I am a strong believer in eating with the season. If you are too checkout our Meal Plan on www.cookinglessonsfromhome.com
Right now Artichokes are in season, and its strange but I have been craving them lately!!! Thankfully artichokes are good for your body. There are many ways to reap the amazing health benefits of artichokes.
How to prepare an artichoke.
Steaming, or braising, so that the entire thing, stem and all, can be consumed.
High in Antioxidants
A study done by the USDA found that artichokes have more antioxidants than any other vegetable and they ranked seventh in a study of the antioxidant levels of 1,000 different foods.
Cancer Prevention and Treatment
An Italian study found that a diet rich in the flavanoids present in artichokes reduces the risk of breast cancer.
Good for the Liver
Studies have found they may even regenerate liver tissue. Artichokes have long been used in folk and alternative medicine as a treatment for liver ailments and the scientific studies are now proving them to be correct.
Better Digestion
Artichokes help the digestive system. They are a natural diuretic, they aid digestion, improve gallbladder function and, as mentioned above, they are of great benefit to the liver.
Hangover Treatment
Thanks to their positive effects on the liver, many people swear by artichokes as a hangover treatment. Instead of the hair of the dog, try the leaves of an artichoke.
Cholesterol Reduction
Ingredients in artichoke leaves have been shown to reduce cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase. They raise good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL).
High in Fiber
One large artichoke contains a quarter of the recommended daily intake of fiber. A medium artichoke has more fiber than a cup of prunes.
Adapted from Health Diaries.com
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