Artichokes are a real delicacy. The fleshy bases and hearts of the vegetable blossoms are particularly well-known and popular with gourmets. Here we reveal why artichokes not only delight our taste buds, but also help our immune system to jump for joy.
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This is what makes artichokes so special
Artichokes are cultivated plants that belong to the daisy family and are therefore part of the same family as sunflowers or daisies. The inflorescence of the artichoke is edible. The plants play a prominent role in Mediterranean cuisine and in the Mediterranean diet . The triangular bracts of the inflorescence are fleshy and taste fantastic when cooked with a homemade dip. But be careful, the leaves should be sucked out and sucked out, because the outer skin is very fibrous and firm. The base of the flower is also a special delicacy. The luscious flower bottoms are better known as artichoke hearts, which you’ve probably already enjoyed as a delicious antipasto at your trusted Italian restaurant.
But with all the culinary delights that the tasty, tart flower vegetables prepare, the particularly beneficial health effects of the ingredients in the artichoke leaves and hearts must not be forgotten. Because the Mediterranean plant is full of vitamins, bitter substances, minerals and fiber. For all its richness, the artichoke is very low in calories. There are just 43 calories per 100 grams. This quantity of edible flower heads also contains the following nutrients:
- Vitamin C (8 milligrams)
- Vitamin B1 (0.14 milligrams)
- Vitamin B6 (0.1 milligrams)
- Vitamin E (0.2 milligrams)
- Beta carotene (100 micrograms)
- Potassium (350 milligrams)
- Phosphate (130 milligrams)
- Calcium (55 milligrams)
- Fiber (10.8 grams)
- Protein (2.4 grams)
4 reasons why artichokes are so good for your health
1. Cholesterol levels drop
The pigments in the artichoke, so-called flavonoids, seem to have a positive effect on the fat metabolism in our body. Systematic review studies suggest that eating artichokes may have a particularly beneficial effect on cholesterol levels. Researchers were able to observe that the levels of harmful LDL cholesterol decreased in subjects who regularly took the artichoke extract supplement. Flavonoids, which stimulate fat digestion in the liver, could be responsible for this cholesterol-lowering effect.
2. The blood sugar level remains stable
Artichokes contain a lot of fiber. Dietary fibers are usually indigestible as fibrous plant substances and serve as an energy source for the microorganisms in our large intestine. In addition to these conventional fibers, artichokes also contain a particularly interesting dietary fiber: inulin. This fiber is soluble and already binds water in the stomach and intestines. As a result, it swells and increases its volume, with the effect that we stay full longer. At the same time, the inulin ensures a slower and more even transfer of carbohydrates into the blood. This stabilizes the blood sugar level and prevents peaks that can lead to cravings, among other things. A stable blood sugar level is particularly beneficial for diabetics.
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3. Digestion is stimulated
The fiber in the artichoke stimulates digestion and can ensure regular and normal bowel movements. The bitter substances contained in the delicious flowering vegetables are also digestive. They activate our bitter taste receptors on the tongue, which reflexively produces more saliva. This helps in the pre-digestion of food in our mouth. In the stomach, bitter substances stimulate the production of gastric juice, which facilitates digestion. The substances also have a similar production-enhancing effect on the liver, which produces more bile. This supports digestion in the intestine. Digestive problems such as flatulence, a feeling of fullness or diarrhea can be alleviated by bitter substances.
4. You can lose weight in a healthy way
Artichokes are very low in calories. With 100 grams of artichokes you consume just 43 calories. As part of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, artichokes can help you lose weight. Since the daisy family keeps you full for a long time thanks to the high amount of fiber, the low-calorie flowering vegetable is the perfect vegetable side dish for your meals.
