Artichoke: beneficial properties and contraindications

Artichoke is an exotic vegetable that is quite rarely found on the everyday table. But it is interesting to understand the benefits and harms of the product, since the medicinal properties of artichoke are very diverse.

What are artichokes and what do they look like?

From a botanical point of view, the product belongs to the Astrov family; it is an annual plant with large scaly buds. If you look at a photo of an artichoke during the flowering period, it will look like an ordinary thistle, but much larger in size. The edible part of the plant is its unopened bud, which looks like a large green pine cone or hop. The size of the buds of an exotic plant can vary greatly - from the size of a walnut to a large orange.

In everyday life, the artichoke is often called a vegetable, since it is actively consumed in food. But in fact, the buds belong to an edible flower. The artichoke's habitat is considered to be the Mediterranean and other warm regions; it grows mainly in Spain, Greece, Italy, France and America. The world's suppliers of buds are Spain and France.

Composition of artichoke

The medicinal properties of artichoke are determined by the composition of this plant - it contains many substances valuable for health. The buds contain the following components:

• sodium and potassium;
• phosphorus and calcium;
• magnesium;
• a large amount of vitamin C;
• vitamins B3 and K;
• beta-carotene;
• tannins and pectins;
• organic acids;
• substance inulin;
• pyridoxine and folic acid;
• starch and niacin.

The nutritional value of buds is represented mainly by carbohydrates; the plant contains about 10 g of them. Proteins occupy 3 g of the total volume, and fat accounts for only 0.15 g.

What does an artichoke taste like?

The taste of the buds is quite unusual. Some compare it to boiled cabbage or asparagus, others find a zucchini flavor. However, most people agree that the buds have a distinct walnut and grassy flavor.

Which artichoke is better

There are quite a few types of useful plants in nature. But only 2 of them are used for food - the seed, or Spanish, artichoke, and the prickly, or French, artichoke.

In addition, there are different categories of edible buds based on size. Large ones can reach the size of a large orange, and are processed mainly by boiling. Small artichokes rarely exceed the size of a chicken egg; they are usually canned or cut into salads. Which variety is better depends on the individual preferences and goals of the buyer.

What are the benefits of artichoke

The buds are valued not only for its unusual taste, but also for its numerous beneficial properties. If you eat the artichoke at least from time to time, the buds:

• will relieve symptoms of vitamin deficiency and fill the body with valuable vitamins and minerals;
• regulate bowel function, solve the problem of constipation and promote weight loss;
• will help get rid of swelling - the buds have diuretic properties and quickly remove excess fluids and toxins from the tissues;
• will support liver health - the hepatoprotective properties of buds are widely known in official and folk medicine; consuming them is very useful when there is increased stress on the liver;
• will be able to relieve symptoms of flatulence;
• will improve the condition of colds and various inflammatory processes.

With the help of buds, you can carry out a gentle and quick cleansing of the body; it is not without reason that they are recommended for use in case of hangover and food poisoning.

Benefits of artichoke leaves

In folk medicine, not only the receptacle of an unusual plant is used, but also its leaves. They contain no less valuable substances than the edible part of the buds, so the leaves also have pronounced healing properties. Based on them, it is customary to brew teas and infusions, which have the following beneficial effects on the body:

• increase muscle tone and increase energy reserves;
• help well with inflammatory processes of the genitourinary tract and kidneys;
• improve the functioning of the intestines and gallbladder;
• promote faster breakdown and absorption of food;
• reduce blood glucose levels and have a beneficial effect on diabetes.

Products based on artichoke leaves are actively used in dietetics and cosmetology, as they improve skin condition and promote rapid weight loss.

What are the benefits of artichoke extract?

A popular dietary supplement is an extract from edible buds; it is a concentrated extract of a beneficial flower. You can purchase it in most pharmacies, and artichoke preparations are sold both in liquid form and in the form of tablets and powders.

Methods of using the drug depend on its form and are described in detail in the instructions. The benefit of the hood is that it helps with liver failures and bile outflow disorders. It is also prescribed to level cholesterol levels, to cleanse the body and restore intestinal function after serious poisoning.

Health benefits of artichoke juice

The juice of fresh buds contains a large amount of flavonoids, antioxidants and vitamins, and therefore has powerful medicinal and cosmetic properties.

Drinking artichoke juice is especially recommended for people who are forced to constantly live in poor environmental conditions. The product will benefit smokers and people with problems with alcohol; the valuable properties of the juice appear when potency in men weakens.

The benefits of canned artichoke

The buds do not retain their freshness for long, so it is much more common to find canned artichokes on sale with an extended shelf life. These buds contain organic acids and folic acid, B vitamins and polyphenols, fiber and calcium.

Canned buds are beneficial for the musculoskeletal system and help prevent the development of joint diseases. They also strengthen vision, normalize digestion and have a comprehensive rejuvenating effect on the body. Due to their high oil and fiber content, they should be consumed in small quantities, but canned buds will provide undoubted health benefits as part of side dishes, stews and salads.

What does artichoke cure?

Indications for the use of artichoke cover many ailments. There are dozens of recipes recommending the use of both herbal remedies and the artichoke as a culinary dish; in both cases, the buds will have a healing effect.

Artichoke for the liver

To treat and cleanse the liver of toxins, the leaves of the plant are most often used; healing infusions are prepared on their basis. For example, this recipe is popular:

• dry leaves are crushed in the amount of 2 small spoons;
• pour the raw material with a glass of hot water;
• keep covered for 10 minutes and then filter.

You need to drink the product three times a day on an empty stomach, half a glass.

Reviews about artichoke for the liver suggest another useful remedy - an alcohol tincture. In this case, 50 g of dry leaves should be poured with a glass of alcohol and left to infuse for 2 weeks. The finished tincture is consumed three times a day, 2 large spoons of the product should be diluted in 100 ml of water and drunk on an empty stomach.

Artichoke for swelling

The diuretic properties of the buds and leaves are respected. They contain potassium, which helps remove excess water, as well as the substance inulin, which absorbs excess liquid, toxins and waste.

To get rid of swelling, you can regularly eat the buds as part of your daily meals. If you need to fix the problem urgently, you can drink a simple infusion on the leaves for several days - half a glass three times a day. To prepare such a drink, you need to brew 2 small spoons of dried leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes.

Artichoke for diabetes

Artichoke vitamins and other valuable substances in its composition help lower glucose levels. In the treatment of diabetes, buds are used in the following ways:

• consume 200 g of boiled buds every 3 days as part of regular food;
• Take a medicinal infusion every day - 200 g of the product should be poured into a liter of boiling water, leave for an hour, and then drink 100 ml three times a day.

It is recommended to continue treatment with edible buds for no longer than 3 months. If desired, the course can be repeated, but before doing so you must take a break for at least a month.

Artichoke for gout

Since the buds remove not only waste and toxins from the body, but also harmful salt deposits, their properties are in demand in the treatment of gout. Traditional medicine offers the following recipes:

• 200 g of fresh buds along with leaves are ground in a meat grinder, mixed with 3 cloves of garlic and 20 g of honey, and then taken twice a day in a large spoon for 3 months;
• 500 g of buds are boiled for a quarter of an hour in 3 liters of water, then the softened buds are crushed and mixed with chopped burdock leaves, and then applied as a compress to the sore joint for half an hour.

Also, the remaining broth can be used to add to medicinal baths, which can be taken once a week for 2 months.

Artichoke for kidneys

Diuretic artichoke helps improve kidney function and stop inflammatory processes. To prepare the remedy, you need to pour boiling water over 2 small spoons of dry leaves, let them sit for 10 minutes and filter. Drink this infusion in the amount of half a glass three times a day; it is better to take the product on an empty stomach.

Artichoke for the gallbladder

Artichoke is a fast-acting choleretic agent, so it is recommended to use it if there is difficulty in the outflow of bile. About 2 small spoons of dried plant leaves should be poured with 300 ml of hot water and kept covered for 20 minutes. The strained product is drunk twice a day; if desired, the drink can be diluted with honey to improve the taste.

Artichoke for cholesterol

The buds have a beneficial effect on blood vessels and reduce the level of bad cholesterol. For medicinal purposes, it is recommended to consume boiled receptacles at least once a week. In addition, you can take the tincture:

• 250 g of fresh leaves are kneaded;
• pour a liter of vodka over the raw materials;
• remove to infuse for 10 days, and then filter.

It is recommended to drink a large spoon twice a day.

Artichoke for endometriosis

A disease called endometriosis often occurs in women suffering from hormonal imbalances. In this situation, the cleansing properties of the edible plant come to the rescue; the buds remove excess hormones from the body and improve the functioning of the reproductive system.

For endometriosis, the buds are useful to eat, but you can also take an extract of a medicinal plant. You can purchase the extract at a pharmacy; the instructions for taking it are described. On average, the drug is used for a month in small volumes.

Artichoke for the pancreas

During periods of exacerbation of pancreatic ailments, for example, with pancreatitis, it is not recommended to take buds in any form. They will have an irritating effect on the inflamed organ and aggravate the course of the disease.

However, consuming the buds is very useful as a prevention of pancreatitis. They improve the production of enzymes and promote the rapid breakdown of food, protecting the pancreas from inflammation. Eating buds once a week will significantly strengthen the pancreas and improve metabolism.

Artichoke for potency

Prickly artichoke is used to increase male strength. If you take a quarter glass of fresh juice every day in the morning and in the evenings, your libido will improve, and sexual problems will go away on their own.

Artichoke for the stomach

The buds contain a lot of potassium and sodium - these substances are very beneficial for the stomach and are especially in demand with high acidity. The plant has an alkaline effect and reduces discomfort, so it is recommended to use it in boiled form for chronic gastritis to improve digestive processes.

Artichoke for prostatitis

The buds have pronounced anti-inflammatory properties and bring relief from inflammation of the prostate gland. It is recommended to include them in a regular diet; in addition, you can take pharmaceutical products based on the buds, twice a year in monthly courses in accordance with the instructions.

Artichoke for the thyroid gland

The buds help normalize hormonal levels, therefore they are allowed for use in cases of hypothyroidism and other thyroid ailments. Not only pharmaceutical extracts and extracts will bring benefits, but also culinary dishes with an edible plant, for example, a salad with fresh buds, carrots, Brussels sprouts and lean ham.

Artichoke for the intestines

The buds contain a large amount of fiber, so they have an excellent effect on those prone to constipation. They stimulate the production of bile and gastric juice, improve peristalsis, help with nausea and high cholesterol.

For intestinal problems, it is recommended to take this remedy - fresh bud juice and egg yolks are mixed in equal quantities. The mixture must be taken at night, and in the morning the buds will show their beneficial effect and help empty the intestines.

Is artichoke ok for pregnant women?

During the period of bearing a child, the buds are of particular value; they contain a lot of folic acid, which is necessary for the qualitative development of the baby’s nervous system.Therefore, fresh and raw buds are recommended to be taken both when planning a child and throughout pregnancy they will bring benefits.

The advantages of buds for pregnant women also include the high content of vitamin C in the plant. The product boosts immunity and protects women from infectious and viral diseases. The positive effect of the buds on the stomach is also very useful - the artichoke helps to cope with the symptoms of toxicosis.

Is it possible for a nursing mother to have an artichoke?

But during lactation you should avoid eating buds. First of all, they often cause allergies in infants, which means they can harm the baby’s health. In addition, buds change the taste of milk for the worse and in some cases reduce its production, which makes breastfeeding more difficult.

Can children have artichokes?

The beneficial properties of the buds can improve children's health, but for the first time edible artichoke receptacles can only be offered to a child after 10 years. Since the plant often causes allergies, its use at an earlier age can be harmful. In addition, the sensitive stomach of a small child is not always able to cope with the digestion of edible buds.

Can you be allergic to artichokes?

Like any product, artichoke can cause an individual negative reaction when eaten. Allergy symptoms typically include skin rashes, swelling, and difficulty swallowing.

If careless consumption of an artichoke causes a food allergy, you should immediately call a doctor. Swelling of the throat and esophagus can cause suffocation and lead to a life-threatening condition.

Contraindications for artichoke

The buds of an edible plant do not cause harm very often. However, the health benefits and harms of artichokes are not the same for everyone. It has its own contraindications, which must be remembered so as not to cause harm to health.

Avoid eating artichokes in any form:

• when breastfeeding;
• with severe liver failure;
• in case of individual allergies to the buds and leaves of the plant;
• if you are prone to diarrhea and flatulence, the fiber in artichokes can have a negative effect;
• with obstruction of the bile ducts.

It is not recommended to offer buds to children under 10 years of age; in this case, the reaction to an exotic plant can be unpredictable.

How to take artichoke for medicinal purposes

The vegetable artichoke is useful even when consumed as part of regular dishes. But medicinal products based on buds, both pharmacy and prepared independently at home, bring a particularly strong effect.

How to brew and drink an artichoke

There are several methods for brewing artichoke, and bud tea can be made from the leaves, ready-made tea bags, or a special black “resin” marketed from Vietnam.

• To brew tea based on the leaves, you will need to take an overripe dried artichoke, no longer suitable for culinary use. The lower leaves need to be torn off and slightly dried in the oven at a temperature of about 70 ° C until they curl and become very brittle. After this, the leaves are crushed, poured into a ceramic teapot in the amount of a couple of spoons and poured boiling water for 10 minutes.
• When brewing artichoke resin, you will need to put just a little of the thick black mass in the teapot, about a quarter of a teaspoon. The raw material is poured with a glass of boiling water, stirred thoroughly with a spoon or whisk and left for 5 minutes. This tea has a lot of beneficial properties, but it has a noticeable bitter taste, so it can be diluted with honey.

The easiest way to brew bagged artichoke tea is to immerse the bag in a cup of boiling water and wait for the standard 5-7 minutes.

The beneficial properties and contraindications of artichoke tea depend on the volume. Drink any type of drink no more than 2-3 times a day. In case of overdose, it can be harmful and cause digestive upset. It is recommended to drink tea on a full stomach.

How to infuse an artichoke with vodka

An effective artichoke remedy is an alcohol tincture - the beneficial substances present in the plant are especially well concentrated in the alcohol base. Prepare the tincture as follows:

• about 50 g of dry leaves of the plant are poured with 100 ml of strong alcohol or vodka;
• for 2 weeks, place the container with the tincture in a cool and shaded place;
• After the expiration date, the product is filtered.

You can take artichoke tincture in very small volumes - 10 drops diluted in a large spoon of water, three times a day.The product helps with a wide range of diseases - from joint to vascular diseases.

How to take artichoke - before or after meals

The timing of taking artichoke depends on the specific medical prescription and the disease. But most often it is recommended to use infusions, teas and tinctures based on the plant on a full stomach - after eating.

If the recipe states that you need to eat the artichoke on an empty stomach, then this should not be done in a state of severe hunger, but shortly before the next meal.

How much to drink artichoke by time

It is recommended to consume artichoke-based pharmaceutical products and homemade drinks for no more than 3 months in a row. This period is the maximum - much more often, course use of the plant takes 1-2 months.

How to eat artichokes

Since the artichoke in food still remains a rather exotic product, many are interested in the rules for its use. Edible buds will bring real pleasure if you know how to properly clean them and what to use them with.

Artichokes in cooking

The culinary uses of artichokes are very diverse; first of all, they are an important element of French, Spanish and Italian cuisine. Dozens of salads are prepared from artichokes with the addition of seafood and vegetables, herbs and cheeses. As a rule, artichokes are used raw in such dishes.

In European countries, artichoke soups and stuffed dishes are very popular. The buds are added to pasta and baked with cheese, and in Italy the edible flower stalks are often served in risotto.

In Russian stores, artichokes are often found canned or pickled. These buds go well with meat and fish dishes, game, kebabs and grilling. As a rule, artichokes are treated with lemon juice before adding to any dishes, this helps prevent the buds from darkening.

How to clean artichokes

If the leaves of the plant are used for medicinal purposes, then cooking uses mainly the receptacle of the buds, or their bottom. Therefore, before eating an artichoke, it is important to understand the nuances of its cleaning.

• Before cleaning, be sure to rinse the artichokes in cold water to remove dust and dirt. You should first put on gloves; the edges of the petals of the buds are quite hard, and you can cut yourself with them.
• The washed artichoke is shaken and carefully wiped, then take a sharp knife and cut off the top of the bud - about 5 cm. The cut is immediately moistened with lemon juice, otherwise it will quickly darken in the air.
• After this, all the petals that make up the bud simply need to be broken off, bending them down. As a result, only the core of the bud remains - it also consists of petals, but lighter and softer. The remains of the hard outer petals are trimmed in a circle at the base, and then the peeled fruits are cut in half and the fibers are cleaned from their inner part.

A fully peeled artichoke is shaped like a cup and is ready for further use.

According to the given algorithm, artichokes are cleaned if they are planned to be consumed as raw materials.If the buds need to be boiled, then everything looks even simpler; after cutting the top of the bud, you just need to trim the sharp edges of the outer petals and remove the dense stem from below. After this, the artichokes can be placed in a pan and cooked.

Can artichokes be eaten raw?

Young buds of the vegetable crop can be consumed unprocessed. If you rinse the plant properly first, there will be no harm. Thus, in salads, artichokes most often appear raw.

How to eat artichokes correctly

Raw and cooked edible buds look equally unusual, so many people wonder how to eat them. This is done simply - take the bud by the lower part with one hand, and carefully separate the leaves with the other. Each of the leaves is pulled between the teeth, scraping off the edible pulp, and the parts unsuitable for consumption are thrown away.

The heart of a raw or cooked artichoke consists of coarse fibers, or "hay." It is separated from the spine using a fork or knife. The fibers are not eaten, but the receptacle hidden under them is the most delicious and valuable part of the product.

Artichoke in cosmetology

The vitamins and acids in the leaves of the plant make them valuable cosmetic raw materials. When used externally, the buds quickly and noticeably improve the condition of the skin - refresh the complexion and body, moisturize and nourish the epidermis, tighten wrinkles and even reduce cellulite.

Professional products containing the plant are often found in beauty salons; you can purchase skincare cosmetics in stores.Masks and wraps based on buds are also made at home; artichokes are boiled or chopped raw, and then mixed with other ingredients.

Artichoke for face

Masks using artichoke leaves are suitable for all skin types and for women of all ages. Valuable substances in the plant eliminate signs of fatigue on the face, refresh and tone the epidermis, and tighten wrinkles.

The following mask is popular:

• 5 boiled artichokes, thoroughly kneaded to a paste;
• add 2 egg yolks and a small spoon of aloe juice;
• Distribute evenly over clean facial skin and leave for 15 minutes.

Making such a mask at least once a week will be very useful for women living in areas with poor ecology or often staying in smoky rooms.

Artichoke for hair

Fresh bud juice is most often used in hair care; the product helps stop hair loss. Using the juice is very simple - you need to thoroughly rub it into the skin at the roots, and after 2 hours rinse with clean water.

The product also helps get rid of dandruff. For example, the following mask gives a good effect:

• boiled artichoke bud in a volume of 50 g is kneaded to a puree;
• pour 50 ml of mineral water;
• add a large spoonful of honey, the same amount of lemon juice and 10 drops of tea essential oil.

The mixture should be distributed over the curls, paying special attention to the scalp, and left for 30-40 minutes.

Artichoke wraps

Fresh buds of the vegetable crop have pronounced lymphatic drainage properties and are actively used in products to eliminate cellulite. You can find professional ready-made wraps with the plant extract in cosmetic stores, but if desired, the mixture can be easily created at home.

To carry out a useful wrap, you need to grind several boiled buds to a pulp, and then distribute them evenly over problem areas. For a better effect, you can add honey and other components to the wrap that have a pronounced effect on cellulite.

After applying the mixture, the body must be wrapped in cling film and a towel for 40 minutes, and then carefully rinsed off the cosmetic composition.

How to take artichoke for weight loss

Reviews of artichoke for weight loss confirm that the fiber-rich product brings excellent results when dieting. The buds go well with both vegetables and protein foods, support good digestion and help normalize bowel movements.

The plant is ideal for inclusion in a low-calorie vegetable diet. The product can be consumed every day; before using it as food, it must be boiled according to the classical method - in salted water for about 10 minutes. It is best to consume the buds in the morning and during the day to stimulate good metabolism.

Side effects of artichoke

Artichokes also have side effects; they usually occur when the buds are abused or when extracts are used excessively. A negative reaction of the body most often manifests itself in the form of skin allergies - urticaria.

To avoid rashes and itching, it is recommended to follow daily dosages and eat no more than a couple of buds of the plant per day. Pharmaceutical products must be taken strictly according to the instructions.

Since the product activates peristalsis, flatulence and diarrhea may also be a side effect of consumption.

Calorie content of artichoke

An important advantage of the product is its low calorie content. 100 g of fresh buds contain only 47 kcal, and for a boiled product the figure rises to 53 kcal. Even those who are prone to rapid weight gain can take the plant as food.

How to store artichokes

The refrigerator is suitable for storing artichokes - fresh buds are packed in a dry container or plastic bag and placed on a vegetable shelf. It is imperative to wrap an edible plant; it easily absorbs foreign odors and can become saturated with the aromas of foods lying nearby.

The shelf life of fresh buds does not exceed a week. For long-term storage, the buds must be placed in the freezer; this will not reduce their beneficial properties.

How to replace artichoke

Artichoke remains a rather exotic product. If a culinary recipe requires the use of fresh or boiled artichoke buds, but this plant is not on hand, then you can use a canned product as a replacement.

If this is not available nearby, sweet bell pepper is a good alternative. Despite the fact that pepper differs from artichoke in taste and properties, it goes well with the components of popular recipes that suggest using artichoke.

Conclusion

Artichoke is an unusual, but tasty and healthy product of plant origin. In addition to cooking, it is widely used in cosmetology and medicinal recipes; vitamins and other valuable substances in the product have a pronounced beneficial effect on the intestines and liver.

Reviews of those who took artichoke

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