Artichoke: A Vegetable That Can Help You With Your Weight

Due to its content of dietary fiber, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals, artichoke can help you take care of your weight.

Many people have decided to utilize artichoke, to stay healthy and take care of their weight. This phenomenal plant, whose scientific name is Cynara scolymus L ,  has become famous, due to its nutritional properties.

It has always been a part of gastronomy because it is easy to prepare and it can be combined with many other ingredients. Furthermore,  it is also a great, natural remedy as it facilities prevention and treatment of certain conditions.

The most interesting thing is that it contains very few calories, and is even a source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Therefore, both in its natural form, as well as extract, it can  help you take care of your weight, without exposing you to a health risk. 

Properties of artichoke you should know about

Due to its content of inulin, flavonoids and minerals, artichoke is a very nutritious food that has been valued since ancient times. A regular intake will help you meet some of your body’s nutritional requirements. Thus, it will benefit your metabolism.

It also contains cynarine and luteolin – substances that help improve liver function, for optimal digestion of fat. It also acts as a natural diuretic, by facilitating the elimination of fluids retained in tissues.

Furthermore, its content of vitamin A and vitamin C strengthens the immune system, and prevents some of the negative effects of inflammation and oxygenation. Furthermore, it contains a significant amount of fiber, which means that it improves bowel movement and reduces the risk of constipation. 

The benefits of artichoke

The benefits of artichoke stand out from those of other, natural ingredients. Although this vegetable has become popular to help people take care of their weight, it actually has many other benefits that are worth emphasizing:

• It helps control appetite.
• It  fights diseases of the liver,  including jaundice and fatty liver.
• Artichoke reduces the risk of gallstones, and helps treat them.
• It reduces the symptoms of food allergy,  thanks to its ability to regenerate the liver.
• It  lowers high concentrations of cholesterol  and high concentrations of triglycerides.
• Artichoke is also a powerful diuretic and reduces edema.
• It regulates the body’s minerals, and reduces the risk of high blood pressure.

• This vegetable facilitates the elimination of excess uric acid, in the case of gout.
• It fights constipation. 
• It improves metabolic activity, and reduces the risk of obesity and diabetes.

How can artichoke help you take care of your weight?

Many diet plans recommend the consumption of artichoke, as a supplement to burn fat easier. This is due to its ability to improve liver and metabolic function,  which has a direct effect on the weight loss process.

It should be added to any diet as it is a food that contains very few calories. It  also prolongs the feeling of satiety  and it can help the body get rid of unnecessary fluids and toxins.

How to consume artichoke to improve your health

You can make many recipes to reap the benefits of artichoke. However, the traditional way you can prepare it to take care of your weight is artichoke. This tea nourishes the intestinal microbiota.

Ingredients

• 1 large artichoke
• 1 liter of water
• The juice of a lemon

Course of action

• Choose a fresh artichoke and cut it into smaller pieces.
• Next, add water and chopped artichoke in a saucepan, over high heat.
• When it boils, lower the heat and wait until the artichoke softens.
• Let the tea boil, and then strain it.

How to drink it

• Drink a cup of artichoke on an empty stomach, and drink 3 or 4 more cups during the day.
• Repeat  at least 3 times a week. 

Note: You can use the cooked artichoke pieces to make another recipe. Add some olive oil and salt, and enjoy them for your dinner! 

Possible adverse effects of artichoke

Although artichoke is very beneficial, it can cause some adverse effects. These  may manifest themselves due to excessive ingestion, or in specific cases when its components do not interact as they should:

• It can cause flatulence and bloating, due to its high content of dietary fiber.
• It  is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. 
• Artichoke is contraindicated in cases of bile obstruction, due to its effect on the gallbladder.
• You should  avoid it if you are taking medication to treat high blood pressure or heart disease. In these, and other special cases, it is best to consult a doctor.

Want to discover the benefits of artichoke yourself? You should definitely include this vegetable regularly in your diet! In no time, you will begin to discover how much it can keep you healthy.