Artichoke

Native to southern Europe, in the Mediterranean area, artichoke is mainly grown in Spain, Italy, France, but also in the United States. It is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, the same family as the sunflower. The leaves, stems and roots are used to obtain extracts that help treat various liver, blood circulation and kidney disorders.

Artichoke contains cynarin (a powerful antioxidant with hepatoprotective action), polyphenols, folic acid, vitamins A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 and B12, C, potassium salts, phosphorus, iron, flavonoids, manganese and magnesium. It is also an important source of fibre (facilitates intestinal transit), inulin (a substance that stimulates the immune system and increases the absorption of calcium and magnesium) and is low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

Improves the immune system

Artichokes have a high antioxidant content, which means they help the immune system fight free radicals responsible for the onset of many diseases.

Liver benefits

Due to the fact that artichokes contain cynaropicrin and cynarin, bitter substances with proven hepatoprotective properties, its consumption stimulates liver function and supports bile secretion (choleretic action), promoting the elimination of bile juices in the duodenum (cholagogue action), thus helping to detoxify the liver and gallbladder.

Adjuvant in the treatment of hepatic steatosis

The destruction of liver cells occurs through the excessive accumulation of fat inside them. Untreated fatty liver will lead to complications, and hepatic steatosis can progress over time to inflammation, necrosis and nodular regeneration, phenomena that deform the normal architecture of the liver and disrupt its function. The antioxidants in artichokes reduce the presence of toxins in the body and facilitate their elimination through the liver and other organs. Some studies show that artichokes help new cells to form and repair the damaged liver.

Regulation of intestinal transit

Artichokes can help reduce constipation and improve intestinal transit due to their high fibre content, approximately 5 grams of fibre per 100 grams of artichoke.

Normal cholesterol levels

It supports the reduction of cholesterol and LDL levels in the blood thanks to a flavonoid found in artichoke leaves called luteolin, which has antioxidant properties.

Regulates blood pressure

Along with lowering blood cholesterol, eating artichokes can also have a positive effect on blood pressure. According to studies, artichokes can influence blood pressure levels, causing a slight reduction.

Recommended for normal liver and gallbladder function, artichokes are also used medicinally as an adjuvant in protecting liver cells, maintaining normal cholesterol and fat levels in the blood, and regulating intestinal transit. It is recommended not to use natural treatments, which are available in capsule, tincture or tea form, without the recommendation of a specialist doctor.

Capsules - contain dry extract or dried leaf extract. Artichoke extract is taken from the long leaves, the part of the plant that is most dense in biologically active compounds. Artichoke extract helps to: support digestion, balance intestinal transit, maintain liver function, balance blood cholesterol levels, support bile secretion and promote the elimination of bile juices in the duodenum.

Artichoke tea - Preparation of artichoke tea: Boil 250 ml of water, when the water boils, add a tablespoon of artichoke leaves. Leave to infuse for 15 minutes in boiling water, then strain and drink in the morning on an empty stomach or 30 minutes before a meal. According to recommendations and depending on the purpose for which it is used, consume no more than 2-3 cups of artichoke tea per day. Benefits of tea: production and elimination of bile, protection and regeneration of liver cells, detoxification of the liver, maintenance of normal cholesterol and fat levels in the blood and liver, normalisation of slow intestinal transit, support of diuresis, combating fatigue and exhaustion.

Consuming artichoke is not recommended in the acute stage of liver and biliary diseases such as biliary obstruction or gallstones, as it can aggravate these conditions by increasing bile flow.

It is not recommended for people who are intolerant to any of the product's ingredients.

It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women because its active ingredients reduce lactation.