by
Stepy —
March 12, 2019
- Artichokes are perennial plants with flower buds that become edible heads. The head contains a base, called a heart, and leaves. They have been used in medicine since ancient Egyptian times.
- Let’s look at the health benefits of artichokes.
- Antioxidant rich:
- Artichokes are an excellent source of antioxidants. These antioxidants protect the cells from the effects of oxidative stress. Dr. Andrew Weil defines oxidative stress as, “the total burden placed on organisms by the constant production of free radicals in the normal course of metabolism plus whatever other pressures the environment brings to bear (natural and artificial radiation, toxins in air, food and water; and miscellaneous sources of oxidizing activity, such as tobacco smoke).”
- In a large food study from the USDA artichokes were seventh on their list of antioxidant levels.
- Breast cancer prevention:
- Artichokes have shown potential benefits for preventing breast cancer. In a study from the Journal of Cellular Physiology, polyphenols in artichokes were shown to induce cancer cell death and decrease invasive potential of breast cancer.
- Cancer prevention:
- In a study published in a journal called Nutrition and Cancer, artichoke leaf extracts were shown to induce cancer cell apoptosis, which is the death of cells.
- Digestive health:
- Artichokes aid in digestion due to their high levels of dietary fiber. One artichoke contains 6.9g of dietary fiber, which is 28% of the recommended daily value.
- Liver health:
- Artichokes have long been used to treat liver conditions.
- A study published in a journal called Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology shows that artichoke leaf extract reduces oxidative stress on the liver and may even restore injured liver tissue.
- Reduces cholesterol:
- Artichoke leaves have shown the ability to reduce LDL cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, which is an enzyme that is responsible for cholesterol synthesis. A study from a journal called European Food Research and Technology confirmed these benefits.
- For 18 tips to prevent breast cancer.
- For a cancer-fighting drink.
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- As always: Check with your health practitioner before you change your diet and see if this is right for you. This food is not meant to replace any treatment or drugs you are taking.
- REFERENCES:
- 1. “Largest USDA Study Of Food Antioxidants Reveals Best Sources.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.
- 2. “Antioxidative and Apoptotic Properties of Polyphenolic Extracts from Edible Part of Artichoke (Cynara Scolymus L.) on Cultured Rat Hepatocytes and on Human Hepatoma Cells.” Taylor and Francis. Nutrition and Cancer, 25 Mar. 2008. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.
- 3. “Artichoke Polyphenols Induce Apoptosis and Decrease the Invasive Potential of the Human Breast Cancer Cell Line MDA-MB231.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.
- 4. “Nutrition Facts and Analysis for Artichokes, (globe or French), Raw.” Self Nutrition Data. Self Nutrition Data, n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.
- 5. “Isolation, Characterization and Determination of Minor Artichoke (Cynara Scolymus L.) Leaf Extract Compounds.” Springer. European Food Research and Technology, 01 Aug. 2002. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.
