What is Artichoke?

Artichoke is a perennial thistle plant of the aster family, Asteraceae, Cynara cardunculus and Scolymus variety. Artichoke is also referred to as French artichoke or globe artichoke. Artichoke is cultivated for its edible flower buds, and it produces a delicate and nutlike flavour. Artichoke is a common and popular green vegetable in European cuisines. The U.S. Artichoke heads can be cooked as a hot vegetable coupled with a sauce or served simply as a cold salad. Artichoke is cultivated mainly in France, Spain, California, and Italy. Artichoke also possesses a lot of health benefits which we will review as we go through this article.

Traditional uses of Artichoke

Historically, artichoke is one of the oldest vegetables which is used as food and medicinal herbs. Traditionally, artichoke flowers have been used as liver and diuretic tonic. Artichoke is also used to treat many medical conditions such as dyspepsia, jaundice, and chronic albuminuria in the human body.

Uses of Artichoke

Artichoke has several uses which are listed as follows:

1. Artichoke can be used as food because it is edible. It can be cooked as a vegetable and consumed.

2. Artichoke can be used in the production of herbal tea commercially, which can help to cure various health conditions when consumed.

3. Artichoke can be used as a detoxifying ingredient to manufacture products that can help to cleanse the body.

4. Artichoke leafy extract can manufacture body and skin products such as toners, moisturizers, and serums, which can help prevent wrinkles on the skin. 

5. Artichoke can be used to manufacture supplements that can help to aid digestion and also enhance weight loss.

Surprising facts about Artichoke

There are many surprising facts about artichokes, including their health benefits to man. A few of these startling facts are highlighted below.

Artichoke is a flower belonging to the sunflower family and originates from the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean.

Artichoke happens to be one of the oldest foods that are known and consumed by man.

Just one artichoke plant is capable of producing an average of 20 more artichokes annually.

Artichoke is ranked first among all other vegetables when it comes to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant levels.

Although artichoke is edible and considered a vegetable, it is a type of thistle.

Health Benefits of Artichoke and why myAir bars contain it

Artichoke is a herbal plant that originated from the Mediterranean and Canary Islands. It has been used for many years due to its medicinal benefits. Among all benefits is the ability of artichoke to improve digestion and lower blood sugar levels. The health benefits of the artichoke are therefore considered below:

1. Artichoke can help to enhance the health of the liver

The leaf extract of the artichoke can protect the liver from damage, thereby enhancing the growth and development of new tissues. Artichoke can also aid to produce bile, thereby removing and reducing the harmful toxins in the liver.

A study performed on rats resulted in an increase in the antioxidant levels, more minor liver damage, and better liver function after the administration of extract of the artichoke compared to the rats that were not given the artichoke extract.

A study was carried out on 90 people with the non-alcoholic fatty disease, which results showed improved liver functioning after consuming 600 mg of the extract of artichoke daily for two months.  Additionally, it proves that artichoke extract has a positive effect on the liver health of man.

Furthermore, another study was carried out on obese adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The outcome was a reduction in the inflammation of the liver and a less fat deposit after consuming the extract of artichoke daily for two months. Therefore, scientists concluded that certain antioxidants (cynarin and silymarin) present in artichokes were partly responsible for these effects. However, more research is needed to back up the existing studies that artichoke can help treat liver disease.

According to the studies above, it is deduced that the regular use of the extracts of artichoke can help protect the liver from damage and relieve the symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

2. Artichoke can help lower bad LDL cholesterol and as well increase good HDL cholesterol

Artichoke works on cholesterol in two ways. The first way is that it prevents the formation of cholesterol because the leaf extract contains luteolin which acts as an antioxidant in the body. While the second way it works is that the leaf extract enhances the body in processing cholesterol correctly, thereby lowering the overall cholesterol levels. Hence, the extract of artichoke leaves has positive effects on the level of cholesterol in the body.

In a review, 700 people discovered that when the extract of artichoke leaf was administered as a supplement daily for 5-13 weeks, there was a massive reduction in the level of bad LDL cholesterol in the body. Another study involving 143 adults with high cholesterol was carried out. It showed that when the extract of artichoke leaves was administered to the 143 adults daily for six weeks, there was a decrease in the total and bad LDL cholesterol levels.

In addition to the studies above, an animal study was carried out on some models and the outcome shows that there was a 22% decrease in triglycerides and a 30% decrease in bad LDL cholesterol of the models after regularly consuming the extract of artichoke. However, the insufficient LDL cholesterol level reduction led to the enhancement of good HDL cholesterol in the models.

The extract of artichoke leaf can help prevent the formation of cholesterol, reduce total and bad cholesterol levels, and increase the good HDL cholesterol level.

3. Artichoke can help to keep the digestive system healthy

One of the nutrients that artichoke contains is inulin (a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic); this fiber’s presence can help keep the digestive system healthy by enhancing friendly gut bacteria, thereby reducing the risk of diarrhea and constipation.

A study was carried out on 12 adults who consumed the extracts of artichoke that contained inulin daily for three weeks. Results showed that there was an improvement in their gut bacteria after three weeks. Artichoke extracts are also capable of providing relief from heartburn, bloating, and nausea, thereby aiding digestion.

A study was carried out on 247 people who encountered indigestion; results showed a reduction in uncomfortable feelings of fullness and flatulence after consuming the leaf extract of artichoke daily for three weeks. In conclusion, artichoke contains a naturally occurring compound called Cynarin; Cynarin can cause positive effects by stimulating bile production, accelerating gut movement, and improving the digestion of certain fats in the body.

The leaf extract of artichoke can help to aid digestion through the action of enhancing friendly gut bacteria, thereby reducing the symptoms of indigestion.

4. Artichoke contains a lot of nutrients that are beneficial to man

Artichoke contains many potent nutrients, both raw and cooked (128 grams raw, 120 grams cooked). Some of the nutrients in artichoke in the natural and cooked states are: carbs 13.5 grams and 14.3 grams, protein 4.2 grams and 3.5 grams, fiber 6.9 grams and 6.8 grams, fat 0.2 grams, and 0.4 grams. Artichoke is very low in fat but very high in vitamins, fibers, antioxidants, and minerals such as iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. Among all vegetables, artichoke is ranked to be one among those that are rich in anti-oxidative properties.

Artichoke possesses a lot of nutrients that can improve the health and well-being of man. Artichoke contains many vitamins and minerals, low fat and high fiber, and serves as a rich source of antioxidants.

5. Artichoke can help to regulate high blood pressure to an average level

The extract from artichoke can aid to reduce high blood pressure to an average level. A study was carried out on 98 men with high blood pressure who consumed the extract of artichoke daily for 12 weeks. The result obtained showed a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 2.85 and 2.76 mmHg, respectively. How this occurs is entirely unknown.

According to test-tube and animal studies, the extract of artichoke enhances the enzyme eNOS. Consequently, it aids in widening blood vessels in the blood. Furthermore, artichoke is a good source of potassium minerals, which aids in regulating blood pressure. Research is still ongoing to determine whether the consumption of the whole artichoke herb will be as effective as when only the extract is consumed.

Artichoke extract can help effectively in lowering high blood pressure in people that are already at high levels.

6. Artichoke can help to ease symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition that causes diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, bloating, flatulence and cramping, and affects the digestive system.

In a study carried out on people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, it was discovered that there was an ease in the symptoms after consuming the leaf extract of artichoke daily for six weeks. Also, about 95% of the people declared that the leaf extract of artichoke was very effective, if not even more than the other IBS treatments such as laxatives and antidiarrheals that were formally used.

Another study was carried out on 208 people with IBS, and results showed that there was a reduction in the symptoms of IBS by 26% and an improvement in the quality of life by 20% after taking 1-2 capsules of the leaf extract of artichoke daily for two months.

In conclusion, the artichoke contains certain compounds with antispasmodic properties, capable of stopping muscle spasms common in IBS, balancing gut bacteria, and reducing inflammation.

Artichoke leaf extract can help treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms by reducing spasms, balancing gut bacteria, and reducing inflammation.

7. Artichoke can help to lower high blood sugar level

Artichoke and its leaf extract can help to reduce high blood sugar levels in the body. A study was carried out on 39 overweight adults who experienced a lowered fasting blood sugar levels after taking artichoke extract and kidney beans daily for two months.

Another study was carried out on some healthy adults which showed that consuming boiled artichoke helped reduce insulin and blood sugar levels within 330 minutes after a meal. This notable effect was discovered by researchers only in adults that were healthy and had no metabolic syndrome. The artichoke possesses the ability to slow down alpha-glucosidase activity; alpha-glucosidase is an enzyme that helps break down starch into glucose and potentially impact blood sugar.

Studies prove that artichoke and its leaf extract can help lower high blood sugar levels in the body.

Conclusion

Artichoke and its leaf extract contain a wide range of properties that are beneficial to the health and well-being of man. Despite all these benefits, more research is still ongoing to determine the full advantage of the herb. Good news- myAir bars are packed with artichoke!

Footnotes

Artichoke leaf extract for treating hypercholesterolaemia

Barbara Wider et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 201

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23543518/

Beneficial effects of artichoke leaf extract supplementation on increasing HDL-cholesterol in subjects with primary mild hypercholesterolaemia: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Mariangela Rondanelli et al. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2013 Feb.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22746542/

Artichoke leaf juice contains antihypertensive effect in patients with mild hypertension

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22435514

Protection against microcystin-LR-induced hepatotoxicity by Silymarin: biochemistry, histopathology, and lethality

K A Mereish et al. Pharm Res. 1991 Feb

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1902564

Correction of liver and biliary tract pathology among adolescents with obesity

L.K. Parkhomenko, L.A. Strashok, A.V. Yeshchenko, E.M. Zavelya, M.Yu. Isakova, M.A. Khomenko

https://doaj.org/article/7acd53a8843d4eb39f769aa29289b040?

Chemical composition and antioxidant properties of mature and baby artichokes (Cynara scolymus L.), raw and cooked

Author links open overlay panelM.LutzabM.Escobarc

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889157510001754

Effect of inulin on the human gut microbiota: stimulation of Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii

Carlett Ramirez-Farias et al. Br J Nutr. 2009 Feb.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18590586

Artichoke leaf extract reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a post-marketing surveillance study

A F Walker et al. Phytother Res. 2001 Feb.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11180525/

Artichoke leaf extract reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and improves the quality of life in otherwise healthy volunteers suffering from concomitant dyspepsia: a subset analysis

Rafe Bundy et al. J Altern Complement Med. 2004 Aug.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15353023/

Pharmacological Studies of Artichoke Leaf Extract and Their Health Benefits

Maryem Ben Salem et al. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2015 Dec.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26310198/

Skin cancer chemoprevention

H Mukhtar et al. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 1996 Apr.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9627718/