It's hard to believe, but the first description of an artichoke was made back in 371 BC. One of the most ancient Aegean legends is associated with this vegetable, telling about the love of Zeus for a mortal girl. Allegedly, this mythical character with lightning liked the daring and beautiful Kinara so much that he took her to Olympus with him. But homesickness drowned out the feeling of love - the girl disobeyed Zeus and went down to visit her mother. In response, the angry Zeus threw Kinara from Olympus and turned her into an artichoke, the beneficial properties of which were appreciated by both healers and cooks. Myths for that and myths - these ancient greek stories They don’t explain in any way why the artichoke is so good. But we will do it...
What is it?
Artichoke is a plant that is a close relative of garden asters and thorny thistles. By appearance it resembles a green, rounded cone, the size of which ranges from a small nut to a large one. There are ten species of plants in nature, but only two are eaten - seed artichoke and cardoon.
Disputes over the homeland of this vegetable have been going on for years. Sicily, Egypt, Rome or Greece? It is not known for certain which of these countries this proud title belongs to. But the artichoke came to Europe because of Catherine de Medici, who brought it from Italy back in the 16th century.
Today this vegetable grows everywhere except Antarctica. Of course, in many countries it is treated as a boring weed, but there are also those in which the artichoke has become a favorite garden plant - these are Greece, the USA, France, Italy and Spain.
Now you know what an artichoke is - not a woman compressed to the size of a small nut, as she claims ancient greek mythology. It's time to understand why he is so loved and appreciated.
Composition and calorie content
Fresh artichokes are a real storehouse of vital substances. They contain:
- Macroelements - potassium, phosphorus and calcium, as well as sodium and magnesium;
- Microelements – selenium, manganese, copper, zinc and iron;
- Vitamins – E, P, A, C, and also vitamins included in group B;
- Inulin - you can read about its beneficial properties;
- Organic acids – quinic, glyceric, caffeic, glycolic and chlorogenic;
- Some fat;
- Vegetable proteins;
- Carbohydrates;
- Cynarin.
As for calorie content, this relative of garden asters is the best find for those who are on a diet. 50 kcal per 100 grams of product is quite a bit, as those who like to lose weight will confirm.
Health and beauty benefits
Pliny the Elder, a famous healer, spoke about the healing capabilities of artichokes. In the Middle Ages, this plant was used as a choleretic, diuretic and antirheumatic agent. They were later treated for jaundice, edema, gout, scurvy and poor appetite.
Research carried out these days has not only confirmed the unique medicinal capabilities of artichokes, but also revealed their other properties.
So, the track record of this vegetable includes:
- Cleansing the kidneys and liver, stimulating their work;
- Removal of toxins, wastes, hepatotoxic substances from the intestines, heavy metals and alkaloids;
- Improved digestion, no feeling of heaviness after carbohydrate and fatty foods;
- Treatment of many serious diseases - hepatitis, allergic reaction, atherosclerosis, diabetes, inflammation of the gallbladder, obesity, intoxication and some types of psoriasis;
- Reducing blood sugar and increasing the level of “good” bacteria in the intestines - thanks to inulin;
- Improving cerebral circulation is the merit of cynarin.
Naturally, all these internal changes have a very good effect on the appearance of hair, nails and skin.
Medicine and artichoke
Both folk and traditional medicine use extracts, decoctions and infusions of this vegetable. Instructions for using the plant look like this:
Recipe No. 1. A decoction to improve the functioning of the central nervous system and reduce cholesterol and uric acid levels
Pour the artichoke leaves and petioles (2 tablespoons) with just boiled water (1 liter). Let the mixture brew a little and take it twice a day - 400 grams in the morning and 400 grams in the evening.
Recipe No. 2. To enhance libido and sexual power
Pass the plant through a meat grinder, filter the resulting juice and drink it twice a day, 50 grams.
The same recipe is useful for dropsy, problems with urination and alkaloid poisoning. Artichoke juice also eliminates the smell of sweat during excessive sweating and helps stop baldness. In the latter case, it is rubbed into bald spots.
Recipe No. 3. For thrush, stomatitis, jams and cracks in the mouth
Do you know about these troubles firsthand? Rinse your mouth regularly (up to five times a day) with a mixture of honey and artichoke juice.
Recipe No. 4. Tea against inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract
Do you want to stop the inflammatory process developing on the mucous membrane of the intestines and stomach? Add a quarter spoon of ground artichoke to regular tea. With this drink you can cure gastritis with increased acidity.
Recipe No. 5. For constipation
Boil artichoke baskets in a liter clean water(10 minutes is enough). Mix the decoction with raw yolk and take three times a day.
Recipe No. 6. For eczema, urticaria and psoriasis
Pour the leaves of the plant with a liter of water, boil for a quarter of an hour, filter and cool. Soak a clean cloth in the resulting liquid and apply it to the affected skin as a compress.
Remember, instructions for using artichoke for medicinal purposes require mandatory consultation with the doctor supervising you. Do not self-medicate, it is not always safe!
Use in cooking
Artichoke is a gourmet delicacy. Culinary experts value it for its subtle taste and versatility, because the plant can be eaten at any stage of ripening. Young inflorescences are fresh, medium ones are canned and pickled, very ripe ones are boiled and stewed. Even the lower parts of the plant are used; they are stuffed with vegetables and meat. But you don’t need to eat the opened inflorescences - they have a bad taste.
Many housewives are interested in how to cook this plant. It is added to various salads, used as a side dish for meat and fish, placed in pies, risotto, desserts, pasta, bread, pizza and sauces. The nutty flavor of artichokes will turn even an ordinary omelette into a savory dish.
Classic recipe
- and salt - to taste;
- Artichokes – 2 pieces;
- Butter – 2 tbsp. l.;
- – 2 cloves.
Preparation:
- Remove hard leaves from washed artichokes.
- Cut the butter into thin pieces and place it between the artichoke petals.
- Add chopped garlic there.
- Steam the vegetables for about 20 minutes.
- Be sure to serve warm (with sweet and sour or balsamic sauce).
Cooking in the microwave
- Lemon juice - half a glass;
- – 1 bunch;
- Artichokes – 4 pieces;
- – 1 bunch;
- – 4 tablespoons;
- Salt - to taste.
Preparation:
- Wash the artichokes and remove any unwanted leaves.
- Cut each fruit in half, season with lemon juice, salt and sprinkle with chopped herbs.
- Place the artichokes in a special bowl and cook in the microwave for about ten minutes at 700 W.
Marinated artichokes
- Water – 1 liter;
- Sugar - 100 grams;
- Artichokes – 10 pieces;
- Olive oil – 1 liter;
- Vinegar – 0.5 liter;
- Juice of 1 lemon;
- Salt - 2 teaspoons;
- Spices ( Bay leaf, chili and garlic) - to taste.
Preparation:
- Trim the stems of the artichokes and remove any old leaves.
- Fill a deep bowl with water and add lemon juice.
- Cut the vegetables in half and put them in water for about 15 minutes. Make sure that the inflorescences do not darken.
- Separately, pour 1 liter of water and 0.5 liters of vinegar into a saucepan.
- Let the liquid boil and add spices and seasonings.
- Dip the artichoke halves into the resulting marinade and boil them for about five minutes.
- Place vegetables in a sieve or colander to drain excess liquid.
- Place the inflorescences in clean, sterilized jars.
- Pour in calcined olive oil.
- Cover with lids and roll up.
Contraindications for use
Despite the beneficial properties of artichoke, not everyone is allowed to consume this plant. Its contraindications include gastrointestinal diseases (ulcers and gastritis), which develop against the background of low acidity gastric juice, as well as low blood pressure. This treat is not safe for people with these problems.
Where to find?
For medicinal use, artichokes can be bought in pharmacies or in specialized online stores (for example,). You can also purchase them in canned form for consumption.
The artichoke is an unopened flower consisting of fleshy petals. It has an unusual taste, so it is often used in cooking. The artichoke contains many useful vitamins and microelements. The mature inflorescence looks like a thistle flower. The older the plant, the more useful substances lost. We will study the contraindications and beneficial properties of artichoke in this article. So let's get started.
Useful properties of artichoke
The use of plant inflorescences has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the body, since the artichoke is rich in nutrients. The flower contains some carbohydrates, proteins and fats, providing balanced diet. It contains calcium, iron, phosphates. The presence of vitamin C, B vitamins, and carotene makes it indispensable in the fight against many diseases. IN different parts artichoke contains a lot of organic acids. Artichoke holds the lead in the amount of aluminum. Resin is extracted from the fleshy leaves of the plant, which is then eaten.
The cone and other parts of the artichoke are rich in inulin, which is why people with diabetes use it. The plant is considered an excellent starch substitute.
Among other things, artichoke is an effective diuretic and choleretic agent. It is used to drain the liver and kidneys, allowing the body to deal with toxic substances. Eating artichokes significantly reduces cholesterol problems.
A combination of honey and pine cones is used as a mouth rinse to help treat stomatitis, thrush or cracked tongue in a child.
Preparations with artichoke are used to treat gallstones and urolithiasis, hepatitis, atherosclerosis. Remedies with artichoke help with psoriasis, eczema and other diseases.
Main contraindications
Before using artichoke, the beneficial properties and contraindications should be carefully studied. In some cases, the plant can cause harm to the body. There are several contraindications to the use of artichoke and drugs based on it:
- Lactation period, since the artichoke interferes with the production of breast milk.
- Age up to 12 years.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Before taking a product containing artichoke, you need to undergo a gastrointestinal examination.
- Kidney failure.
- High blood pressure.
- Cholelithiasis.
- Individual sensitivity to the plant.
You should not consume artichokes in large quantities at once, as this may cause discomfort. It is better to add it to the diet gradually.
Uses of Artichoke Extract
Artichoke extract, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which we will now discuss, is obtained from the leaves of the plant. The substance is the basis for the manufacture of tablets, capsules or is used in pure form. The form of release of the drug affects the dosage. Take one capsule three times a day before meals for a month. The tablets are also taken before meals three times a day. You need to drink it big amount water. Taking artichoke-based medications significantly improves your well-being.
Drink a tablespoon of bitter artichoke extract before meals. The syrup can be dissolved or washed down with water. Treatment can be repeated periodically, but it is important to take breaks between courses, so it is better to consult a doctor before starting to take the extract.
Medicines based on this plant have many beneficial properties:
- cleansing and increasing the secretion produced by the liver;
- fat processing;
- neutralizing the harmful effects of alcohol on the liver;
- reducing the amount of uric acid in plasma;
- activation of metabolism in cells;
- immune support;
- lowering cholesterol levels.
Due to the presence of inulin, artichoke extract is often used to prevent high blood sugar. The product has a positive effect on digestion. Artichoke extract promotes the removal of salts and toxins, therefore it is used to reduce body weight. Eating bitter artichoke before meals increases appetite.
Contraindications and adverse reactions
List of diseases in the presence of which it is better to refuse to use the extract:
- Obstruction of the biliary tract.
- Acute hepatitis.
- Exacerbation of kidney disease.
- Stomach ulcer.
- Gastritis with low acidity.
Having an allergy to echinacea, dandelions or chamomile may mean you are also likely to be allergic to artichoke extract. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, you should also avoid medications containing this plant.
In other cases, artichoke extract is usually well tolerated by the body. However, during treatment with such drugs, adverse reactions may occur: diarrhea, bloating and painful sensations in the abdomen, skin rash. In such cases, treatment is suspended and a doctor is consulted.
Using a plant extract
Artichoke extract is a plant extract obtained with minimal processing. Minimal processing helps preserve most of the beneficial substances contained in the plant. In appearance, the hood resembles a black viscous resin.
The extract helps improve liver function, restoring organ cells. At drunkenness, food poisoning or smoking, it removes waste and toxins from the body. Taken before meals to stimulate appetite.
Due to the presence of many vitamins, the extract helps against acne and sunburn. Useful microelements help cleanse the blood of urea. Raw materials help restore the nervous system and normalize sleep. For women, the product helps relieve pain during menstruation and improves overall well-being during menopause.
To prepare a medicinal solution, you need to take a little resin on the tip of a teaspoon and dilute it in a cup boiled water. The solution should be taken three times a day, half an hour before meals. You can add honey, sugar or milk to the water to taste.
Contraindications
There are not only beneficial properties of artichoke extract. Contraindications are also known. It is better not to use artichoke extract for people suffering from diarrhea or diarrhea. Patients with cholelithiasis and acute renal failure should also avoid using the hood. To those who suffer from high blood pressure The extract from the plant should be taken with caution. The presence of individual intolerance makes it impossible to use the substance.
Folk remedies with artichoke
The plant contains many useful substances, so it has long been widely used in alternative treatment. According to home recipes, not only the inflorescence, but also the stems, cuttings and rhizomes of the artichoke have beneficial properties.
Fresh Juice
The fresh juice of the plant is an excellent remedy for hair loss. It promotes intensive hair growth and gives strength to hair follicles. Rubbing artichoke juice into the roots will help get rid of the problem of baldness. You should leave it on your hair for two hours.
If the juice is mixed with honey, then rinsing with the resulting solution will help eliminate stomatitis, thrush and other inflammations of the oral cavity. Artichoke is often used to treat impotence.
The inflorescence and leaves are suitable for obtaining juice. The parts must be twisted and squeezed through gauze folded in three layers. You need to drink two tablespoons of juice before meals. This treatment will relieve many health problems.
Tinctures containing artichoke
You need to take approximately 150 flowers and grind them using a blender. Added to the raw materials: dry willow bark peppermint, fennel seeds and gentian. Mix the ingredients and add sugar. Then the mixture must be poured with 40% ethyl alcohol and left to infuse for 2 weeks. This tincture is used to provide a choleretic effect and treat atherosclerosis. Drink the medicine 1 tbsp. l. a few hours after eating three times a day.
A tincture of dry leaves will help treat the liver. Pour 10 g of raw material into a glass of boiled water, leave for up to 15 minutes. Strain the resulting mixture through cheesecloth and it can already be used to restore liver function. The positive effect will increase after adding 0.5 tablespoon of honey. This is how cholesterol returns to normal and decreases nervous tension and excess uric acid.
Artichoke-based decoctions
In the treatment of skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis or urticaria, they resort to external use of a decoction. The crushed leaves are poured into a liter of boiled water and left to simmer in a water bath for 10 minutes. You need to drink from two to four glasses of this decoction per day.
Decoctions are made from the root of the plant. 100 g of root should be poured with a liter of homemade red wine, then boiled for several minutes and cooled until room temperature. You should not store this decoction in the refrigerator; it is better to choose another cool place. The mixture is taken with a two-week break. For the first half a month you need to take it three times, 1 tablespoon each, then rest and take it again for half a month. With the help of the decoction, cholesterol and sugar are reduced, and heart function is normalized.
Artichoke tea from Vietnam: beneficial properties
Artichoke is a famous plant in Vietnam. It is widely used in its natural and dry form, extracted from it and brewed into tea. It tastes similar to regular or dried fruit compote.
Beneficial features have been studied for quite some time. And today we can say with confidence that it promotes the intensive elimination of excess sugar, normalizes metabolism at cellular level. Artichoke tea has a beneficial effect on inflammatory processes in the digestive system and intestines, calms the central nervous system. Tea removes toxins and waste from the body.
Sold in three forms:
- tea bags with dry crushed plant;
- briquette with a substance resembling black plasticine;
- whole dried inflorescences, the tea from which tastes like coffee.
To preserve vitamin and useful microelements It is necessary to brew the artichoke in hot water, but not boiling water. To obtain a positive result, drink tea before meals.
Artichoke-based tea has some contraindications. First of all, those who are prone to individual intolerance should not drink it. An obstacle to regular tea consumption can be hypertension or hypotension, serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and acute forms of kidney disease.
Artichoke for pregnant women
The plant should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy. Before using it in mandatory you need to see a doctor.
From the first months of pregnancy, if there are no contraindications, artichoke-based drugs are prescribed to support liver function and alleviate toxicosis. Artichoke is a natural hepatoprotector. Organic acids and vitamins help the normal course of pregnancy.
To avoid using synthetic products based herbal plant, there are many home methods. You can pour a little dry artichoke into a cup of water and boil it, let it brew for about 20 minutes and consume it twice a day. Cooking florets for dinner - good way supporting the body when carrying a child. It would be unnecessary to use artichoke during lactation, since it prevents the mother from producing milk and increases the likelihood of a rash in the baby.
Use of artichoke in mesotherapy
Artichoke is considered an exceptional product in cosmetology. It is useful, but contraindications and side effects practically absent. Use in mesotherapy allows you to forget about acne and wrinkles. With regular artichoke-based procedures, the skin takes on a healthy appearance as hydration occurs. skin. Combining the plant with other products helps reduce cellulite.
The only contraindication for artichoke in mesotherapy is susceptibility to salicylates. There are several adverse reactions, which appear very rarely. These include pain at the injection site, nausea and vomiting.
Artichoke (lat. Cynara) is a perennial herbaceous plant that is a close relative of prickly thistles and garden asters. The Canary Islands and the Mediterranean region are the birthplace of the vegetable crop. At the same time, it is widely cultivated in South America, Africa, California, Central Europe, Greece, Italy, and Australia. The leaves or unopened flower baskets, which taste like Walnut.
Today there are 140 varieties of plants, among which the greatest nutritional value for the human body is the following types: artichoke (prickly) and Spanish (Cardon), Asteraceae family.
The beneficial properties of the culture are due to its rich chemical composition. The artichoke contains a balanced set of nutritional elements: rare organic acids(glycolic, glycerin, cinchona, caffeine), iron and calcium salts, up to 15% carbohydrates, vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, PP, phenolic compound cynarin, inulin.
The plant is used as a hepatoprotective and choleretic agent. In addition, it reduces blood sugar levels, normalizes metabolic processes, and removes heavy metal salts and urea from the body. This is a dietary, medicinal product. It is used for biliary dyskinesia, chronic renal failure, chronic hepatitis, cholecystitis, and urolithiasis. As a herbal medicine, it can be used by children and elderly people.
Let's consider the health benefits and harms of artichokes, their use in folk and traditional medicine, cooking, and mesotherapy.
Description
Artichoke (flower vegetable) is perennial with green or grayish-green large lobed leaves, with spear-shaped, widely-toothed segments with short spines pubescent below, collected in root rosette. The stem of the herbaceous specimen is straight and reaches 50–180 centimeters in height. The root is a long taproot that overwinters. Artichoke inflorescences are ten-centimeter baskets in diameter, covered with scaly wrappers. The seeds are obovate, thickish. Tubular flowers (blue, purple, white) are located on massive receptacles. The fruits are large, quadrangular, with a cut off top or flattened, bare achenes with a tuft.
In appearance, the artichoke resembles a round, immature cone the size of a large orange to a small nut.
How does it grow?
For successful cultivation of a crop, the area under the plant is protected from winds, it must be well lit, with fertile soil, rich in organic matter. Artichoke loves abundant watering and warmth when the temperature drops environment to minus 1 degree Celsius, flowers are damaged and die. It propagates in two ways: by root layering (planted at a distance of 100 centimeters from each other), and by seeds.
For abundant fruiting and intensive growing season, the plant is fed by spraying the leaves with a mixture of wood ash (10 grams), superphosphate (25 grams), potassium chloride (10 grams). As a rule, the artichoke bush “gives birth” in the second year.
The ripening of buds occurs unevenly. The first flower stalks appear at the end of summer, and after 14 days they can already be cut. Artichoke fruits are harvested after the upper scales of the cone begin to move apart and bend slightly. The appearance of bluish petals at the top of the bud indicates that the crop is overripe and unsuitable for consumption.
The artichoke must be cut with a stem 5 centimeters long. The shelf life of such fruits depends on the ambient temperature and ranges from 2 weeks to 3 months.
For medicinal purposes, the leaves, inflorescences, and fleshy receptacles of artichoke baskets are harvested and dried during flowering. Young (small or medium-sized) fruits can be eaten whole raw, canned or pickled, and large ones can only be consumed in boiled, removing hard hairs and leaf tips.
Chemical composition
Fresh artichokes are a treasure nutrients for the human body. The calorie content of a raw vegetable-flower is only 28 kcal per 100 grams of product, boiled - increases to 53 kcal. Therefore, the raw fruits of the plant are widely used in the diet menu for weight loss.
What does an artichoke taste like?
The plant has a pronounced taste of Jerusalem artichoke, wood, and mature walnut.
| Nutrient name | Amount of nutrients in 100 grams of inflorescence, milligrams |
|---|---|
| Vitamins | |
| Ascorbic acid () | 5 |
| 0,6 | |
| Pyridoxine () | 0,2 |
| Riboflavin () | 0,05 |
| Thiamine () | 0,04 |
| Beta carotene | 0,02 |
| (RE) | 0,02 |
| Folic acid () | 0,0185 |
| 238 | |
| 47 | |
| 34 | |
| 20 | |
| 15 | |
| 15 | |
| 9 | |
| 0,815 | |
| 0,4 | |
| 0,29 | |
| 0,21 | |
| 0,135 | |
| 0,1 | |
| 0,014 | |
| 0,01 | |
| 0,002 | |
| 0,001 | |
Involucres are concentrated in the outer leaves essential oils, which give the artichoke the characteristic taste of an unripe walnut, and in the inflorescences - the polysaccharide inulin, which strengthens the immune system, stimulates the growth of bone tissue, and removes heavy metals and radionuclides from the body. This is a dietary, highly digestible vegetable. Its processed products are recommended for use when diabetes mellitus as a starch substitute.
The main advantages of the artichoke are the absence, abundance of healthy unsaturated fats, high content of ascorbic and nicotinic acid, fiber, potassium, manganese, and phosphorus.
Benefits and harms
Artichoke is an ancient culture, the medicinal properties of which have been known to mankind for more than 5 thousand years. It exhibits choleretic, diuretic, and antirheumatic effects. healing power The plants were first used by healers from Egypt and Greece. Fresh fruits were used to eliminate rheumatism, liver and heart diseases, scurvy, and relieve edema. Later they were used to treat gout, poor appetite, and jaundice. In modern folk medicine artichoke is used to eliminate eczema, psoriasis, atherosclerosis, urticaria, constipation, cholelithiasis, and dropsy. An extract from the plant is used to cleanse the body of toxic substances.
Decoctions of leaves and petioles activate the central nervous system, reduce cholesterol in the blood and uric acid in the joints. Rinse the mouth with artichoke juice and honey for cracked tongue, stomatitis, and thrush.
Healing properties of the plant:
- Protects the liver from the harmful effects of toxins, improves the regeneration of organ cells.
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Relieves the manifestations of toxicosis in pregnant women.
- Improves bile secretion, reduces the risk of cholecystitis.
- Prevents premature aging, neutralizes the destructive effect of free radicals on the body, prolongs youth.
- Removes waste, toxins, heavy metals, alkaloids, hepatotoxic substances.
- Reduces cellulite, smoothes wrinkles, accelerates hair growth.
- Cleanses and stimulates kidney function.
- Improves metabolism, cerebral circulation, relieves discomfort after overeating.
- Reduces the risk of developing diseases of the heart, blood vessels, liver, and malignant neoplasms.
- Alkalinizes the body, reducing increased content acids in the stomach.
- Eliminates strong sweat odor.
- Fights baldness, allergies, hepatitis, inflammation of the gallbladder, atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity, intoxication.
- Reduces blood levels.
Artichoke juice is of particular value for men: it supports sexual strength, strengthens erections, and increases sexual activity. In addition, it is an indispensable remedy for hangovers. The inflorescences of the plant break down and neutralize alcohol well and have a strong diuretic effect. The core and scales of the plant fruit, containing a large amount of flavonoids, are effective in preventing cancer.
Thanks to internal changes in the body (normalization of nervous, digestive, cardiovascular, endocrine systems) the functional condition of hair, skin, nails improves significantly.
Despite the beneficial properties, there are contraindications to the use of artichoke:
- stomach ulcer, gastritis with low acidity of gastric juice;
- individual intolerance (allergy to a plant);
- low blood pressure;
- cholelithiasis;
- breastfeeding period;
- kidney diseases.
Can children eat artichokes?
Children under 6 years of age are prohibited from including the inflorescence of a “vegetable” in their diet. After 6 years, the product can be gradually introduced into the child’s menu under the strict supervision of adults. At the same time, monitor the child’s body’s reaction to the new ingredient.
Possible side effects from taking the herb are allergic reactions, diarrhea, constipation, bitterness in the mouth.
Due to its medicinal properties, artichokes are used in cosmetology (mesotherapy), medicine, and cooking.
Artichoke during pregnancy
According to doctors, eating artichoke has a beneficial effect on the body of a pregnant woman:
- strengthens the body of the mother and fetus;
- reduces the load on the liver and gall bladder (due to the manifestation of a mild diuretic effect);
- fills the gap folic acid in the diet;
- removes toxins;
- relieves symptoms of toxicosis;
- eliminates swelling.
Remember, during the period of bearing a child, the liver, gallbladder, gastrointestinal tract: due to the increased concentration of female hormones in the blood, bile formation increases, so any digestive problem can worsen and complicate pregnancy.
How to get rid of toxicosis?
- Walk more in the fresh air (at least 2 hours a day).
- Drink hepatoprotectors to cleanse the liver, which contain herbal components (Hofitol, Cynarix, Milk thistle+, Artichoke extract). To support the gallbladder, take a decoction of the leaves or Fresh Juice artichoke, which prevents blockage of the bile ducts.
Remember, to avoid digestive disorders, only young vegetables can be consumed raw. Large fruits should be cooked. In addition, pregnant women who suffer from low blood pressure and gastritis should not eat field artichokes. In this case, the plant will not bring the desired effect and, instead of eliminating toxicosis, will worsen the well-being of the expectant mother.
- Get enough sleep, do not rush to get out of bed immediately after waking up.
- Observe fractional meals. Have a snack every 2 to 3 hours.
- Eat dairy products and fruits for breakfast. Do not eat hot foods (only warm ones), spicy and fatty foods, which cause nausea. Avoid soups.
- Drink more (from 3 liters per day).
- Make sure there is always fresh air in the room.
- Don't make sudden movements.
- Avoid unpleasant odors.
- Rest.
Pregnancy is a happy period in the life of every woman when future mom in anticipation of the birth of your baby. However, the joy of the upcoming meeting can reduce toxicosis, accompanied by vomiting and nausea. This is a common condition among pregnant women, resulting from poisoning of the woman’s body with harmful substances and toxins formed during the development of the fetus.
To eliminate unpleasant symptoms, during pregnancy it is recommended to adhere to proper nutrition, daily routine, take artichoke-based medications that improve the functioning of the digestive system and urinary system.
Use in folk medicine
Artichoke has hepatoprotective, choleretic, and diuretic effects. It is used in folk medicine to treat jaundice, reduce joint pain, reduce bad cholesterol levels, and improve metabolism.
Instructions for use:
- Fresh artichoke juice to enhance sexual power, libido, cleanse the body of alkaloids, eliminate dropsy, problems with urination. Method of preparation: pass the plant through a meat grinder, strain the mixture. Throw away the artichoke pulp, and drink the juice twice a day, 50 milliliters, 30 minutes before meals. In addition, it can be used externally: rubbed into bald spots (to stop baldness) and applied to areas with increased sweating (to eliminate the smell of sweat).
- Infusion to reduce uric acid in joints, harmful cholesterol in the blood, improve the functioning of the central nervous system. Pour a liter of boiling water over the leaves and petioles of the artichoke (30 grams), close the jar with a lid, wait 1 hour. After the mixture has infused, strain the infusion, take 400 grams twice a day (morning and evening) in between meals.
- Tea for inflammation of the digestive system. Effectively used to soothe the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, which irritate hydrochloric acid(especially if it is produced in increased quantities). To stop the inflammatory process, you need to brew tea (preferably regular green) and add dry ground artichoke (1.25 grams) to it. Take three times a day symptomatically.
- A decoction to relieve and relieve constipation. Boil artichoke baskets (30 grams) in a liter of clean water for 10 minutes, strain, and cool. Add the yolk of one to the herbal solution raw egg, stir. Divide the decoction into 3 equal parts, take in the morning, lunch and evening.
- Rinse for cracks in the mouth, stomatitis, and seizures. Grind the artichoke florets, squeeze out the juice, add honey. Rinse your mouth regularly with the resulting drink (5 times a day).
- A decoction for psoriasis, urticaria, eczema. Pour 30 grams of ground artichoke leaves into a liter of water, cook for 15 minutes, filter, and cool. Take a sterile bandage, soak it in the resulting boil, apply as a compress to the affected area of the skin.
Remember, artichoke - medicinal herb, before using which you should definitely consult with your doctor regarding safety of use. Like any drugs, it can cause allergies and make you feel worse. Do not self-medicate, as it is not always safe!
Forms of release of the drug
Medicines based on artichoke have a similar mode of action, identical indications for use, and identical rules for administration. These are strong choleretic drugs that are contraindicated for people with disorders of the biliary tract, cholecystitis, low blood pressure, acute liver failure.
Artichoke release forms:
- Solutions for injections. They are used in mesotherapy to improve the condition of the skin: reducing swelling, breaking down adipose tissue, stimulating lymph flow, regenerating the dermis, and enriching it with nutrients.
- Tablets (“Artichoke-astrapharm”, “Hofitol”, “Cinarix”). Normalize liver function, reduce symptoms of heartburn, nausea, flatulence, stimulate the outflow and secretion of bile, improve the digestion of carbohydrates and fatty foods. Take 3 times a day before meals.
Liver tablets exhibit hepatoprotective, diuretic, detoxification, choleretic, and hypolipidemic effects. Indications for use in chronic hepatitis, intoxication, insufficient kidney function, dispersion, bile outflow disorders, atherosclerosis, uraturia, obesity, urolithiasis. In addition, artichoke tablets help restore liver tissue that is damaged by alcoholism.
- Capsules (“Cholesinol”). This is a natural herbal medicine hybrid with milk thistle, exhibiting antioxidant, membrane-stabilizing, antitoxic, choleretic, hypoazotemic, hypocholesterolemic properties. How to take artichoke in capsules? Drink 1 piece half an hour before meals 3 times a day for a month.
- Resin. This is an artichoke extract that visually resembles plasticine and has a beneficial effect on the body: it stops bleeding gums, improves liver function, reduces blood sugar, strengthens the nervous system, and improves immunity. Before taking, dissolve a quarter teaspoon of gum artichoke (1.25 grams) in 200 milliliters hot water. The resulting solution is taken before each meal.
- Liquid extract. Contains antioxidants that prevent cell destruction. Indicated to maintain normal functioning of the gallbladder and liver. The oral solution is prescribed to adults, 30 drops three times a day, half an hour before meals. Before use liquid extract dilute in 100 milliliters of chilled boiled water. The course of admission is 4 weeks.
Based on artichoke extract, a syrup is produced for children, which is useful in treating constipation. It activates intestinal activity, removes heavy metal salts, toxins, radionuclides, and excess fluid from the body. In addition, it is indicated for chronic diseases of the ENT organs (otitis, sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, tonsillitis, adenoids, pharyngitis), pituitary gland, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, enzymatic deficiency of the digestive glands. Directions for use: children from 1 to 3 years old, 2.5 milliliters (0.5 teaspoon), children from 6 to 12 years old, 10 milliliters (1 dessert spoon), teenagers under 18 years old, 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon). ) 3 times a day.
Based on reviews from doctors, the artichoke is indicated for everyone who:
- works in harmful conditions(in production);
- smokes;
- has high cholesterol;
- lives in conditions of poor ecology (polluted environment);
- consumes alcohol;
- suffers from low immunity;
- has skin problems.
To treat and prevent diseases of the digestive tract, it is recommended to brew Vietnamese artichoke tea in bags daily. The daily norm is 1 – 2 cups of a healing drink. To improve the taste, you can add honey to the cooled infusion.
The dose and frequency of administration depend on the age, body weight, and health status of the patient. To achieve the desired result, during use medicines based on artichoke, you should avoid drinking soft drinks, fruit juices and any acidic drinks/foods.
Analogues of choleretic drugs: “Allohol”, “Artikhol”, “Bilikur”, “Hepatofit”, “Fitohepatol”, “Holagol”.
Use in cooking
Artichoke is a versatile herbaceous plant that can be eaten at all stages of ripening. The flower vegetable is valued for its subtle nutty taste. This is a real gourmet delicacy.
How to eat artichoke?
Young inflorescences are recommended to be consumed fresh, of medium ripeness - pickled or canned, and mature ones - exclusively stewed, boiled, fried, baked. Heat treatment of artichoke helps soften the product and improves its absorption by the body.
Due to poor taste, refuse to accept open inflorescences in favor of fleshy receptacles, lower rows of involucres, succulent rosettes of basal leaves, flower baskets, stems, and roots.
In cooking, artichokes are added to pasta, bread, pizza, salads, pies, risotto, desserts, jellies, sauces, and side dishes for meat and fish. The nutty taste of the plant advantageously emphasizes the characteristics of the dish and adds piquant notes to even an ordinary omelet. To keep fresh artichokes longer, immerse the inflorescences in water acidified with vinegar or lemon juice for 5 minutes.
Large fruits with a fully formed core must be subjected to heat treatment.
Stewed artichokes
Before preparing a flower-vegetable, divide it into stem and inflorescences, remove inner part baskets (“beard”), remove the thorns. Heat a frying pan, fry the fruits on butter within 5 minutes. Then add water and simmer for 10 minutes until the product is completely cooked. This is an excellent side dish for meat and fish products.
Fried artichokes
Pre-boil the inflorescences for half an hour. Cut them in half and transfer them to the pan. Add salt, spices, vegetable oil and fry on both sides until golden brown. This dish is recommended to be served with fresh vegetables.
Fresh or pickled artichokes are added to cheese, ham, and fish. Canned inflorescences are added to salads and pizza toppings. Large fruits used to create stuffed dishes: the formed core is cut out, and the free space is filled with minced meat, fish or vegetables.
Artichoke is eaten with hot sauce. At the same time, it should not be washed down with wine, since cynarin, which is part of the plant, can change the sensitivity of the tongue receptors.
Application in cosmetology
Artichoke is a plant that has a rejuvenating effect on the human body, therefore it is actively used in mesotherapy as a non-surgical means for correcting the face and figure. Its value lies in its rich composition, which includes: inulin, salts, vitamins, cynarin, organic acids, flavonoids that nourish a woman’s dermis. Based on the extract from the inflorescence, the following are produced: toothpaste, rubs, balms, ointments, lotions, masks.
In pursuit of beauty, women agree to subcutaneous administration of drugs containing artichokes for local effects on the problematic part of the body (using microneedles).
This procedure (mesotherapy) allows you to achieve the following results:
- reduction of cellulite (the combination of artichoke and hyaluroidase or alaxatin has powerful lymphatic drainage and lipolytic effects that activate fat burning in the thighs, abdomen, buttocks);
- skin moisturizing;
- reducing inflammation of the dermis and, as a result, suppressing the progression of acne;
- preventing baldness, eliminating dandruff, stimulating hair growth;
- improving facial tone, smoothing wrinkles;
- removing swelling from tissues (in the area around the eyes).
Conclusion
Artichoke is healthy edible flower, which is famous for its high fiber, nutrient content and low calorie and fat content. The plant shows healing properties: maintains normal metabolic functions, stimulates proper digestion, removes bad cholesterol, improves the condition of the skin and hair, destroys toxic compounds, fights free radicals, prevents the appearance of cancer of the colon and genital organs.
In order for the body to get the maximum benefit from the artichoke, it must be selected during its natural ripening period (spring, autumn). The fruits should have juicy scales that fit tightly to each other. Do not buy shriveled, limp inflorescences with hardened brown outer leaves.
The artichoke with an unformed core is of greatest value to the human body. The inflorescences of such a plant are completely edible and do not require preliminary heat treatment.
Include artichokes in your daily menu for preventive and therapeutic reasons and take care of your health!
There are a considerable number of different plants in nature, many of them are useful for the human body. They are used in both medicine and cooking. Each plant has special properties used to promote health and improve well-being. Such plants include the artichoke, although it is a rare guest on our table.
First of all, it should be noted that the artichoke is an unusual and unusual vegetable in our countries. Externally, the plant looks like an unopened aster bud or a green cone.
This is a perennial plant belonging to the thistle family, as well as milk thistle. It is bush-like, grows no more than two meters in height, its cone-shaped baskets grow at the very top. See here.
Although this plant loves warmth, it is still able to tolerate small temperature changes, as well as mild frost. The edible part of the vegetable is the cone; it tastes like an unripe walnut.
You can store the fruit for no more than a week, as then it loses both taste and healing properties. In order to get to the main part, it is necessary: remove both the inner and outer parts of the flower; and then remove all the lint that is inside. After all the actions, the central part of the fruit remains, which has a refined taste.
Today, science has identified approximately 140 types of artichoke, forty of them are of particular value. It began to be grown about 5 thousand years ago. The Romans, Greeks and Egyptians were the first to cultivate the plant. It is found all over the world. And in South America, as well as in Australia, it was classified as a weed because it invaded their lands.
Currently, the “champions” in growing vegetables are the French, Italians, Spaniards, Greeks and Americans. The plant has an excellent taste and also has dietary properties. The plant can be used at any time of ripening.
Young fruits are consumed whole, while later fruits must be pickled or preserved. Large fruits can be eaten only in parts, removing the middle. Opened fruits are not consumed.
Canned, raw and pickled artichokes are used in salads. Boiled vegetable Used as a side dish and a separate dish. It can be added to all kinds of pies, pizzas, desserts, etc.
Artichoke is an effective natural medicine. It helps normalize digestive processes and speeds up metabolism. The plant will help restore and protect damaged liver cells after harmful effects from toxins that enter the human body with food.
It is able to cleanse the body of all kinds of toxins and salts. The vegetable has a positive effect on the functioning of the gallbladder and also helps to properly produce bile. Artichoke is a mild and simple choleretic medicine that is used in folk medicine for the normal functioning and cleansing of the kidneys.
It is a strong natural antioxidant. The vegetable helps digest fatty and protein foods, and stops the development of diseases such as arteriosclerosis and cholecystitis.
Artichoke is capable of:
- lower sugar levels;
- stop the development of various cardiovascular diseases;
- also prevents early cell aging.
In addition, scientific researchers have proven that the complex of substances that make up the vegetable can fight the development of cancer, and also has a healing effect on bilirubin. The substances contained in the vegetable can reduce the amount of cholesterol and glucose in the blood.
In ancient times, vegetable extract was used to treat lichen (eczema) and scaly lichen (psoriasis), as well as others. skin diseases. A decoction made from artichoke will help eliminate attacks of nausea, painful flatulence, and reduce heaviness in the digestive tract.
There is an opinion that the vegetable is used for hair loss. Freshly squeezed artichoke juice must be rubbed into the scalp, after completing a course of five masks, hair begins to grow faster.
People use artichokes to cure hangovers by pouring boiling water over its leaves and then taking them in small sips. The plant can be classified as a strong aphrodisiac.
Artichokes should be used in their diet by people who abuse alcohol, smokers and those living in unfavorable environmental conditions.
Harmful properties
It's delicious and healthy vegetable, but there is still a group of people who should not use it in food in order to avoid bad consequences. This group includes people who suffer from high blood pressure, gallstone disease, and gastritis.
It should not be consumed by people intolerant to the plant or due to substances contained in the vegetable. People suffering from renal failure, high acidity, as well as gastrointestinal tract disease.
The vegetable is prohibited for breastfeeding women because it slows down the elimination process. breast milk. Children under 12 years of age are prohibited from eating artichokes. People suffering from cholecystitis should treat the plant with great caution.
The artichoke has one peculiarity - the damage it causes primarily depends on its size. A young vegetable fruit can be eaten raw, but a large and overripe one can only be eaten after it has undergone heat treatment.
Also, do not forget about the shelf life of this plant. A freshly picked vegetable can be stored for about a week; after this time, the artichoke fruit can only be used boiled. Also, do not forget that artichokes have the ability to absorb moisture and foreign odors.
Artichoke - use in cooking
The vegetable has a special taste and a number of properties that are good for health. It is often used in cooking and is considered a delicacy. It can be consumed both cold and hot. But we must not forget that after treatment with boiling water it loses a large number of taste and healing properties.
It is an ingredient in some exotic salads, added to sauces, and also served as a side dish. The artichoke is most often found in Italian cuisine.
This vegetable can be boiled, pickled, steamed, fried, stewed and used as a filling for all kinds of pies. Quite often there is a useful and delicious bread from artichoke.
There are also a huge number of desserts that contain this plant. And in Vietnam, tea is made from the leaves of this plant, which is used as an anti-inflammatory agent. Artichoke flowers and cones are used in cooking.
A medium-sized vegetable can be stewed or fried, while a small one can be used to prepare various snacks. The core of a vegetable of any size can be added to all kinds of salads in small pieces.
Artichoke goes well with rice and is used in the famous Italian dish “risotto”. The plant tastes like nuts. The vegetable cannot be stored for a very long time, as over time it becomes fibrous, lethargic, and also loses juice.
It is necessary to remember that dishes with the addition of artichoke are best eaten on the same day that it is prepared. It may darken during storage, so it must first be cleaned and placed in water with lemon juice and vinegar for 60 seconds.
Peeling a vegetable is not so easy; first of all, you need to peel the fruit from all upper leaves, then scrape off the fluff, and then remove the inner leaves. The most delicious part of an artichoke is the core.
The vegetable is rich in both minerals and vitamins: potassium, cynarine, mineral salt, caffeic and chlorogenic acid, cynarozoid, iron, carbohydrates, vitamins B1, C, B2, proteins and many others.
Artichoke is used in many preparations that help treat diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, allergies, atherosclerosis, hepatitis, jaundice, cholelithiasis and urolithiasis.
It can be consumed with food by people of advanced age, because it helps improve well-being and also reduces cholesterol levels in the blood. Artichoke extract can mitigate the effects of certain medications on the liver toxins.
Dishes from this plant are useful for people who have high acidity in the stomach, because they contain a huge amount of sodium and potassium salts, which have an alkaline effect. But still, with gastritis and low blood pressure, artichokes should not be consumed. Artichoke can be used as a medicine that prevents the development of atherosclerosis.
The vegetable contains vitamins A and C, which confidently fight many infections. It is also worth noting that the composition of the plant is dominated by calcium and iron. Juice, as well as decoction from the plant, will help cope with diseases biliary tract and liver. You can add yolk to this decoction chicken egg, to obtain a more effective result.
The substance cynarin, which is part of the vegetable, reduces the amount of cholesterol in circulatory system, has choleretic properties. The vegetable is useful for the elderly and diabetics.
A decoction made from artichoke flowers can be used for all types of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, as well as during flu and inflammation of the respiratory tract. The vegetable can eliminate the symptoms of heartburn; for this reason, it is consumed by patients suffering from high stomach acidity. It can improve digestion and also quickly relieve heaviness in the stomach.
It is worth noting that he is dietary product, due to their rapid digestibility, therefore they are recommended to replace starch in patients with diabetes.
Since ancient times, it has been recommended for patients suffering from hepatitis (jaundice) or the disease of kings (gout). Artichoke has diuretic and choleretic properties. You can prepare tinctures, ointments, decoctions and other remedies from the vegetable. A decoction made from leaves and petioles will reduce the amount of cholesterol and acid in the urine, and also improve the functioning of the nervous system.
There is an opinion that artichoke juice is consumed to enhance sexual power. Recipe: Drink ¼ glass of juice in the morning and evening. In popular medicine, the vegetable is used quite often as it helps treat eczema, urticaria, psoriasis, and gallstones.
Artichoke is a unique vegetable that can help cure a huge number of diseases.
Artichoke is a royal delicacy! How to cook an artichoke
Artichoke is a herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family with large inflorescences, the lower fleshy parts of which are used for food. An artichoke is an unopened flower bud of a plant, consisting of large, fleshy scales. The homeland of the artichoke is the Mediterranean. Currently, the vegetable is very popular in America (especially in California), where it was brought by French and Spanish settlers.
Both very young buds - flowers, and later ones - cones are used in cooking.
Small cones are ideal for appetizers, medium-sized artichokes are ideal for stewing and frying. Fresh artichoke hearts are cut into thin pieces and added to salads. They pair wonderfully with rice dishes, such as Italian risotto.
When eaten raw, the artichoke tastes like an unripe walnut.
When choosing artichokes, pay attention to the fact that they are evenly green in color, not limp and not too dry, and the size of the artichokes may not worry you, since a vegetable of any size will find its place on the dinner table.
Calorie content of artichoke
Both Spanish and French artichokes are considered a low-calorie dietary food and contain only 47 kcal per 100 g. The calorie content of boiled artichokes without salt is 53 kcal. Eating artichokes without harm to health is recommended even for overweight people.
Nutritional value per 100 grams:
Useful properties of artichoke
In addition to its pleasant taste, the artichoke has a rich, balanced set of nutritional elements.
Artichoke inflorescences contain carbohydrates (up to 15%), proteins (up to 3%), fats (0.1%), calcium and iron salts, and phosphates. Artichokes are rich in vitamins B1, B2, B3, carotene and inulin. They contain organic acids - caffeic, quinic, chlorogenic, glycolic and glyceric.
The outer leaves of the wrapper contain essential oils that give the artichoke a pleasant taste.
The inflorescences and other parts of the plant contain very valuable substances: the biologically active glycoside - cynarin and the polysaccharide - inulin. Artichoke is used for food in fresh, boiled and canned form. Sauces and purees are made from it. Its blue blooming flowers can be used to decorate a holiday table.
Artichoke is considered a dietary product that is well digestible and is recommended as a starch substitute for diabetes.
Even under Catherine II, artichokes were recommended by doctors to patients with gout and jaundice. Modern medicine confirmed the diuretic and choleretic effects of the plant. It has now been established that artichoke extract drains the liver and kidneys well, playing key role in cleansing the body of various toxic substances.
Preparations in the form of tinctures, juices and decoctions are prepared from the leaves and roots of artichoke.
Decoctions of leaves and petioles reduce cholesterol and uric acid in the blood and activate the activity of the central nervous system. In Ancient Greece, artichoke juice was rubbed into the head to treat baldness. In folk medicine, fresh juice squeezed from plants is used to increase sexual power (1/4 glass in the morning and evening).
It is also useful to take when alkaloid poisoning, urinary retention and dropsy, it reduces the smell of sweat. Artichoke juice mixed with honey is used to rinse the mouth for stomatitis, thrush, and cracked tongue in children. The Vietnamese make portioned bags of dietary teas from the above-ground parts, which have a pleasant aroma and quickly relieve inflammation from the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract.
Preparations obtained from artichoke are used to treat urolithiasis and cholelithiasis, jaundice, hepatitis, atherosclerosis, sometimes. allergies, various forms of psoriasis, eczema, reduce blood cholesterol levels.
In folk medicine, artichoke is also used to treat cholelithiasis, urticaria, some forms of psoriasis and eczema. Artichoke is very useful for elderly people with atherosclerosis.
Artichoke extract is known to reduce the toxic effects of certain medications on the liver.
Artichoke dishes should always be eaten on the day of preparation.
When stored, fresh artichokes darken, but this can be avoided by immersing the peeled vegetable in water with the addition of vinegar or lemon juice. Cleaning artichokes requires some skill. To do this, first break off the outer, rough leaves and trim the inner tender ones, scrape off the fibers remaining under the leaves, and you will be left with the most delicious thing in your hands - the fleshy core. Of course, the cleaning procedure can be avoided if you use ready-made canned artichokes from jars.
Artichoke dishes are useful for people with high acidity of gastric juice, as it contains a significant amount of potassium and sodium salts, which have a strong alkaline effect. However, if you have gastritis with low acidity of gastric juice and low blood pressure, you should not eat artichokes. It is also recommended as a means of preventing the development of atherosclerosis. A decoction of the leaves and artichoke juice are taken for diseases of the liver and biliary tract. For the same purpose, a decoction of baskets with fresh egg yolks is sometimes used.
