Health Benefits of Artichokes

Artichokes have been eaten for thousands of years. There is historical evidence as far back as Ancient Rome of the love people had for this vegetable. They are also very healthy and full of nutrients. Here are some of the benefits you can get from consuming this ancient vegetable.

Artichokes are low in saturated fat and cholesterol. And, eating this vegetable will give you body nutrients that it needs to fight off disease. There is calcium, magnesium, vitamin K, and vitamin D to keep your bones strong. Vitamin C will also help you bones stay strong, along with being an antioxidant, as well. Manganese and copper are also needed for strong bones and you will find these nutrients in artichokes.

When looking to buy artichokes, which are really tiny whole artichokes that have little or no choke, be sure to pay attention to the extra ingredients. Marinated artichoke hearts packed in olive oil and vinegar can be very tasty. But, there are added calories along with these added ingredients. Your best bet is to purchase frozen artichoke hearts. There is no added oil or salt.

This vegetable also has four ingredients that will help you lower your risk of strokes. Vitamin C will help lower stroke risk, especially if you are overweight and have high blood pressure. Fiber will help with this, as well. In one artichoke you can get more than a quarter of the daily requirement. Folate helps prevent blood clots, which cause strokes. And, Magnesium lowers the risk of stroke that is caused by atrial fibrillation. In one artichoke, you will get almost one fifth of the magnesium your body needs each day.

Artichokes also contain nutrients that can help prevent asthma. People who do not get enough vitamin C and manganese are more likely to develop asthma symptoms. A medium artichoke can give your body about fifteen percent of the vitamin C and manganese you need every day. A diet of this vegetable and more fresh fruits will help keep your levels of these nutrients at healthy levels.

Eating artichokes is a tasty way to get vitamins and nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. Who knew there was such a wonderful way to start eating healthy. Adding this vegetable to your diet will help you keep your immune system in high gear. And you will enjoy eating them and they are easy to prepare, as well.