Health Benefits Of Artichokes
October 15th 2008 04:15
Artichokes, the big green buds used in cooking, are an excellent source of dietary magnesium, fibre, Vitamins A and C, folic acid, chromium, potassium, biotin, manganese, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine and a carbohydrate that is in the form of insulin.
As one of the most nutrient-packed vegetables on the planet, artichokes are hugely beneficial to our health. Diabetics who include artichokes in their diet can reap huge rewards from this vegetable because it contains a carbohydrate - in the form of insulin - which is a polysaccharide or starch that is handled by the body differently than other sugars. Thus artichokes are low in calories due to this carbohydrate, plus they are also extremely beneficial to diabetics. Insulin, as we know, improves blood sugar control in diabetes.
Other known health benefits of artichokes include the treatment of many liver diseases via its active ingredients found within the leaves called caffeoylquinic acids, such as cynarin. These compounds are found to have an choleretic effect that promotes the flow of bile and fat to and from the liver and treatment of hepatitis. Artichokes also helps relieve the symptoms of rheumatism, prevent atherosclerosis, alleviate various ailments of the kidneys, and help promote the growth of bifidobacteria within the digestive tract.
When choosing artichokes, the things to look out for are:
- tight leaves
- heavy for its size
- shows a deep green colour and when the leaves are rubbed together with an audible squeaking sound
- in season between March through May although they can be found throughout the year at most markets.
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