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Artichoke

This article provides general nutrition information only and is not medical advice.

Overview

Artichoke is a plant. The leaf, stem, and root are used to make "extracts." "Extracts" contain a higher concentration of certain chemicals that are found naturally in the plant. These extracts are used as medicine..

Artichoke is used to stimulate the flow of bile from the liver. This is thought to help reduce concerns of heartburn and alcohol "hangover." Artichoke is also used for high lipid balance, irritable bowel syndrome (digestive comfort), kidney problems, anemia, fluid retention (edema), arthritis, bladder immune challenges, and liver problems, including hepatitis C.

Some people use artichoke for treating snakebites, preventing gallstones, lowering cardiovascular health, lowering blood sugar, to increase urine flow, and as a tonic or stimulant.

In foods, artichoke leaves and extracts are used to flavor beverages. Cynarin and chlorogenic acid, which are chemicals found in artichoke, are sometimes used as sweeteners.

Don't confuse artichoke with Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus).

Classification

Is a Form of:

Plant

Primary Functions:

Stimulate flow of bile from the liver

Also Known As:

Alcachofa, Alcaucil, ALE, Artichaut, Artichaut Commun

How Does It Work?

Artichoke has chemicals that can reduce nausea and vomiting, spasms, and intestinal gas. These chemicals have also been shown to lower lipid balance and protect the liver.

Uses

  • Indigestion. Research shows that taking artichoke extract by mouth can reduce concerns of indigestion such as nausea, vomiting, flatulence, and stomach pain. Improvement seems to occur after 2 to 8 weeks of nutritional support.
  • High lipid balance. Research shows that taking artichoke extract by mouth can slightly reduce total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") lipid balance in people with high lipid balance. Improvements seem to occur after 6 to 12 weeks of nutritional support. Studies using cynarin, a specific chemical found in artichoke, have shown conflicting results. Drinking artichoke juice does not seem to lower lipid balance levels. In fact, artichoke juice might increase levels of blood fats called triglycerides.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

  • For indigestion: 320-640 mg of artichoke leaf extract has been used three times daily for up to 8 weeks.
  • For high lipid balance: 500-1920 mg of artichoke extract has been taken daily in divided doses. Also, 60 mg per day of the active ingredient, cynarin, have also been used.

Artichoke Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is Artichoke Supplement Good For?

Artichoke is used to stimulate the flow of bile from the liver, and this is thought to help reduce the concerns of heartburn and alcohol “hangover.” Artichoke is also used for high lipid balance, irritable bowel syndrome (digestive comfort), kidney problems, anemia, fluid retention (edema), arthritis, bladder immune challenges, and liver .

What are the side effects of artichoke extract?

Side Effects & Safety

In some people, artichoke can cause side effects such as gas, upset stomach, and diarrhea. Artichoke might also cause allergic reactions. People at the greatest risk of allergic reactions are those who are allergic to plants such as marigolds, daisies, and other similar herbs.

Are artichoke leaves good for you?

Artichokes are rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, which are known to enhance our heart health. Moreover, the leaves of artichokes are known to reduce the levels of bad lipid balance (LDL) and increase the levels of good lipid balance (HDL or omega-3 fatty acids).

Do artichokes make you poop?

Artichokes

Artichokes are an antioxidant rich, healthy whole food that provides you with 10.3 grams of fiber. It's particularly high in insoluble fiber. This is the type that doesn't absorb water, and bulks your stool. Think of it as a scrub brush going through your intestines.

Is Artichoke good for weight loss?

Artichoke: benefits and nutrition facts

Also the artichoke is very rich in fiber, and therefore helps lower blood glucose and control lipid balance levels. Its caloric intake is very low, the artichoke has less than 1% fat, and this translates into about 22 calories per 100 grams.

Are artichokes good for your liver?

Improves Liver Health

Two antioxidants found in artichokes, cynarin and silymarin, have been shown to improve the overall health of the liver by reducing the presence of toxins and facilitating their elimination from the liver and the body.

What happens if you eat the hairy part of an artichoke?

Eating the hairy choke can cause a choking hazard. Baby artichokes are completely edible. Enjoy both the leaves and choke.

Why are artichokes so expensive?

''There are three reasons why artichokes are expensive,'' Hopper says. ''One reason is that each artichoke on the plant, and there are several, matures at different times; so each must be picked by hand. ''Second, artichoke seeds don`t breed true; so root stock must be used.

Are artichokes good for your heart?

Enhances Heart Health

Artichokes are rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, which are known to enhance our heart health. Moreover, the leaves of artichokes are known to reduce the levels of bad lipid balance (LDL) and increase the levels of good lipid balance (HDL or omega-3 fatty acids).

Are artichokes a Superfood?

A 2004 study by the US Department of Agriculture found that artichokes were one of the top vegetables in terms of total antioxidant levels. They also contain vitamins C and K, magnesium, potassium, and folate. Unfortunately, we miss some of artichoke's main nutrients when we ignore the petals and only eat the hearts.

Is Artichoke poisonous?

Once cooked, artichokes should be eaten within 24 hours. While they do not become poisonous, as is often said, their sensory characteristics change, and they become less pleasant to eat.

Can you eat too many artichokes?

Artichoke is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in amounts used in foods. Artichoke is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth as a medicine. It has been used safely in research for up to 23 months. In some people, artichoke can cause side effects such as gas, upset stomach, and diarrhea.

Are marinated artichoke hearts healthy?

Artichokes are packed with antioxidants, they have detoxifying, liver-cleansing benefits, they aid digestion and are high in fiber. For this artichoke recipe, you're going to really boost all that health by marinating them in Organic Apple Cider Vinegar that contains “the mother”.

Are artichokes joint comfort?

Artichokes contain condition-fighting compounds and joint comfort antioxidants. They're also a treasure trove of joint comfort antioxidants. A 2004 study by the US Department of Agriculture found that artichokes were one of the top vegetables in terms of total antioxidant levels.

Do artichokes make you sleepy?

Artichokes. If you find it tough to fall asleep, try adding artichokes to your diet. They're full of iron, which can help ease restlessness, according to the sleep doctor.

Are artichoke hearts fattening?

Artichokes are low in fat while rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These delicious thistles come with only 60 calories per medium artichoke and around 4 grams of protein — above average for a plant-based food. To top it off, artichokes rank among the most antioxidant-rich of all vegetables ( 2 , 3 ).

Is spinach and artichoke dip good for you?

Traditional spinach artichoke dip is not a healthy starter. A typical order has about 1,600 calories, 100 grams of fat, and 2,500 milligrams of sodium. The trouble is the cream base, which is loaded with saturated fat.

Are artichokes diuretic?

Why are globe artichokes good for me? They contain a number of phytonutrients, such as apigenin, cynarin, silymarin and luteolin, which appear to have diuretic properties, detoxifying the liver, boosting gall bladder function, and improving bile flow.

Are artichokes good for kidneys?

Artichoke leaf extracts are also known for its medicinal purposes, particularly in reducing the elevated lipid balance levels in blood. Hyperlipid balanceemia (HC) is also associated with other complications such as impaired renal function and diabetes mellitus.

Is artichoke water healthy?

Artichoke water, or Arty Water (its brand name) claims to improve your immunity and detoxify your liver. As well as vitamin C, which is the most powerful antioxidant, artichokes contain phytonutrients – that's plant nutrients – with medicinal effects.

Are artichokes supposed to be purple in the middle?

Spread the leaves apart until you can see the purple leaves down in the center of the artichoke. Remove those using a knife or spoon. Under those purple leaves is the fuzzy choke, which you also remove. After the artichoke is cooked you can scoop out the choke, revealing the artichoke bottom, which is the best part.

How do you get an artichoke hair out of your throat?

Choke: True to its name, this inedible hairy section will stick to your throat. Scoop it out with a melon baller or spoon before cooking. Snip off thorns, pull away outer leaves, peel stem. Cut artichoke in half lengthwise and scoop out choke.

Can you get sick from artichokes?

In some people, artichoke can cause side effects such as gas, upset stomach, and diarrhea. Artichoke might also cause allergic reactions. People at the greatest risk of allergic reactions are those who are allergic to plants such as marigolds, daisies, and other similar herbs.

Clinical Studies