Artichoke

The artichoke is a medicinal plant that has several benefits, being able to lower cholesterol, help in weight loss, fight anemia, fight gases and regulate blood sugar levels.

Its name is Cynara scolymus, and the artichoke is a plant rich in fibers, flavonoids, and antioxidants, which provides minerals such as sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium and calcium and vitamins such as C, A, and folic acid. This plant can be purchased at natural products stores, supermarkets, and municipal markets.

What is it for

The artichoke provides various benefits for the body because it has diuretic, anti-inflammatory, purifying, laxative, hypotensive, digestive, hypoglycemic, antipyretic and antirheumatic properties.

Thanks to the properties of the artichoke, it is used to treat gastrointestinal problems such as excess gas, nausea, and vomiting, diseases such as anemia, atherosclerosis, diabetes, heart disease, hypercholesterolemia, fever, gout, hemorrhoids, rheumatism, kidney problems, hives, and hemorrhoids.

Also, this natural plant is widely used by people who want to lose weight, what happens is that it is rich in fibers that help increase the feeling of satiety and regulate blood sugar, as well as lower cholesterol, which is Together with a balanced diet and physical activity, it promotes weight loss.

Nutritional Information

The table below shows the nutritional information provided by 100 grams of artichoke:


Components               Quantity per 100 g

Energy                          47 calories
Water                          84.94 g
Protein                          3.27 g
Fat                                  0.15 g
Carbohydrates                  10.51 g
Fibers                          5, 4 g
Vitamin C                  11.7 mg
Folic acid                  42 mcg
Vitamin A                  13 IU
Magnesium                  60 mg
Potassium                  370 mg
Sodium                          94 mg
Calcium                          44 mg
Iron                                  1.28 mg


How to use the Artichoke

The artichoke can be consumed naturally in a raw or cooked salad, tea can also be prepared or consumed in industrialized capsules.

1. Artichoke tea

Artichoke tea is a great diuretic that helps cleanse the body, eliminating toxins & excess fluid accumulated in the urine.

Ingredients

• 2 to 4 g of artichoke leaves;
• 1 cup of boiling water.

Preparation Mode

 you must place the leaves in the cup of boiling water. Let stand for 5 minutes, strain and drink.

2. Gratin artichoke

Another way to consume this medicinal plant & take advantage of all its benefits is to prepare the baked au gratin artichoke.

Ingredients

• 2 artichoke flowers;
• 1 can of milk cream (optional);
• 2 tablespoons grated cheese

Preparation Mode

To prepare the au gratin artichoke, simply place all sliced ingredients on a tray and season with salt and pepper. Finally, you should add the cream and grated cheese. Bake at 220 ° C until golden brown. For those who wish to lose weight, they can substitute the cream with a little olive oil and place the grated cheese on top.

3. Artichoke Capsules

The way of using the artichoke can vary from one manufacturer to another and must be consumed following the indications of the product and under the guidance of a nutritionist or doctor. Usually, the normal dose is 1 capsule before each main meal together with a little water.

Contraindications

The artichoke should not be consumed by people who have bile duct obstruction. Nor should it be consumed during pregnancy & breastfeeding, by children under 12 years of age & in cases of allergy to this plant.

People with hypertension or heart disease should consult a doctor before ingesting it.