Artichoke: useful properties and contraindications

The artichoke is an exotic vegetable that is quite rare on the everyday table. But it is interesting to understand the benefits and harms of the product, since the medicinal properties of the artichoke are very diverse.

What are artichokes and what do they look like?

From the point of view of botany, the product belongs to the Astrov family, it is a compound annual plant with large scaly buds. If you look at a photo of an artichoke during the flowering period, it will look like an ordinary thistle, but much larger in size. The edible part of the plant is its unopened bud, which looks like a large green pine or hop cone. The size of the buds of an exotic plant can vary greatly – from the size of a walnut to a large orange.

In everyday life, the artichoke is often called a vegetable because it is actively eaten. But in fact, the buds belong to an edible flower. The area of ​​origin of the artichoke is the Mediterranean and other warm regions, it grows mainly in Spain, Greece, Italy, France and America. World suppliers of buds are Spain and France.

Composition artichoke

The medicinal properties of the artichoke are determined by the composition of this plant – it contains many substances valuable for health. The buds include the following components:

• sodium and potassium;
• phosphorus and calcium;
• magnesium;
• a large amount of vitamin C;
• vitamins B3 and K;
• beta-carotene;
• tannins and pectins;
• organic acids;
• substance inulin;
• pyridoxine and folic acid;
• starch and niacin.

The nutritional value of the buds is represented mainly by carbohydrates, the plant contains about 10 g of them. Proteins occupy 3 g in the total volume, and only 0,15 g is allocated to the share of fats.

What does an artichoke taste like?

The taste of the buds is quite unusual. Some compare it to boiled cabbage or asparagus, others find a squash flavor. However, most people agree that there is a distinct note of walnut and grass in the taste of the buds.

Which artichoke is better

There are quite a few types of useful plants in nature. But only 2 of them are used for food – this is the sowing, or Spanish artichoke, and the prickly, or French artichoke.

In addition, there are different categories of edible buds by size. Large ones can reach the dimensions of a large orange, and they are processed mainly by boiling. Small artichokes rarely exceed the size of a chicken egg, they are usually canned or cut into salads. Which of the varieties is better depends on the individual preferences and goals of the buyer.

What is useful artichoke

Buds are valued not only for their unusual taste, but also for their many beneficial properties. If you use the artichoke at least from time to time, the buds:

• remove the symptoms of beriberi and fill the body with valuable vitamins and minerals;
• regulate bowel function, solve the problem of constipation and contribute to weight loss;
• help get rid of puffiness – the buds have diuretic properties and quickly remove excess fluids and toxins from the tissues;
• support the health of the liver – in official and traditional medicine, the hepatoprotective properties of the buds are widely known, it is very useful to use them with an increased load on the liver;
• can relieve the symptoms of flatulence;
• improve the condition with colds and a variety of inflammatory processes.

With the help of buds, you can carry out a soft and quick cleansing of the body; it is not without reason that they are recommended for use with a hangover and food poisoning.

Benefits of artichoke leaves

In folk medicine, not only the receptacle of an unusual plant is used, but also its leaves. They contain no less valuable substances than in the edible part of the buds, so the leaves also have pronounced healing properties. On their basis, it is customary to brew teas and infusions, which have the following beneficial effects on the body:

• increase muscle tone and increase energy reserves;
• well help with inflammatory processes of the urinary tract and kidneys;
• improve the functioning of the intestines and gallbladder;
• promote faster digestion and absorption of food;
• reduce blood glucose levels and have a beneficial effect in diabetes mellitus.

Means based on artichoke leaves are actively used in dietetics and cosmetology, as they improve the condition of the skin and contribute to the rapid loss of excess weight.

Benefits of artichoke extract

A popular dietary supplement is an extract from edible buds, it is a concentrated extract of a useful flower. You can buy it in most pharmacies, and artichoke preparations are sold both in liquid form and in the form of tablets and powders.

Methods of using the drug depend on its form and are described in detail in the instructions. The benefit of the extract is that it helps with malfunctions of the liver and violations of the outflow of bile. It is also prescribed to level cholesterol levels, to cleanse the body and restore bowel function after serious poisoning.

Useful properties of artichoke juice

The juice of fresh buds contains a large amount of flavonoids, antioxidants and vitamins, therefore it has powerful medicinal and cosmetic properties.

The use of artichoke juice is especially recommended for people who are forced to constantly live in conditions of poor ecology. The tool will benefit smokers and people who have problems with alcohol, the valuable properties of the juice appear when the potency in men is weakened.

Benefits of canned artichoke

The buds do not retain their freshness for long, so you can find canned artichokes with an extended shelf life much more often. These buds contain organic acids and folic acid, B vitamins and polyphenols, fiber and calcium.

Canned buds are beneficial for the musculoskeletal system and prevent the development of joint diseases. They also strengthen vision, normalize digestion and have a complex rejuvenating effect on the body. Due to their high oil and fiber content, they should be consumed in small quantities, however, as part of side dishes, stews and salads, canned buds will bring undoubted health benefits.

What does the artichoke cure?

Indications for the use of artichoke apply to many ailments. There are dozens of recipes that recommend using both plant-based pharmaceutical products and food artichoke as a culinary dish, in both cases, the buds will have a healing effect.

Artichoke for the liver

For the treatment and purification of the liver from toxins, the leaves of the plant are most often used; healing infusions are prepared on their basis. For example, this recipe is popular:

• dry leaves are crushed in the amount of 2 small spoons;
• pour raw materials with a glass of hot water;
• kept closed for 10 minutes, and then filtered.

You need to drink the remedy three times a day on an empty stomach, half a glass.

Reviews of the artichoke for the liver offer another useful remedy – alcohol tincture. In this case, 50 g of dry leaves should be poured with a glass of alcohol and removed to infuse for 2 weeks. The finished tincture is consumed three times a day, 2 large spoons of the product should be diluted in 100 ml of water and drunk on an empty stomach.

Artichoke from edema

Diuretic properties of buds and leaves are respected. They contain potassium, which helps to remove excess water, as well as the substance inulin, which absorbs excess fluid, toxins and toxins.

To get rid of edema, you can regularly eat buds as part of everyday meals. If you urgently need to fix the problem, you can drink a simple infusion on the leaves for several days – half a glass three times a day. To prepare such a drink, you need to brew 10 small spoons of dried leaves in boiling water for 2 minutes.

Artichoke in diabetes

Artichoke vitamins and other valuable substances in its composition help to lower glucose levels. In the treatment of diabetes, buds are used in the following ways:

• consume 200 g of boiled buds every 3 days as part of regular food;
• take a medicinal infusion daily – pour 200 g of the product with a liter of boiling water, insist for an hour, and then drink 100 ml three times a day.

It is recommended to continue treatment with edible buds for no longer than 3 months. If desired, the course can be repeated, but before that you need to take a break for at least a month.

artichoke for gout

Since the buds remove not only toxins from the body, but also harmful salt deposits, their properties are in demand in the treatment of gout. Traditional medicine offers the following recipes:

• 200 g of fresh buds, along with leaves, are crushed in a meat grinder, mixed with 3 cloves of garlic and 20 g of honey, and then taken twice a day in a large spoon for 3 months;
• 500 g of buds are boiled for a quarter of an hour in 3 liters of water, then the softened buds are crushed and mixed with chopped burdock leaves, and then applied with a compress to the sore joint for half an hour.

Also, the remaining decoction can be used to add to therapeutic baths, you can take them once a week for 2 months.

Artichoke for kidneys

The diuretic artichoke improves kidney function and stops inflammation. To prepare a remedy, you need to pour 2 small spoons of dry leaves with boiling water, soak them for 10 minutes and filter. Drink this infusion in the amount of half a glass three times a day, it is better to take the remedy on an empty stomach.

Artichoke for the gallbladder

Artichoke is a fast-acting cholagogue, so it is recommended to use it if there are difficulties in the outflow of bile. About 2 small spoons of dried leaves of the plant should be poured with 300 ml of hot water and held under the lid for 20 minutes. The strained product is drunk twice a day, if desired, the drink can be diluted with honey to improve the taste.

Cholesterol artichoke

Buds have a beneficial effect on blood vessels and reduce the level of bad cholesterol. For medicinal purposes, it is recommended to use boiled receptacles at least once a week. In addition, you can take tincture:

• 250 g of fresh leaves are kneaded;
• pour raw materials with a liter of vodka;
• remove to infuse for 10 days, and then filter.

It is recommended to drink the remedy in a large spoonful twice a day.

Artichoke for endometriosis

A disease called endometriosis often occurs in women suffering from hormonal imbalances. In this situation, the cleansing properties of an edible plant come to the rescue, the buds remove excess hormones from the body and improve the functioning of the reproductive system.

With endometriosis, the buds are useful to eat, but you can also take an extract of a medicinal plant. You can buy an extract at a pharmacy, the instructions describe the method of administration. On average, the drug is used for a month in small volumes.

Artichoke for the pancreas

During the period of exacerbation of pancreatic ailments, for example, with pancreatitis, it is not recommended to take buds in any form. They will irritate the inflamed organ and aggravate the course of the disease.

However, it is very useful to use buds as a prevention of pancreatitis. They improve the production of enzymes and contribute to the rapid breakdown of food, protecting the pancreas from inflammation. The use of buds once a week will significantly strengthen the pancreas and improve metabolism.

Artichoke for potency

The prickly artichoke is used to increase male power. If you take a quarter glass of fresh juice daily in the morning and in the evening, then libido will improve, and problems in the genital area will go away by themselves.

Artichoke for the stomach

The buds contain a lot of potassium and sodium – these substances are very useful for the stomach and are especially in demand with increased acidity. The plant has an alkaline effect and reduces discomfort, so it is recommended to use it in chronic gastritis to improve digestive processes in a boiled form.

Artichoke with prostatitis

The buds have pronounced anti-inflammatory properties and bring relief from inflammation of the prostate gland. They are recommended to be included in a permanent diet, in addition, you can take bud-based pharmaceutical products twice a year in monthly courses in accordance with the instructions.

Artichoke for thyroid

The buds help to normalize the hormonal background, therefore they are allowed for use in case of hypothyroidism and other thyroid ailments. Not only pharmaceutical extracts and extracts will bring benefits, but also culinary dishes with an edible plant, for example, a salad with fresh buds, carrots, Brussels sprouts and low-fat ham.

Artichoke for the intestines

The buds contain a large amount of fiber, so they have an excellent effect on a tendency to constipation. They stimulate the production of bile and gastric juice, improve peristalsis, help with nausea and high cholesterol.

For problems with the intestines, it is recommended to take such a remedy – fresh juice of buds and egg yolks are mixed in equal amounts. The mixture must be taken at night, and in the morning the buds will show their beneficial effect and help to empty the intestines.

Can an artichoke be pregnant

During the period of bearing a child, the buds are of particular value, they contain a lot of folic acid, which is necessary for the qualitative development of the infant’s nervous system. Therefore, fresh and raw buds are recommended to be taken both when planning a child, and throughout pregnancy, they will benefit.

The advantages of buds for pregnant women can also be attributed to the high content of vitamin C in the plant. The product raises immunity and protects a woman from infectious and viral diseases. The positive effect of the buds on the stomach is also very helpful – the artichoke helps to cope with the symptoms of toxicosis.

Is it possible for an artichoke to a nursing mother

But during lactation, the use of buds should be abandoned. First of all, they often cause allergies in babies, which means they can harm the health of the baby. In addition, the buds change the taste of milk for the worse and in some cases reduce its production, which makes breastfeeding difficult.

Can children have an artichoke

The beneficial properties of the buds can improve children’s health, but for the first time you can offer edible artichoke receptacles to a child only after 10 years. Since the plant often causes allergies, eating it at an earlier age can be harmful. In addition, the sensitive stomach of a small child is not always able to cope with the digestion of edible buds.

Can you be allergic to artichoke?

Like any product, the artichoke can cause an individual negative reaction when eaten. Allergy symptoms are usually skin rashes, swelling, and difficulty swallowing.

If, with careless use, the artichoke has caused a food allergy, you should immediately call a doctor. Swelling of the throat and esophagus can cause choking and lead to a life-threatening condition.

contraindications for artichoke

The buds of an edible plant do harm not so often. However, the health benefits and harms of artichoke are not the same for everyone. It has its own contraindications, they must be remembered so as not to harm health.

To refuse the use of artichokes in any form is necessary:

• when breastfeeding;
• with severe liver failure;
• with an individual allergy to the buds and leaves of the plant;
• with a tendency to diarrhea and flatulence – fiber in artichokes can have a negative effect;
• with obstruction of the biliary tract.

It is not recommended to offer buds to children under 10 years old, in this case, the reaction to an exotic plant can be unpredictable.

How to Take Artichoke for Medicinal Purposes

The artichoke vegetable culture is useful even when used as part of ordinary dishes. But a particularly strong effect is brought by medicinal products based on buds, both pharmacy and self-cooked at home.

How to brew and drink artichoke

There are several methods for brewing artichoke, and bud tea can be made from leaves, prepackaged teabags, or a special black “resin” marketed from Vietnam.

• To brew leaf-based tea, you will need to take an overripe dried artichoke, which is no longer suitable for culinary use. The lower leaves must be torn off and dried a little in the oven at a temperature of about 70 ° C until they curl up and become very brittle. After that, the leaves are crushed, poured into a ceramic teapot in the amount of a couple of spoons and poured with boiling water for 10 minutes.
• When brewing artichoke resin in a teapot, you will need to put quite a bit of thick black mass, about a quarter of a teaspoon. Raw materials are poured with a glass of boiling water, stirred properly with a spoon or whisk and infused for 5 minutes. Such tea has a lot of useful properties, but it tastes noticeably bitter, so it can be diluted with honey.

The easiest way to brew bagged artichoke tea is to immerse the bag in a cup of boiling water and wait for the standard 5-7 minutes.

Useful properties and contraindications of artichoke tea depend on volumes. Drink any type of drink is not more than 2-3 times a day. In overdose, it can be harmful and provoke indigestion. Drinking tea is recommended on a full stomach.

How to insist artichoke on vodka

An effective remedy from artichoke is an alcohol tincture – the beneficial substances present in the plant are especially well concentrated in an alcohol base. Prepare the tincture as follows:

• about 50 g of dry leaves of the plant are poured into 100 ml of strong alcohol or vodka;
• for 2 weeks, the container with the tincture is removed in a cool and shaded place;
• after the expiration date, the product is filtered.

You can take artichoke tincture in very small volumes – 10 drops, diluted in a large spoonful of water, three times a day. The tool helps with a wide range of diseases – from articular to vascular ailments.

How to take artichoke – before or after a meal

The time of taking artichoke depends on the specific medical prescription and on the disease. But most often it is recommended to use infusions, teas and tinctures based on the plant on a full stomach – after eating.

If the recipe states that you need to eat the artichoke on an empty stomach, then this should not be done in a state of severe hunger, but shortly before the next meal.

How much to drink artichoke by time

Pharmaceutical products based on artichoke and homemade drinks are recommended to be consumed no more than 3 months in a row. This period is the maximum – much more often the course application of the plant takes 1-2 months.

How to eat artichokes

Since the artichoke in food is still quite an exotic product, many are interested in the rules for its use. Edible buds will bring real pleasure if you know how to properly clean them and what to use with.

Artichokes in cooking

The culinary use of artichokes is very diverse, first of all, they are an important element of French, Spanish and Italian cuisine. Dozens of salads are prepared from artichokes with the addition of seafood and vegetables, herbs and cheeses. As a rule, artichokes are used raw in such dishes.

In European countries, artichoke soups and stuffed dishes are very popular. The buds are added to pasta and baked with cheese, and in Italy the edible flower buds are often served as part of risotto.

In stores, artichokes are often found in canned or pickled form. Such buds go well with meat and fish dishes, game, barbecue and grill. As a rule, artichokes are treated with lemon juice before adding to any dishes, this helps to prevent the buds from darkening.

How to peel artichokes

If the leaves of the plant are used for medicinal purposes, then cooking uses mainly the receptacle of buds, or their bottom. Therefore, before using the artichoke, it is important to understand the nuances of its cleaning.

• Before cleaning the artichokes, be sure to rinse in cold water to wash off dust and dirt. You should first put on gloves, the edges of the petals of the buds are quite hard, they can be cut.
• The washed artichoke is shaken and carefully wiped, then they take a sharp knife and cut off the top of the bud – about 5 cm. The cut is immediately moistened with lemon juice, otherwise it will quickly darken in the air.
• After that, all the petals that make up the bud, you just need to break off, bending them down. As a result, only the core of the bud remains – it also consists of petals, but lighter and softer. The remains of the hard outer petals are cut in a circle at the base, and then the peeled fruits are cut in half and the villi are cleaned from their inner part.

A fully peeled artichoke is shaped like a cup and is ready for further use.

According to the above algorithm, artichokes are cleaned if they are planned to be used as raw materials. If the buds need to be welded, then everything looks even simpler, after cutting off the top of the bud, you just need to trim the sharp edges of the outer petals and remove the dense stem from below. After that, the artichokes can be laid in a pan and boiled.

Can artichokes be eaten raw?

Young vegetable buds are allowed to be consumed raw. If you pre-wash the plant properly, then there will be no harm from this. So, in the composition of salads, artichokes most often appear raw.

How to eat artichokes

Raw and boiled edible buds look equally unusual, so many people wonder how they should be eaten. This is done simply – with one hand the bud is taken by the lower part, and the leaves are carefully separated with the other. Each of the leaves, as it were, is dragged between the teeth, cleaning off the edible pulp, and the parts unsuitable for consumption are thrown away.

The core of a raw or boiled artichoke is coarse fibre, or “hay”. It is separated from the spine with a fork or knife. The fibers are not eaten, but the receptacle hiding under them is the most delicious and valuable part of the product.

Artichoke in cosmetology

Vitamins and acids in the composition of the leaves of the plant make them a valuable cosmetic raw material. When used externally, the buds quickly and noticeably improve the condition of the skin – they refresh the complexion and body, moisturize and nourish the epidermis, tighten wrinkles and even reduce cellulite.

Professional products with a plant in the composition are often found in beauty salons, you can buy skin care cosmetics in stores. Also, masks and wraps based on buds are made at home, artichokes are boiled or chopped raw, and then mixed with other components.

Artichoke for the face

Artichoke leaf masks are suitable for all skin types and for women of all ages. Valuable substances in the composition of the plant eliminate signs of fatigue on the face, refresh and tone the epidermis, tighten wrinkles.

This mask is popular:

• 5 boiled artichokes are properly kneaded to a state of gruel;
• add 2 egg yolks and a small spoonful of aloe juice;
• Spread evenly over clean face skin and leave for 15 minutes.

Making such a mask at least once a week will be very useful for women living in areas with poor ecology or often staying in smoky rooms.

artichoke for hair

In hair care, fresh bud juice is most often used, the product helps to stop strands from falling out. Using the juice is very simple – it must be carefully rubbed into the skin at the roots, and after 2 hours, rinse with clean water.

The product also helps to get rid of dandruff. For example, the following mask gives a good effect:

• boiled artichoke bud in a volume of 50 g is mashed to a puree state;
• pour 50 ml of mineral water;
• add a large spoonful of honey, the same amount of lemon juice and 10 drops of tea essential oil.

The mixture should be distributed over the curls, paying special attention to the scalp, and left for 30-40 minutes.

Wraps with artichoke

Fresh vegetable buds have pronounced lymphatic drainage properties and are actively used as part of cellulite elimination products. You can find professional ready-made wraps with plant extract in cosmetic stores, but if desired, the mixture can be easily created at home.

To carry out a useful wrap, it is necessary to grind several boiled buds to a gruel state, and then evenly distribute them over problem areas. For a better effect, honey and other components that have a pronounced effect on cellulite can be added to the wrap.

After applying the mixture, the body must be wrapped with cling film and a towel for 40 minutes, and then gently rinse off the cosmetic composition.

How to take artichoke for weight loss

Artichoke reviews for weight loss confirm that a fiber-rich product brings excellent results with a diet. Buds go well with both vegetables and protein foods, support good digestion and help normalize bowel movements.

The plant is ideal for inclusion in a low-calorie vegetable diet. You can use the product every day, before using it in food, it must be boiled according to the classical scheme – in salted water for about 10 minutes. It is most useful to use the buds in the morning and during the daytime to stimulate the good functioning of the metabolism.

Side effects of artichoke

The artichoke also has side effects, usually they occur when the buds are abused or when extracts and extracts are used excessively. A negative reaction of the body manifests itself most often in the form of a skin allergy – urticaria.

To avoid rashes and itching, it is recommended to follow the daily dosage and eat no more than a couple of plant buds per day. Pharmaceutical products must be taken strictly according to the instructions.

Since the product activates peristalsis, flatulence and diarrhea can also become a side effect of use.

artichoke calories

An important advantage of the product is its low calorie content. 100 g of fresh buds contains only 47 kcal, and for a boiled product, the figure rises to 53 kcal. You can take the plant as food even for those who are prone to rapid weight gain.

How to store artichokes

A refrigerator is suitable for storing artichokes – fresh buds are packed in a dry container or a plastic bag and placed on a vegetable shelf. It is imperative to wrap an edible plant, it easily absorbs odors and can be saturated with the aromas of products lying in the neighborhood.

The shelf life of fresh buds does not exceed a week. For long-term storage, the buds must be removed in the freezer, the beneficial properties will not decrease from this.

What to substitute for artichoke

The artichoke remains quite an exotic product. If a culinary recipe calls for the use of fresh or boiled artichoke buds, and this plant is not at hand, then a canned product can be used as a replacement.

If it is not available in the immediate vicinity, sweet bell pepper is a good alternative. Despite the fact that pepper is different from artichoke in taste and properties, it goes well with ingredients in popular recipes that suggest using artichoke.

Conclusion

Artichoke is an unusual, but tasty and healthy vegetable product. In addition to cooking, it is widely used in cosmetology and medical recipes, vitamins and other valuable substances in the product have a pronounced beneficial effect on the intestines and liver.

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