Artichoke

What is Artichoke?

As one of the most nutrient-packed vegetables on the planet, artichokes are hugely beneficial to our health. Artichoke has been used traditionally as food and as a medicinal herb for its diuretic and digestive properties.

Since ancient times, the artichoke has been used for liver and gallbladder conditions, 'cleaning' the blood, as well as the bladder. Artichoke is very high in fibre, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and other trace elements important for a balanced system. It is known to positively help

• Poor liver function (thus helping to lower the blood cholesterol),
• Arteriosclerosis, gout, 
• Supports the treatment of hepatitis, 
• Improves the gall secretions,
• Has diuretic properties - useful in kidney disease
• Increases bile flow and lover function - used in connection with cirrhosis
• Helps abdominal pain, heartburn, bloating , and
• Relieves constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting

It can slightly lower the blood sugar, improve the appetite and digestion, is diuretic and may help some migraine conditions (most especially those caused by toxins in the blood). As it helps the body rid itself of excess water and moves toxins it also has the added side effect of improved skin luminosity.

Diabetics who include artichokes in their diet can reap huge rewards from this vegetable because it contains a carbohydrate - in the form of insulin - which is a polysaccharide or starch that is handled by the body differently than other sugars. Thus artichokes are low in calories due to this carbohydrate, plus they are also extremely beneficial to diabetics.

Some researchers have even suggested that artichoke dry extract could be safely recommended to patients with hyperlipoproteinemia and for possible prevention of vascular disease. Artichoke also has powerful antioxidant activity.

Side Effects and Warnings of Artichoke

Even though it is a natural ingredient, Artichoke can have some side effects to some people. You should contact your doctor to ensure that using it is safe for you.

Artichoke leaf appears to be very safe. However, individuals with gall bladder disease should use artichoke only under medical supervision. Its safety in pregnant and lactating women is unknown. People with allergies to artichoke or members of the chrysanthemum family should avoid it.

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