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ArtichokesArtichokes rank highly as an antioxidant food. Alongside antioxidant activity, artichokes stimulate the production of bile which increases the amount of toxins offloaded by the liver, and can improve digestion. They are also an excellent source of dietary fibre, magnesium and B vitamins such as folic acid.
Artichokes are exceptionally high in antioxidants that can counter free radical damage. In some research artichokes are one of the top 50 antioxidant dense foods, many of the foods in the top 50 are actually spices which are typically consumed in small amounts at a time. This means, the likelihood of actually ingesting substantial quantities of antioxidants is greatly higher with artichokes. Artichokes are more nutrient dense per 100 grams than the super foods we are more familiar with such as apples, and berries like strawberries and blackberries.
When food leaves the stomach it enters the small intestine where nutrients can be absorbed. At the beginning of the intestine, the gall bladder delivers bile. Bile is made by the liver, and stored in the gall bladder. Bile acts as like ‘dishwashing liquid’, breaking down fats into smaller particles. Artichokes are said to promote secretion of bile by the liver which has a number of benefits. Firstly, the liver makes bile from a number of components, one of which being toxic material that has been processed by the liver. An increase in bile production greatly facilitates moving toxins out of our system.
Furthermore, the increase of bile movement through the gall bladder helps prevent gall stones and blockages which can be common in older women. Sometimes we can have less than optimal quantities of bile which leads to poor digestion and ineffective break down of fats. Artichokes help digestion through promoting bile production.
Artichokes also provide a good supply of Magnesium. Magnesium can assist with nerve and muscle function which is also helpful for the digestive process. It is the activity of muscles activated by nerves which is responsible for the flexing and relaxing movements which propel food through the digestive tract.
Information supplied by Steph Askeur |