Artichokes are a top antioxidant-rich vegetable that is high in fiber and low in fat making them an ideal weight loss food. Artichokes are also a natural diuretic which means they are able to help flush the body of edema and reduce bloating and overall water retention. They are a good source of folate, vitamin C, vitamin K, B-complex, potassium, iron, and antioxidants such as anthocyanins, quercertin, rutin, cynarin, luteolin and silymarin.
Silymarin is highly beneficial for the liver and has been shown to regenerate liver tissue making them a great food for those suffering with liver problems or those trying to cleanse and detox the body. Artichokes are an amazing food for the liver and have many undiscovered properties that support liver health.
Artichokes also contain a compound called inulin which provides nutrition to the good health promoting bacteria in the intestinal tract.
This inulin also has been shown to help balance and stabilize blood glucose levels making them an excellent choice for diabetics. Artichokes are also known to aid digestion and improve gallbladder function which makes them good for those suffering with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or other digestive ailments. Artichoke leaves contain compounds that can reduce cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase.
This ability also helps to prevent excessive fatty deposits in the liver and blood which protects the body from arteriosclerosis. Artichoke leaf extract has been shown to kill off cancer cells and protect the liver from oxidative stress. Artichoke leaf extract is readily available in capsule form and can be found online or at your local health food store.
Fresh steamed artichokes have a rich, nutty flavor that make them a delicious, satisfying, and guilt-free food. Try steaming 4-6 artichokes for 45min-1hr. Once cooled, the leaves can be peeled off and the heart can be scooped out. Place each portion in a ziploc bag and store in the fridge. This way you can have a healthy, nutritious, and low fat snack ready to eat right out of the fridge and on the go for you and your family all week long.
Artichoke Healthy Recipes: Leek and Artichoke Soup
Procedures:
- Prepare the artichokes by breaking off the tough outer leaves. Cut off the top two-thirds of the remaining inner leaves. Cut in quarters, remove the chokes and dice the trimmed hearts into small pieces.
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the prepared leeks, artichokes, garlic, potato, lettuce, parsley and mint leaves. Add some salt for seasoning and 1/2 cup of water, stirring constantly until all the vegetables have softened — about five minutes.
- Add the fresh peas and remaining water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Add salt to taste. Puree soup for a smoother texture if desired. Spoon into bowls and garnish with parmesan cheese.
Ingredients: |
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2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced |
1 tablespoon coconut oil |
2 artichokes |
2 leeks, washed and sliced (white part only) |
1 potato, quartered and thinly sliced |
6 lettuce leaves, sliced into 1/4 inch strips |
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped |
2 mint leaves, chopped |
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste |
5 1/2 cups of water |
1 pound fresh peas, washed |
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated |