In cold places, a delicious vegetable known as artichoke is harvested , which has great health benefits. Some specialists affirm that it has miraculous virtues, since it helps to cure various diseases.
Likewise, this vegetable is used for home remedies and also as the main ingredient of naturopathic drugs. It can prevent colon cancer, contains therapeutic virtues and controls metabolism.
For all these reasons, in this article you will be able to learn in depth the properties and benefits of the artichoke, in order to use it in our daily lives.
What is the artichoke?
The artichoke comes from a plant of African origin called artichoke ( cynara scolymus ), which spread throughout the eastern Mediterranean and Europe, due to its cold climate. It is related to thistles, because it is robust and has leaves in the form of rosettes , from which the fruit is born.
It is said that in the Middle Ages the artichoke was unknown. Some theories express that horticulturists were transforming the thistle crops, resulting in the artichoke.
Important: An investigation carried out at the National University of Mayor San Marcos of Peru, gave as a result that the artichoke is a food that can be processed into pastes, pickles, flours and creams. Due to its high nutritional content and medicinal value l. (1)
What benefits does the artichoke have for health?
It is necessary to take care of our health with healthy foods that help improve the functioning of the body, such as the artichoke that has many virtues that increase the vitality of the body , some of which are the following:
1. Reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels
The artichoke has few calories, its fat content is almost zero. Therefore, it is ideal for controlling cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thanks to its high water content. Health professionals recommend it for hyperlipidemia treatments (State of the organism that shows that there are too many fats in the body).
Note: This vegetable has vitamin C, iron, chlorogenic and cynarin that reduce the absorption of fats in digestion.
2. Lowers blood sugar
It is a privileged food for those patients with type 2 diabetes or who suffer from sugar imbalances. It has antioxidants and chlorogenic acid that control blood sugar. In addition, it contains insulin that helps regulate fructose and sugars.
Fun fact: The artichoke offers nutrients that help intestinal bacteria to dispose of excess glucose.
3. Supports liver and kidney health
The artichoke helps purify the bloodstream of uric acid. Increases the production of bile, allowing to control the functioning of the liver and gallbladder. Reduces cholesterol in the hepatic artery and the accumulation of triglycerides. It also decreases cell inflammation and the obtaining of fibrous fat.
It also prevents the filtration of carbon tetrachloride into the body and is ideal for people suffering from hepatitis and dropsy (clinical sign that reflects fluid retention in the body).
4. Eliminate fluid retention
The artichoke favors the elimination of liquids . This is because it has a high percentage of hydroxycinnamic acid , which is responsible for removing toxins from the kidneys and purifying cells. Its principles of bitter content make it have a diuretic effect.
Note: Contains cynaropicrin which is an anti- inflammatory compound that helps relieve ailments and expel toxins through urine. In addition, artichoke leaves have luteolin and caffeic acid that increase the production of white blood cells.
5. Promotes gastrointestinal function
The artichoke has great benefits for the digestive system . It is rich in fiber, which ensures that intestinal transit can function normally. It also prevents constipation, gas, vomiting and acute diarrhea.
To highlight: The heart of the artichoke increases the production of electrolytes, which allow the breakdown of fatty acids in the stomach, allowing the process of metabolizing food to be healthier.
6. Increase energy
The artichoke is rich in vitamins A and B, also in calcium, phosphorus and magnesium . It is recommended to consume in the morning, since it is a stimulant that reduces sleepiness, fatigue and tiredness.
Important: A study at the Catholic University of Peru , determined that the artichoke has little oxidation activity with large phenolic compounds 200 mg have an antioxidant contribution of 47 mg of gallic acid. (two)
7. Promotes weight loss
It is an extraordinary food for those who want to lose weight. It only has 1% fat, so it can be included in the daily diet. It is safe to eat large amounts of artichoke, without fear of gaining weight.
Note: The artichoke increases the ability to burn fat, due to its content of vitamin C and calcium. It also has a diuretic effect that helps the rapid elimination of feces and urine. It also gives a feeling of satiety when eating it.
8. Fight food allergies
Its detoxifying benefits disappear dermatitis and chronic skin diseases. It has antioxidants that slow down the aging of the dermis and increase the formation of free radicals. In addition, it has collagen that helps the elasticity of the skin and prevents the appearance of allergies due to sun exposure.
Note: Due to its diuretic effect, it purifies the digestive system and prevents the appearance of rashes, diarrhea, itching and reddening of the skin.
What are the properties of the artichoke?
The artichoke has a high content of micronutrients, which allow the proper functioning of the human organism. Here we show you the properties of this vegetable:
1. Vitamins
In 100 grams of artichoke there are 260,160 mg of vitamins A, B and C, respectively. This is a vegetable with great nutritional value that benefits the digestive, blood and heart systems.
2. Minerals
In the artichoke there are minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and calcium, which protect the skin from the sun’s rays, prevent inflammation and control the nervous system. It is also an ideal food to combat anemia.
How do you take the artichoke?
The artichoke contains medicinal properties that cure different conditions in the body. It has a taste between bitter and sweet that allows you to prepare it in different ways and enjoy its benefits.
One of the ways to consume the artichoke is through infusion, which is ideal for those who want to detoxify their body. It is made with fresh or dry leaves and it is customary to take it in the morning or just before going to sleep.
Ingredients
- artichoke leaves
- Hot water
Preparation and consumption
- Wash the artichoke leaves.
- Put them in a cup with hot water and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Strain the leaves and keep the liquid. It is taken hot.
Key Findings
- The artichoke helps prevent and control various diseases.
- It is a carbohydrate with a high fiber and water content.
- The leaves and the heart of the vegetable can be consumed .
- The artichoke is cultivated in places with low temperatures.
- It has a diuretic effect.
- It is recommended to avoid its consumption in children , due to its bitter taste.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.