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 )

When considering cauliflower nutrition facts, we can see that this food is low in fat and carbs as well as being high in dietary fiber, additionally folate, moreover water, furthermore Vitamin C and also that is has a reportedly high nutritional density. It is said that this vegetable has various phytochemicals that are frequent in the cabbage family which are said might be useful for human health. These include first of all sulforaphane which is a compound that is released when the vegetable is either chopped or chewed and it might protect against cancer. Moreover, there are other glucosinolates as well as carotenoids and also indole-3-carbinol that is said to both assist with DNA repair and also help to slow the growth of cancer cells.

It should be noted in regard to cauliflower nutrition facts that it is said that boiling can reduce the levels of these compounds that would be present, with about 20 to 30 percent by 5 minutes and additionally 40 to 50 percent by 10 minutes, whilst about 75% at 30 minutes duration. Contrastingly, it can be noted that other methods for instance steaming, as well as microwaving, plus stir frying would not have a major effect for the compounds. It has been said that by ingesting a large amount of cauliflower, that it has been connected to a reduced risk for aggressive cancer of the prostate. Looking briefly at some of the stats for this food, when having 100g of it, this could give 25 calories, 0.28g of fat, 4.97g of carbohydrates, 2g of fiber and also 1.92g of protein.

(reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cauliflower)