Artichoke Herb - The Amazing Health Benefits

Globe artichoke is a perennial herb with elongated and spiny leaves, and stems that may stretch up to three feet to support a violet or white thistle flower. Although perennial, the edible flowers only come out every second year. It has both culinary and medical uses.

Encountering the plant for the first time may seem intimidating but the thorns of its flower head are actually removed before it is cooked.

In the Dalat region of Vietnam, the plant make is made into a first class.

It is considered by some a mysterious vegetable with the nutrients it contains; phosphorus, magnesium, enzyme, iron, insulin and vitamins A and B.

It has diuretic properties and also used for gastrointestinal problems. It increases blood circulation and allows gall bladder stimulation and generation of liver tissue.

According to clinical investigations, artichoke extracts are actually good for appetite loss, abdominal pain and recommended to hyperlipoproteinemia patients. It is also an effective way antioxidant and also reduces blood lipids, blood sugar and bad cholesterol.

Although the leaves are safe it is still advisable to take this herb with a supervision of a doctor. This is especially for those with gall bladder diseases, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Those with allergies to chrysanthemum family may also need to avoid this herb.

As there is a huge market for natural supplements, some people are taking artichoke supplements. Each dosage may vary from 250 to 750 grams depending on the extract. Patients may take up to six grams of dried artichokes divided into 3 doses while two to three capsules as per recommendation of the German Commission E.  

Based on the online market for the herbal products, the supplement may cost $8 per 30 capsules. A small price to pay for excellent health benefits.

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