ARTICHOKE - a beneficial food

Artichoke's beneficial properties have been known of, and used, for centuries. Indeed documentary evidence has placed its use as far back as the 4th century BC. The artichoke is a member of the botanical family that includes milk thistle, daisy and sunflower.  They grow to a height of about 2 meters and have large purple and green flower heads. The young unopened flower heads are cooked and the fleshy bases of the bracts, together with the heart, are eaten as a delicacy. 
Commonly known as the globe artichoke, the plant should not be confused with the Jerusalem artichoke, the edible root vegetable.

Benefits of Artichoke

The leaves of the globe artichoke contain several substances that have beneficial heath effects when consumed at the recommended levels. Although artichoke leaf extract has been popular in Germany for some time, its benefits have only recently been recognised in the UK.  Laboratory studies by German scientists have shown it to be useful in the protection and regeneration of the liver following intoxication.  Research dating back to 1933 shows that artichoke stimulates the production of bile from the liver, which then passes into the duodenum. This effect accounts for the successful use of the herb in the treatment of people with impaired digestion of fat. 
Artichoke leaf extract was shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels in patients suffering from raised levels.  These findings have been confirmed by recent research: indeed one study has found that while levels of LDL ('bad') cholesterol were lowered, there was a slight increase in levels of HDL ('good') cholesterol.  These cholesterol lowering properties are put down to its content of luteolin, which inhibits the synthesis of cholesterol by the liver.

Natural medicinal uses of Artichoke

Common uses of artichoke include:

• the promotion of the healthy functioning of the gall bladder and liver
• improvement of digestion
• maintaining and lowering of cholesterol levels
• it may also help to control blood sugar levels, particularly important for diabetics

Research is ongoing into other possible benefits including its value for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

Possible side effects: many studies have confirmed that artichoke leaf extract is very well tolerated by most people, even after continuous long-term use.  When taken as a food, artichoke presents minimal risks, but in a small minority of people it may cause side effects such as flatulence and mild gastrointestinal problems.