Artichoke: properties, benefits, way of use and contraindications

Artichoke, the scientific name cynara scolymus, is a plant used in international cuisines as well as in natural therapies. Many are considered a vegetable, others are a medicine, it is certain that the artichoke plant brings the body only benefits if it is consumed.
general characteristics
The plant of the composite family (thistles) grows in spontaneous flora in the Mediterranean. It can be multiplied by sowing, it loves loamy, humous soil, rich in nutrients. The artichoke stem is straight and branched, the leaves are spiny, fleshy and have a greenish-white color. Flowers are red-purple, have impressive shape and are edible!
The artichoke flowers, together with the carnano leaves, are used in both gastronomy and natural therapies. They are rich in chemicals and nutrients that are easily assimilated by the body. The artichoke contains large amounts of cinnamon, oxidases, polyphenols, flavones, vitamins A, B, C, manganese, phosphorus, iron, lipids, sugars. The plant is an excellent source of fiber, and substances that stimulate the immune system, facilitate intestinal transit and at the same time increase the assimilation of mineral substances in the body.

Artichokes: properties and health benefits

Rich in mineral substances, nutrients, fiber vitamins and various compounds, leaves and angina flowers have special curative properties. Artichoke consumption has choleretic action, collagogue, anti-toxic hepatic, hypolipidemic and diuretic. Artichoke stimulates cholesterol excretion through the ball, lowers blood cholesterol and stimulates appetite.

The benefits of artichoke consumption are numerous:

1. Helps prevent cancer. The artichoke leaves have impressive amounts of antioxidants. These substances are essential because they protect the immune system from extremely harmful free radicals, hurt cellular metabolism and thus prevent the development of diseases such as cancer. Polyphenols and vitamin C, antioxidant effects, are found in this minute plant.

2. Protect the heart. Nutritionists have noticed that people who eat fresh artichokes, juices or preparations that have the main ingredient of artichoke have a healthier heart. The substances it contains help to reduce bad cholesterol and increase the level of good cholesterol.

3. Regulate blood pressure. The artichoke leaves are rich in minerals (potassium, magnesium, selenium, iron, zinc, sodium), these elements are essential in the proper functioning of the organs. Potassium is an element that helps neutralize excess sodium in the body. It acts as a vasodilator and is useful for people who use drugs to regulate hypertension.

4. Maintain healthy liver. Artichoke preparations act as a tonic on the liver. It helps remove toxins from its level and promotes the regeneration of liver cells.

5. Improves digestive problems. Angling is a rich vegetable fiber (5 gr./100 gr.), Essential in the proper digestion. These fibers improve intestinal movements and eliminate the symptoms of constipation. The chemical elements in the composition artichoke also favor intestinal absorption. Thus the entire digestion process is relieved.

6. Combat hangover. Not many know, but the consumption of artichoke tea instantly removes the effects of hangover. Helps clean the liver and removes toxins from the blood. In order to benefit from immediate effects, it is necessary to chew some fresh artichokes!

7. Prevents congenital malformations. Artichoke is rich in folic acid, the essential substance in the normal development of the fetus.

8. Maintains bone health. The vitamins and minerals that this plant has in the composite are essential to keep the bone system impeccable, help maintain bone density and reduce the chance of osteoporosis.

9. Benfics on the brain. Artificial nutrients from artichokes are rapidly absorbed by the body, nourish organs and stimulate their oxygenation. The consumption of artichokes ensures the functioning of cognitive capacities at the maximum level.

Artichoke: way of using
1. In gastronomy. Artichoke is heavily used in Mediterranean cuisine. Can be simply consumed with lemon dressing, in salads or cooked in specific dishes. It can be seasoned with lemon, thyme, butter and white wine. Freshly consumed artichoke leaves are a cure for hangover, heal constipation and rheumatism.

2. For therapeutic purposes. In natural medicine are used artichoke juices obtained by squeezing fleshy fungi and infusions. Artichoke teas, obtained from dried roots or fresh leaves, have curative effects against liver, circulatory and renal diseases. Artichoke tea is also recommended for a detox diet because it helps drain and purify your body.
Artichoke tea is truly miraculous in stimulating diuresis, liver detoxification, and toxins removal. The taste of artichokes is very bitter, but the health benefits are ensured.

Artichokes are easy to prepare. You only need water, some artichoke leaves and possibly the stem of the plant. In the preparation of artichokes tea can also be used the external leaves, those that have thorns.

Place on fire in about 250 ml of water, when it starts to boil add 5-7 leaves of artichokes, let boil slowly about 5 minutes. Filter and drink. If you use the plant stem, then boil about 10 minutes.

Artichoke can be combined with other plants to make tea. For example, who wants to add tea to a carminative action and prevent bloating, just add some fennel seeds, and who wants a more powerful detoxifying action can add, besides artichokes, some leaves of dandelion or chicory.
In order to benefit from all the properties of artichokes, it must be unsweetened, but if your taste is very bitter, you can only sweeten with a little honey.

3. In Getting Alternative Energy! Artichoke is rich in oils, so it can be used as an alternative fuel for thermal plants.

Artichoke: contraindications and side effects
Specialists recommend the cautious use of artichokes that women breastfeed and can be consumed without restriction by future moms (containing folic acid).

Artichokes should be consumed with medical advice from people suffering from bile stones, as they increase bile flow.

People who suffer from allergies in the Compositae family (this family includes ambrosia, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies) should eat artichoke with caution.

Allergic reactions that can occur are rash, itching, dry skin sensation, dehydration.

Strong allergic reactions require urgent medical intervention. Because it can endanger life.