body.

The ancients considered artichokes to have many benefits. Artichokes, including the leaves, were thought to be anaphrodisiac, adiuretic, a breath freshener and even a deodorant. Decoctions of artichoke leaves have been used as blood cleansers, cholerics, to improve bile production and secretion and to detoxify the liver and the skin.

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LiverBenefits : Current research is showing benefits to the liver from cynarin, a compound found in the artichoke's leaves. Silymarin is another compound found in artichokes that has powerful antioxidant properties and may help the liver regenerate and heal the tissues.
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NutrientRich : Artichokes are nutrient dense, so, for the 25calories in a medium artichoke, you're getting sixteen essential nutrients!
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Artichokes provide the important minerals magnesium, chromium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, iron and calcium. For example, that 25 calorie artichoke provides 6%of the Recommended Daily Value of phosphorus, 10% of magnesium, 8% of manganese,10%of chromium, 5% of potassium, 4% of iron and 2% of calcium and iron.
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Artichokes are low in calories and sodium, have no fat and no cholesterol.
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As a part of a wellbalanced, high- fiber diet, Artichokes can help reduce the risk of certain types of heart disease,cancers and birth defects.

So Enjoy Them. We will be featuring a lot more vegetables and talking about their properties and benefits! Bon Apetit!