Health Benefits of Artichokes: A Small Vegetable That Packs a Powerful Nutritional Punch

Health Benefits of Artichokes: A Small Vegetable That Packs a Powerful Nutritional Punch
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How to Choose Artichokes

Artichokes are usually available year-round, although peak growing season is from March to May. Choose artichokes that are dark green, feel heavy, and have “tight” leaves. If the leaves are open the artichoke is too old.

How to Cook Artichokes

Wash the artichokes and cut one-inch off the tops. Snip off any sharp leaf tips, peel the top layer off the stem and remove the small leaves along the base. Brush the cut edges with lemon juice. Cook covered in a large amount of boiling water for 20 to 30 minutes or until a leaf pulls out easily.

Health Benefits of Artichokes

The highly concentrated amount of antioxidants in artichokes leaves is one of the most important health benefits of artichokes. It can be attributed to improved heart health and the reduction of high cholesterol levels in some people. Artichokes promote healthy liver function and may boost the regeneration of liver cells. The high amount of fiber helps digestion and lessons symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Diseases Artichokes Can Prevent

Artichokes also possess many of key nutrients for preventing many health problems. The high level of potassium can prevent kidney stones. Artichokes can alleviate the symptoms from ulcers and acid reflux disease. Due to its health benefits to the liver, artichokes can help prevent hepatitis. The high level of Vitamin C is a powerful ant-inflammatory. The antioxidants in artichokes can prevent heart disease, the hardening of arteries and cancer.

How to Eat an Artichoke

Eating an artichoke can seem somewhat intimidating at first, but follow these simple steps and you’ll be getting all the health benefits of artichokes in no time.

  1. Start by pulling off the outer petals. Dip in melted butter or your sauce of choice.
  2. Scrape the soft part out of the bottom of the petal with your teeth.
  3. When you are finished with the petals scoop out the fuzzy center, which is the choke and is inedible.
  4. The remaining center is the artichoke heart. Simply cut into bite sized pieces and enjoy.

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