Health Benefits of Artichokes
- Introduction of Artichokes
Artichokes are a type of thistle, often considered a vegetable. It is originated in Mediterranean. It is flower bud of a thistle plant in sunflower family. For centuries, it has been used for its medicinal and potential properties. They are delicious, fun to eat and easy to prepare. They are also an underrated superfood. They are among the most beautiful vegetables on Earth. For health conscious eaters, they remain a bit of mystery. Within US, artichokes do not even make the list of 20 commonly sold veggies. From 1980s through mid 2000s, its consumption has remained unchanged.
Artichokes extract contains high level of compounds which are found in plant. As a supplement, it is also increasingly popular. Before blooms, the part of artichoke is actually the bud of flower. The artichoke becomes a single purple blossom after blooming. Before they get to that point, most artichokes are harvested for food. Artichokes that we find at grocery stores are covered with spiky leaves. They have a tender texture when steamed. It has earthy taste that makes them to able to an excellent addition to sauces and dips. It is also a perfect stand alone snack. When the plant is in season, fresh artichoke is commonly found between the February and June or September and December. Its alleged health benefits include improved digestion, lower blood sugar level, liver health as well as heart health.
- Etymology of Artichokes
The term artichokes is derived from the opposite side of the Mediterranean from Arab Occupied Spain (Greece). The western Arabic word for artichoke there is Al-Karsufa. Al-Karsufa name turned into the Spanish word “Alcarchofa”. After that Artichokes got turned into Articiocco to worm its way to Northern Italy.
- Origin of Artichokes
The artichokes are native to central Mediterranean and western Mediterranean. In ancient times, it was carried and domesticated to the eastern Mediterranean. Rather than the immature flower heads, it was valued for its young leaves.
- History of Artichokes
Historians believed that, beginning about 800 A.D., artichokes were cultivated by North African Moors. Another Arab group (the Saracens) introduced Artichokes to Italy. In Italy around 1400, the flower form was first recorded. It is today cultivated in the America, in Mediterranean countries as well as other regions with essential humid climate, rich soil and also mild climate.
- Nutritional Information of Artichokes
Artichokes have many nutrients, which are beneficial for our health. One medium artichoke has following nutrients.
- 4g Protein
- Less than 1g Fat
- 120mg Sodium
- 60 Calories
- 13g Carbohydrates
- Health Benefits of Artichokes
Artichokes have many health benefits, which are described below in detailed manner.
- Lowering Blood Pressure
Artichokes play an important role in lowering the blood pressure. They are naturally high in nitrates. Nitrate is turned into the oxide in the body. By causing the blood vessels to widen and relax, Nitrates lowers the blood pressure.
- Lower Cholesterol Level
Artichokes play an important role in lowering cholesterol level. It is said that they are the artichokes leaf which play an important role to lower the cholesterol level. Further studies may be needed to find out the evidence in this area to find authentic and reliable results.
- Improve Liver Health
Artichokes may improve liver health. Small studies have show that consumption of artichokes may improve our liver health. Further studies may be needed to find out the evidence in this area to find authentic and reliable results.
- May Help to Prevent Birth Defects
Artichokes may help pregnant women to have normally formed and healthy children. Folate, which is presented in artichokes, may help to prevent neural tube defects. The closure process of neural tube requires a large amount of folate to occur properly. For this purpose, folic acid is considered to as an essential part or pregnancy diet.
- Strengthen the Immune System
Artichokes help to strengthen the immune system. It regulates blood sugar which is very beneficial for people suffering from diabetes. It also protects the body against various chronic diseases. It stimulates bowel movements which help to relieve from constipation. It also improves human microbiota.
- May Help In Smoother Bowel Movements
Fiber is the most beneficial nutritional staples of artichokes which help to improve the function of our digestive system and also improving our health. Fiber adds bulks to the food we eat. It may help to decrease the symptoms of constipation as well as also help to keep our bowel movements regular.
- Enhance Bone Health
Artichoke has the ability to enhance our body health. Low intake of the Vitamin is associated with high risk of bone fracture. Artichoke has the nutrient of Vitamins and minerals, which are useful for bone health in many ways. As it improves calcium absorption as well as reduce the urinary excretion of calcium which showed that more calcium in our body can strengthen and rebuild our bones in healthy way.
- May Boost Metabolism
Artichokes may boost metabolism. Magnesium and manganese may be essential parts of the body metabolic processes. Artichokes has great amount of magnesium and manganese. They are important to boost metabolism. Through the manganese and magnesium, artichokes may boost the metabolism in an effective manner.
- May Improve Brain Function
Artichokes may improve the brain function in many ways. Phosphorus found in artichokes, is an essential mineral which play an important role to prevent brain cells from damage. Phosphorus deficiency has been associated with serious decline in cognitive ability. Eating artichokes may improve brain function to intake phosphorus through artichokes.
Summary
To sum up, it can be concluded that, Artichokes are rich in fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins and low in fat. They particularly supply important minerals, which include phosphorus, iron, magnesium and potassium. They are also high in folate and vitamin K and Vitamin C. It can also conclude that, artichokes play an important role to improve our brain function as well as boost our metabolism. That is why it is said that, artichokes have many benefits for our health.
