Artichoke-Health benefits

Artichoke have long been valued as a digestive aid and in fact are one of the oldest medicinal plants known to man with reference to it's remedial effects dating back as far as 4 B.C. The Greeks and Romans both valued the artichoke highly for it's ability to aid digestion after a heavy night banqueting!

As has been the case with so many old remedies recent scientific evidence has now been found to support these claims. Antioxidants present in this remarkable plant actively encourage the production of bile which in turn promotes the digestion of fat and helps to protect the sensitive linings of the intestinal tract. These increased levels of bile enter the duodenum thus stimulating intestinal peristalsis and improving digestion.This increased fat metabolism also has the added benefit of assisting with weight loss.

Other ways in which artichokes can help to detoxify the body are due to their restorative and stimulative effect upon the liver. One of the livers main functions is the metabolic transformation of nutrients and the detoxification of poisonous substances, particularly prevalent when we have been over indulging!A poorly functioning liver cannot do it's job properly which results in poorly assimilated nutrients and increased levels of blood toxins, all of which help to explain that morning after syndrome.

Nutrition:

Artichokes contain the chemical, cynarin, which researchers are finding benefits the liver. Silymarin is another compound found in artichokes that has powerful anti-oxidant properties. A medium artichoke has 25 calories and provides phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, chromium, potassium, iron and calcium. They are also a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and folate. They are low in sodium and have no fat or cholesterol. They can help reduce the risk of many kinds of heart disease, cancer and birth defects.

Artichokes-Health benefits:

Globe Artichoke is a perennial herb which is native to Mediterranean countries.

Artichoke is a rich source of folate and potassium.

Artichoke contains the beneficial health substances:

-Cynarin -Cynaropicrin - Cynaroside -Luteolin

Apart from protecting the liver from alcohol damage, research has found that these substances, which are found in the artichokes leaves, have the following health benefits:

- Lowers cholesterol - Improves digestion by stimulating both digestion and appetite - Helps with gallstone disease by helping with bile flow - Diuretic

How Does Artichoke Help With Alcohol Damage?

Artichoke is closely related to milk thistle, which is well known for its ability to reverse the affects of alcohol damage.

Artichoke also has similar properties for helping the liver to recovery from alcohol damage, just like milk thistle.

The properties in artichoke are very good at protecting liver