Are artichokes good for your liver?
Health and nutritional benefits of artichokes includes its proven capabilities to regenerate and detoxify the liver. Artichoke extract contains powerful components that supports digestive function, promotes fat digestion and bile flow. It contains flavonoids as apigenin and luteolin that supports the vascular system, work as anti-inflammatory agent, and eradicates the free radicals. The most important function is to improve the liver health, detoxify the body, and gives protection against atherosclerosis, stroke, heart attack and diabetes. Artichokes nutritional benefits help improve digestive problems like indigestion, diarrhea, IBS, heartburn and constipation. This little unusual plant reduces BP, bad cholesterol, stimulate urination and eliminate hangover. It contains the compounds silymarin and cynarin that promotes the liver health by reducing toxins and assisting with its removal from the body and liver. This is a powerful antioxidant with liver regenerating properties and it helps to treat chronic diseases and disorders related to this organ. Multiple studies have confirmed the liver protective, lipid lowering, and bile enhancing effects of artichoke.
Are canned artichokes as good for you as fresh?
There are over 100 varieties so that you can take your pick for nutritional benefits of artichokes. The sizes vary from huge to baby and from purple to dark green, with shapes ranging from oval cylinders, to long and large spheres. You have to remove the thorny points present on the leaves of fresh artichoke before eating. When purchasing the fresh ones, avoid those with split leaves or brown spots. Instead, choose the firm ones with tight packing of the leaves so that it feels heavier than its size. Store the fresh product in plastic bag and it remains in good shape for five days. For the best results, do not wash until before cooking. The time between March and May is ideal time to buy the fresh artichoke with firm, heavy, compact appearance with bright green leaf without any dryness.
When purchasing the canned products, note down its sodium content and make sure to rinse it to remove excess salt prior to use. This means that canned artichokes are as good for you as the fresh ones provided you prepare them right.
Can you eat too many artichokes?
You can get the best artichokes nutritional benefits when consumed in amounts that you use in foods. In sensitive people, consuming this might lead to problems as diarrhea, gas and upset stomach. It makes sense to test for allergic reaction for optimal safety.
