Amazing Health Benefits Of Artichokes

Artichokes are part of the thistle family, and they are commonly grown in the Mediterranean, the Americas, and South Africa. Known as French artichokes or green artichokes in the United States, the edible portion of the artichoke consists of the flower buds themselves, and these are harvested just before the flower blooms. Artichokes were mentioned by Homer and Hesiod in the eighth century B.C., and they were eaten throughout ancient Greece and Rome. Popular cooking preparation techniques for artichokes include roasting, steaming, and frying. In recent years, artichokes have become known for their health benefits.

Some of the many health benefits of artichokes are discussed in detail below.

Regulate Blood Pressure

Artichokes contain high levels of potassium, a mineral that plays a major role in the regulation of blood pressure and counteracts the negative effects of excessive sodium consumption. In fact, just one medium-sized raw artichoke contains fourteen percent of the recommended daily intake of potassium. Both test-tube and animal studies suggest artichoke extract may regulate blood pressure through eNOS, an enzyme that helps blood vessels widen. A three-month study of roughly one hundred male volunteers found consuming artichoke extract on a daily basis was associated with a 2.85mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure readings and a 2.76mmHg reduction in diastolic blood pressure readings.

Learn more about how artichokes benefit health now.