Do you make a face when someone mentions artichokes, or do you begin to salivate at the thought of eating this antioxidant-rich vegetable? At only (approximately) 60 calories, artichokes are a low-calorie nutritional powerhouse.
In addition, artichokes are a no-fat, no-cholesterol treat offering a myriad of vitamins and minerals including magnesium, chromium, phosphorous, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B3 and B6, folic acid and vitamin C.
Individuals with hypothyroidism will want to take note that artichokes contain a high amount of manganese which enhances thyroid function. It supports the thyroid gland to convert inactive thyroxine into active triiodothyronine (T3), which boosts metabolism and mood (you can’t beat that).
Here’s where the artichoke reaches superstar status:
- They lower cholesterol! The fiber and nutrients found in artichokes help clear the cholesterol from your bloodstream. Bottom line: artichokes raise good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL).
- A medium artichoke has more fiber than a cup of prunes! A large artichoke has about a quarter of the recommended daily intake of fiber. Nice to meet you, artichoke.
- Got blood sugar imbalance? Eat an artichoke. There is evidence to show that artichokes help to balance blood sugar and are therefore a good food for diabetics.
- Artichokes stimulate the gall bladder and cause your liver to release more bile. Hmmm, what exactly does that mean? Artichokes are a great digestive aid and can soothe your stomach. And, the release of more bile means less fat in your blood. Good-bye, fat.
- Need help to cure hypertension? Artichokes are rich in potassium so they assist the body in dealing with excess sodium, and if taking anti-hypertensive drugs, can make sure that one doesn’t become potassium deficient.
- Aren’t you ready to go buy and prepare an artichoke for your next meal?
Next Steps:
- Go food shopping and buy an artichoke (or a few).
Watch the videos here to learn how to prepare artichokes.- Read this informative blog post about preparing artichokes: simply recipes.com
- Prepare the recipe for Braised Baby Artichoke with Olives, or simply steam like in the video
- Enjoy!
These steps will help you keep nutritious and delicious foods at your fingertips. If you are concerned about your diet or if your lifestyle is not supporting your health and well-being, contact me or call 413-282-7286. At Bravo! Wellness, I work with my clients to create manageable lifestyle changes so they are able to achieve their greatest potential in life, health and business.
I love artichokes and have even learned to love steaming them. I don’t think about them often but they are valuable in the nutrition department. Love that you give recipes. Thanks for such a wonderful reminder about these beauties.
What do you think?
My kids just don’t like vegetables, so this is another great one to try them…yeah, artichokes–I love them, but didn’t know how else to eat them. This is so fun. Thanks for these tips.
Now Jodi you know I needed those videos to help me because I LOVE artichokes and have no idea how to cook them. I didn’t know they were so good for me either. That means I can eat them without the guilt. Yippee!
(P.S. and I have a friend trying to “cleanse her liver” whatever that means, so I can tell her about artichokes too)
I am not a big fan of artichokes but I do eat them. I have no idea about their benefits thank you so much for sharing that with me.
I love artichokes, and I had no idea that they had so many benefits. They are definitely on the top of my grocery list next time I go shopping.
Thank you so much for this article.
YUM! I have always loved artichokes and am now an even bigger fan! Great to know all the benefits of this tasty treat!
I love artichokes, but have never made them at home. I’m going to watch your video and give it a shot this week! Wish me luck. Thanks for posting this was great info. PS brussel sprouts are also on my list of veggies to try at home in case you plan on posting about them any time soon:)
Are you in my house with me? I am literally eating my grilled artichokes as I read your blog. So glad to know that my favorite is the holy grail! Love it and love your blog.
Artichokes are one of my absolute favorites and we have them traditionally every Easter. The best part is the center! This is great information – had no idea one of my favorites was so good for me.
I love artichokes but only when someone else prepares them! Love the information and love that you includes videos to learn how to cook them. Maybe I’ll be able to take the leap and cook them myself. Thanks for this – great information!
Love this. You never hear about the artichoke being a super food. My mom has thyroid stuff going on. I’m gonna figure out how to prepare a artichoke. They just look so intimidating.