Medicinal Uses for Artichokes You Should Know About
Who doesn’t enjoy a plate of boiled artichokes with a little vinegar and olive oil? Delicious! Not only are they flavorful, but also these vegetables carry a lot of health benefits. You should certainly be aware of them. Therefore, let’s take a look at some of the great medicinal uses for artichokes. Read on!
Medicinal Properties of Artichokes
The artichoke is a truly medicinal plant. Without a doubt, it should be on every family’s table. However, some people, not knowing how to prepare it, avoid it.
It’s a shame because artichokes are available worldwide. Equally important is that there are a lot of medicinal uses for artichokes they could take advantage of.
1. They’re Healthy for the Liver
It’s a well known fact that the medicinal uses for artichokes involve the liver.
Artichokes speed liver recovery. In other words, they help to regenerate this vital organ. Not only do they regenerate sick cells, but also they promote bile production.
Besides, they may help liver problems. For example, they may be very good for treating hepatitis, cirrhosis and poor liver function. An infusion is a fantastic way to experience all their benefits.
How do you make it? Just cook an artichoke in a liter of boiling water until tender. Add the juice of half a lemon. Drink this infusion after meals. It’s pretty easy, don’t you think?
Now, keep reading because we have many more medicinal uses for artichokes to share with you!
This article may also interest you: Improve Your Liver Health with a Simple Remedy: Boldo
2. They Help You Lose Weight
Artichokes are excellent for helping burn fat. They have diuretic and purifying properties. Therefore, they help you eliminate harmful substances from your body. Drink the same infusion daily as described for the liver above. Remember to eat a healthy diet too.
3. They’re Good for the Heart
Regularly consuming artichokes purifies the blood. They’re perfect for reducing bad cholesterol and triglycerides. In other words, they’re excellent for your heart! What’s more, they can even lower blood sugar levels. Therefore, they’re perfect for those with diabetes.
You should also read: How to Use Bay Leaves to Treat Diabetes
4. They Boost Metabolism and Digestion
Artichokes are high in fiber and have wonderful purifying properties. For this reason, they’re great for promoting good digestion.
On days when you feel heavy, have lost your appetite or suffer from constipation, don’t hesitate to boil up some artichokes. Alternatively, just steam a few. They treat intestinal inflammation and regulate the metabolism. Moreover, they reinforce the immune system.
5. They Give You Energy
Do you know how many vitamins are in an artichoke? This vegetable is a treasure trove of vitamins A and B6. It’s also full of minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium and iron. All these minerals are necessary to turn carbohydrates into energy your body can use.
6. They’re Great for the Gallbladder
Sometimes the gallbladder doesn’t work properly. As a result, digestion slows and there’s more risk of developing gallstones.
Nonetheless, you can treat gallstones naturally. All you have to do is prepare an infusion of 5 dried artichoke leaves. Then add a few drops of lemon juice. Drink it after lunch.
Some people combine artichokes with boldo. This way, they increase its medicinal effects.
7. They Reduce Uric Acid Levels
When you suffer from high uric acid levels, crystals accumulate in your blood. This buildup can block veins and arteries, thus producing pain. Uric acid is produced from foods high in purines. All meats contain these compounds.
You should regularly consume artichokes in crisp salads or as delicious steamed vegetables. This way, you’ll gradually reduce uric acid and problems associated with gout.
8. They’re Excellent for Treating Headaches
According to experts, some types of headaches are caused by liver problems. If your liver isn’t working properly, is full of toxins or is storing more fat than it should, you can experience symptoms of malaise. You can also have headaches. In this case, don’t hesitate to start consuming more artichokes. They may be especially beneficial if you use them in infusions.
In conclusion, we can’t help but recommend consuming artichokes. Do so at least two or three times a week. There are a lot of original ways to prepare them. For example, you can use them in a vinaigrette with shrimp, with whole grain rice or with beans and lentils (foods full of protein for the entire family).
Just keep in mind that artichokes do contain a lot of sodium. Therefore, if you’re on a low-sodium diet, you’ll want to moderate your intake.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article on the medicinal uses for artichokes!
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Bahmani, M., Tajeddini, P., Ezatpour, B., Rafieian-Kopaei, M., Naghdi, N., & Asadi-Samani, M. (2016). Ethenobothanical study of medicinal plants against parasites detected in Shiraz, southern part of Iran. Der Pharmacia Lettre.
- Pelt, J. M. (1979). Medicine’s green revolution. The Unesco Courier.