When considering the health benefits of artichokes, we can see that this food’s edible portion is said to be the flesh lower areas and also the base which is called the “heart”. It is also said that the immature florets in the middle of its bud is known as the “choke” or also “beard” – these are said to be inedible in older and larger flowers. The methods of eating artichokes for processing the food can include boiling or steaming. Looking at the nutritional content of this food, for 128 g which would reportedly equate to 1 medium artichoke, we are informed that it would give 60 calories, fat at 0.19 grammes, carbohydrates at 13.45 grammes, fiber at 6.9 grammes and finally protein at 4.19 grammes.
It is reported that the antioxidant capability of artichoke flower heads gives one of the largest amounts for vegetables. It is said that cynarin which is an active chemical that is constituted in Cynara has a result that can cause an increase in bile flow. It is further reported that the most of cynarin that is present in artichokes is positioned in the leaves’ pulp. However, it is also said that leaves that are dried and stems can also possess it. It is said that it provides inhibition to taste receptors thus causing water and also different foods and drinks to seem sweet in taste.
Looking furthermore at the health benefits of artichokes, it is claimed that this vegetable which is diuretic has nutritional benefit due to its aid in digesting and also it is said to strengthen liver and also gall bladder function. It is also reported to raise the ratio of HDL/LDL. This is said to reduce cholesterol amounts and this in turn is asserted to lower the danger of arteriosclerosis and also having coronary heart disease. Moreover, it is said that aqueous extracts of leaves of artichokes can lower cholesterol by having an inhibiting effect as regards inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase and also that it can have a hypolipidemic effect thus having the influence of reducing blood cholesterol. This vegetable is said to have the two bioactive agents that are known as firstly apigenin and secondly luteolin. It is reported that C. scolymusalso can have a bifidogenic influence for helpful gut bacteria. It has also been asserted that the leaf extract of artichokes has been useful for those patients having functional dyspepsia and that it may also help to ameliorate the symptoms as regards IBS.
(reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globe_artichoke )
