What is the artichoke and what is it used for?

Scientific name: Cynara scolymus

Higher classification: Cynara cardunculus

Classification: Variedade

Artichoke is a medicinal plant, also known as Artichoke Hortense or Common Artichoke, often used to lose weight or to supplement treatments, as it is able to lower cholesterol, fight anemia, regulate blood sugar levels and fight gases, for example.

It has a low caloric value and helps in the digestion process. It is food rich in vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, copper, calcium, sulfur, iodine, iron, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, sodium, and manganese and fiber.

The food is rich in a substance called cinarin, a component found in green leaves and artichoke seeds that gives a characteristic flavor and stimulates the production of bile salts by the liver and the secretion of the gall bladder, improving the digestive process, absorption of some vitamins, improves liver function. In addition, it acts as a protective factor against the development of dyslipidemia (high cholesterol), and hypertriglyceridemia.

What the artichoke is for:

Artichoke has anti-sclerotic, blood purifying, digestive, diuretic, laxative, anti-rheumatic, anti-toxic, hypotensive, and anti-thermal properties. Therefore, this medicinal plant can be used to help treat anemia, atherosclerosis, diabetes, heart disease, fever, liver, weakness, gout, hemorrhoids, hemophilia, pneumonia, rheumatism, syphilis, cough, urea, urticaria, and urinary problems.

Artichoke Nutrition Facts

 

Components	Amount per 100 g
Energy	35 calories
Water	81 g
Protein	3g
Fat	0.2 g
Carbohydrates	5.3 g
Fibers	5.6 g
Vitamin C	6 mg
Folic acid	42 mcg
Magnesium	33 mg
Potassium	197 mcg