Artichoke - useful properties and contraindications

Surely on the shelves in the store you saw a green cone that looks like a flower. This amazing plant is the artichoke. It is eaten, because in the bud there are a lot of useful substances that are considered very valuable for the human body. In fact, the artichoke is an unopened bud, which is removed from the bush in time. Overripe artichokes are not allowed for food - they become stiff and prickly. Early artichokes are very soft, juicy, tasty. The aroma and taste of the fruit resembles a walnut. But most of all, people value artichokes not for taste, but for medicinal action. Long since, the Ancient Greeks and Romans used an artichoke for the preparation of potent drugs. In this article we will talk about the beneficial properties of the plant, learn about its contraindications, and also learn how to prepare an artichoke in order to preserve its taste and benefits.

Useful properties of artichoke

Speaking about the composition of the artichoke, it should be admitted that it is very rich and extensive. First of all, it has vitamins - A, C, E, K, vitamins of group B. The artichoke is also rich in microelements - phosphorus, sodium, manganese, iron, calcium, copper, selenium. In addition, the composition of buds is flavonoids, inulin, tsinarin, tannins. All this makes the product indispensable for humans.

1. For the gallbladder. First of all, the artichoke is very useful for the normal flow of bile from the gallbladder. The plant contains biological substances - inulin and tsinarin, which expand the bile duct, activate the movement of bile into the stomach, stimulate the renewal of bile. If this is not done, the bile can gradually thicken and form stones in the gallbladder. They, in turn, clog the bile ducts. The deterioration in this case goes in two directions - firstly, the bladder itself suffers, because there is no outflow of bile, gallstone disease develops. Secondly, the lack of bile in the stomach leads to insufficient production of enzymes, the food is digested incorrectly. If you consume artichokes regularly for food, problems can be avoided.
2. For the liver. Artichoke is very good for the liver. The plant perfectly cleanses the body of toxins. This is especially true with long-term load on the liver. Excessive intoxication may occur due to prolonged drug treatment, alcohol intoxication, taking drugs. Artichoke is also useful for the liver in its various pathologies, for example, in hepatitis. One of the most famous herbal remedies for the liver (Hofitol) is made on the basis of artichoke extract - this plant is so strong and effective.
3. Against excess weight. Very often, artichoke dishes are included in a healthy and balanced menu, and not only because artichoke buds are nutritious and low-calorie. Artichoke dishes perfectly clean the intestines, relieve constipation. The enhanced work of the liver contributes to the release of the body from toxins and slags. Artichoke drinks are especially useful - tea resembles a coffee flavor, and when consumed regularly, it helps burn fat stores. Artichoke-based diet pills are also on sale, but all nutritionists agree - natural fruits are much more useful.
4. When pregnancy. Particularly valuable artichoke is considered for pregnant women, because it is really able to suppress toxicosis in the early stages. As soon as life begins in the uterus, the body begins to perceive it as something alien, the liver begins to react with intoxication, and this is how doctors and scientists characterize toxicosis. But the cleansing effect on the liver can reduce the body's response, regular intake of artichokes will help you get rid of morning nausea and vomiting. In addition, the fruits are useful in late pregnancy, when all organs are compressed by a growing baby. Artichoke facilitates the work of the gallbladder and liver in close space.
5. For men's health. Artichoke buds are very beneficial for men's health. First of all, the artichoke has a beneficial effect on the entire urogenital system, suppressing the development of infection, providing prevention of prostate adenoma cancer. Regular inclusion of artichokes in the diet helps to cope with early impotence, makes a man more resilient in sex.
6. Oncology. It is believed that artichokes are an excellent prevention of cancer.Quartcetin and rutin in artichokes are considered antioxidants, which facilitate the body's fight against free radicals. With constant consumption of artichokes, you can protect yourself from possible cancer. If oncology has already overtaken a person, still eat artichokes - they have a strong effect similar to chemotherapy, it will help you to slow down the growth and spread of malignant cells.
7. For the heart and blood vessels. The composition of the artichokes contains a huge amount of potassium, which is very good for the heart. Artichoke buds have a vasodilating effect, it allows you to get rid of headache and heart pain, normalize blood pressure. Include artichokes in your diet at least a couple of times a week - this will help gradually reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood, as well as protect yourself from strokes and heart attacks.
8. Against Alzheimer's disease. Surprisingly, artichokes are included in the overall complex therapy of Alzheimer's disease. This is due to two factors. The first - a high content of phosphorus, which ensures the normal functioning of the brain. The second factor is vitamin K, which prevents the destruction of the neural ligaments of the brain, because this is the cause of incurability and progression of the disease.
9. For diabetics. The composition of the artichokes is inulin, which perfectly replaces sucrose and is used by patients with diabetes.
10. For women. Artichoke is very useful for women's health, not only during pregnancy. A large amount of ascorbic acid in the buds is an excellent prevention of breast cancer. Artichokes enhance blood circulation in the pelvis, it gives a stimulating effect, in some countries, the artichoke is considered a powerful aphrodisiac. In addition, antioxidants in the composition of the artichoke are used for the manufacture of various masks for the skin. This makes the face toned, elastic and radiant.

Artichoke is a real storehouse of vitamins, which has a rich composition. If you use it correctly, you can get rid of many diseases. But remember that any potent medicine has its own contraindications.

Who is the artichoke for?

Of course, the dish of artichokes is useful to anyone, regardless of its position and chronic diseases. But if you decide to consume artichokes regularly, include buds in your regular diet, you need to familiarize yourself with the contraindications to this product.

1. Artichokes stimulate the removal of stones from the kidneys and the gallbladder, it can be dangerous if the stones are too large. In this case, the beginning of their movement can block the passage, in some situations this leads to severe pain. In the presence of kidney stones or gall bladder - artichokes should be taken strictly after consulting a doctor.
2. Artichokes are very useful for constipation, but for diarrhea, they should be discarded. A plant laxative in artichoke can aggravate the situation, leading to excessive flatulence and dysbiosis.
3. You can not give artichokes to children under 10 years old, it is quite aggressive and heavy product.
4. To be treated with artichokes can not be young moms who breastfeed. Green buds can suppress milk production or change its taste.
5. Artichokes reduce blood pressure, so when hypotension to lean on such a delicacy is not worth it.

And, of course, no one has canceled the allergic reaction that can occur in any person. If you have a skin rash, flatulence, bloating, or other problems with your skin and intestines after eating the artichoke, you should stop using this method of treatment once and for all.

How to cook artichokes?

Especially delicious and loved in our country are pickled artichokes. For their preparation, the fruit is thoroughly washed, cut into 2 or 4 parts. The core can be removed. Prepare the pickle - in three liters of water you need to dissolve the juice of one lemon, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, add a glass of oil. Put the artichokes in the pickle and simmer for about 10 minutes. In sterile jars you need to put parsley, garlic, put a little boiled artichokes, pour brine.This delicacy will be ready in a day, but you can preserve the jars until winter to enjoy the taste and benefits of the fruit during the cold season. Marinated artichokes are both a side dish and a great salad ingredient.

After collecting the artichokes are not stored for a long time - a week later there is a specific smell and characteristic taste. You can save a large crop of artichokes, if the fruits are pickled, pickled, dried or frozen. If you want to use artichokes for medicinal purposes, it is better to immediately prepare a medicine based on buds.

How to treat with artichokes?

In the struggle for health and longevity, a person uses not only the fruits (buds) of artichokes, but also the roots, leaves and stems of the plant. Of these, you can prepare different medicines.

1. Tincture. Alcohol tincture is stored for a long time, it is easy to use and it is always at hand ready-made. For the preparation of alcohol tinctures should use the fruits and leaves of the plant. They are crushed, placed in a bottle of dark glass, and poured with alcohol or vodka on top.The more raw materials - the more concentrated the drug will turn out. The tincture is prepared for 2-3 weeks in a cool place, it needs to be shaken periodically to make the medicine saturated. Next, filter the tincture and store in the refrigerator, take a tablespoon, diluted in a glass of water three times a day. This will help clean the liver, facilitate the work of the gallbladder, get rid of edema.
2. A decoction of the roots. This medicine is effective in diabetes mellitus, as well as when it is necessary to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood. The roots are crushed, poured over with boiling water, allowed to infuse for at least an hour. To get the decoction faster, you can boil the roots in a water bath for 10-15 minutes. The cooled and filtered broth is taken in half a glass in the morning and evening.
3. Artichoke juice From the fresh artichoke, you can make healing juice, for this you just need to chop and strain the pulp or use a juicer. Fresh juice of buds is taken one tablespoon three times a day, it helps to reduce sugar in diabetes, to get rid of impotence, the juice is effective for neurological disorders. Fresh juice is also used for cosmetic purposes - it has a bactericidal effect. To save excess juice, it can be frozen in the form of ice cubes.

If you are suffering from constipation, it is better to consume fresh artichokes along with the pulp - after all, it is a valuable plant fiber. In addition, if cooked artichokes correctly, they will turn out incredibly tasty!

Artichoke is a magical plant that can be called a delicious treat and medicine at the same time. Eat artichokes, be healthy, beautiful and full of energy!

Video: artichoke - royal delicacy