benefits of artichoke

Artichoke enjoys a stardom status in many dishes prepared across various cuisines, while being low in fat content as well as calories. This enables you to enjoy it in good proportions in your meals without the guilt of gaining weight.

Fiber is a very important dietary component which helps to improve digestion by enabling better bowel movement. This ingredient is a rich source of dietary fiber, making it a favorite among digestion enhancers.

Another health benefit of artichoke is that it is a good source of folic acid that is a co factor in enzymatic reactions. It is also beneficial for the synthesis of DNA during the pre pregnancy period and to treat neural tube defects.

A good proportion of Vitamin C in artichokes makes it possible for the body to resist inflammatory. There are many other powerful polyphenol type antioxidants found in artichokes that researchers believe can contribute to the prevention and management of prostate cancer, breast cancer and leukaemia.

Besides being excellent for health and metabolism, artichokes are known natural agents for better skin and hair. Wondering why? The rich supply of antioxidants and peptides in artichokes improves skin texture and nourishes the cells, getting rid of fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes for a smooth, youthful appearance! Antioxidants prevent damage to the skin that occurs as a result of free radical formation.

Many skin creams, gels, potions and lotions contain artichoke extracts for its skin luminosity and anti ageing properties. The vegetable also promotes blood circulation throughout the body for improved and younger looking skin. Artichokes reduce the cholesterol in the blood, thus promoting a healthy liver, which in turn leads to healthy and nourished skin as the liver eliminates toxins from the body.

Artichoke is a rich source of Vitamins A, B and C as well as calcium and phosphorus. These minerals replenish dry, damaged, dull and lifeless hair to improve the quality of your locks for voluminous, bouncy, smooth and soft locks. One can use artichoke juice by boiling green artichoke leaves

The artichoke liquid helps repair damaged locks, form a protective layer over the hair shaft, restores minerals to dull hair and cleans the scalp of dandruff. Bile produced by the liver and stored in the gall bladder is what helps us digest fats and remove dangerous toxins. Cynarin in artichokes boosts bile production and is very beneficial to the health of your liver.

Now that you are convinced and off to shop for artichokes, it is important you know how to pick for the freshest and choicest of the produce out on sale. When shopping for artichokes, pick out vegetables with a firm globe that is compact, solid and heavy. The artichoke should have tightly packed large leaves. The best artichokes to pick are those with firm heads. The stem should be fleshy. Brown stems are fine as long as they are turgid and not wilted, slimy or dry.

Store the artichokes in the refrigerator. This vegetable should be loosely wrapped in a plastic or aluminium film. Fresh vegetables last up to a week but it is better to consume them as quickly as possible. Cooked artichokes should be cooled completely before storing in the refrigerator, if they are kept for more than a day or two. Do not place washed artichokes in the refrigerator for storage as the moisture causes the vegetable to spoil. Ensure raw or cooked artichokes are dry before storing in the refrigerator..