Artichoke having the scientific name as Cynara cardunculus belongs to the genus Cynara L. within the family Asteraceae. Another name used to refer this vegetable is Globe Artichoke, Scotch Thistle, Prickly Cardoon, Wild Cardoon, Vegetable Rennet and Wood Artichoke. It is native to the Mediterranean region but now widely grown in Italy, France, and Spain. The name used by different countries for Artichoke is: For Globe Artichoke: – French: Artichaut, Artichaut Scolyme; Japanese: Chousen Azami; Spanish: Alcachofa, Hierba De Cuajo; Italian: Articiocco, Carciofolo. For Cardoon: – German: Cardoon, Stachelige Kardone; Greek: Agries Agginares, Agria Agkinara; German: Cardoon, Stachelige Kardone Dutch: Kardoen. Globe Artichoke and Cardoons are the commonly grown types of Artichoke.

Plant

Artichoke is an erect, spiny, biennial or perennial plant growing to 1.4–2 m (4.6–6.6 ft.) tall with ovate – lanceolate, gray green leaves arranged alternately having the length of 30–50 cm and width 10–20 cm. The flower buds with diameter 8–15 cm (3.1–5.9 in) are the edible portion of the plant. The flowers are purple upto seven inches in diameter which flowers from June-July. The stems are 0.6-1.2 m high. It is adapted to warm and dry climates and prefers well-drained soil. The plant lives upto two years.

Fruit

The fruit of Artichoke is obovate, thick with 7.5-8 cm as a diameter. It possess unique nutty flavor and resembles the taste of asparagus. Each fruit weighs about 150 gm. Artichokes are available in Europe and North America during spring, summer and in Middle East during fall.

Edible portions of the plant

The lower fleshy parts are consumed by steaming, boiling, frying, baking, stuffing, pickled, marinated, made artichoke dips or mixed into yoghurt. The young tender leaf stalks are also eaten. After cooking, the bracts are removed and eaten by dipping in mayonnaise, butter, hollandaise, lemon juice, aioli or other sauces. The chards and flowering stems are eaten braised, blanched or fried. The bitter young leaves are consumed by cooking. The dried flowers are substitute for coagulating/ curdling milk.

Health Benefits

Artichokes are rich in antioxidant which assists to detoxify body, improve liver health, aids constipation, indigestion, diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. It also lowers the blood pressure, promotes urination and eradicates hangovers. The various health benefits provided by Artichokes are discussed below:

1. Prevent cancer

Artichoke is rich in antioxidant such as polyphenols, quercetin and rutin which enhances the immune system to counteract free radicals and natural byproducts which leads to various diseases and health ailments such as heart disease and cancer. Vitamin C in Artichokes also prevents the health conditions such as fibrosis mucositis and breast cancer. The studies have shown that the leaves extract of Artichoke reduces the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer and leukemia. (1) (2) (3)

2. Heart health

Artichoke should be added to the diet because it possesses various cancer fighting properties. The leaves of Artichokes assist to lower the bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. Cholesterol blocks the flow of blood, increase blood pressure which leads to the strokes and heart attacks. Artichokes reduce the risk of the heart ailments by lowering the bad cholesterol. (4)

3. Maintains blood pressure

Artichoke is rich in mineral such as potassium which is essential for the functioning of various organs. Potassium neutralizes the excess sodium effects which is the cause for blood pressure. It acts as a vasodilator. Artichokes prevent the complications related to blood pressure in diabetic patients. The risk of heart disease and heart attack could be reduced by lowering the blood pressure. (5)

4. Prevents liver damage

The antioxidants such as silymarin and cynarin enhance the liver health by eliminating toxins from the liver as well as body. The studies have shown that the antioxidants enhance the repairs damage and regrowth of liver cells. (6)

5. Assist in digestion

Artichoke possess high mount of dietary fiber which assists in the functions of digestive system. It keeps the bowel movements regular by adding bulk to the food which reduces the chances of constipation, intestinal cancer, cramps, bloating, discomfort and excess flatulence. Fiber eliminates the LDL cholesterol from arteries which lowers the risk of heart disease. Artichoke eases the inflamed gallbladders. Artichoke enhances the secretion and production of gastric juices, bile, which aids in smooth digestion. (7) (8)

6. Cures hangover

Artichoke reduces the blockage and eliminates toxin from the body which makes it a great cure for hangover. People take some leaves of Artichoke after the heavy drinking.

7. Prevent neural tube defects

As Artichoke possess huge amount of folic acid, it prevent the neural tube defects in the new born. Folic acid is important during pregnancy because the process neural tube closure in vitro require some amount of folate to occur. (9)

8. Healthy bones

Artichoke is rich in vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium and manganese which are essential for increasing the density and health of the bones. It also lowers the risk of osteoporosis. (10)

9. Functions of metabolism

Manganese and Magnesium are essential for the process of metabolism which is found in adequate amount in Artichokes. Magnesium is essential for improving the calcium intake, protein synthesis process and strengthens bones. Magnesium impacts the metabolic rates of amino acids, cholesterol and carbohydrates.

10. Brain Health

It acts as a vasodilator which transports the oxygen to the brain for elevated cognitive function. Artichoke also possess adequate amount of phosphorus. The reduction of cognitive ability is associated with the deficiency of phosphorus. (11)

How to Eat

Artichokes could be consumed in form of raw or cooked and added to stews, salads, casseroles, soups and sauces. Globe artichokes could be preserved in form of pickle, canned or beverage.  It could be grilled, fried, cooked, baked or microwaved as well. It could be taken in the form of herbal tea.

Precautions

An allergic reaction such as intestinal gas and allergic reactions might be experienced by the people who are sensitive to chrysanthemums, ragweed, marigolds and daisies. Artichokes can worsen obstruction of bile duct by increasing flow of bile, which is naturally released by the liver. With the increase in bile flow, gallstones may be worsening.

Nutritional value

Artichokes is rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals but possess lower amount of cholesterol and saturated fat. It is loaded with Vitamin C, riboflavin, thiamin, folate, niacin, Vitamin K and Vitamin B-12, B-6, E, A, D. It also includes minerals such as iron, calcium, sodium, zinc, manganese, potassium, zinc and phosphorus.

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