Powerful nutrients exist in artichokes. Cup (170 g) of cooked artichoke contains: Calories: 90 Carbs: 20 g Fiber: 10 g Protein: 5 g Fat: 0.6 g Folate: 34% DV Copper: 21% DV Magnesium: 15% DV Vitamin C: 12% DV Niacin: 10% DV Riboflavin: 10% DV Potassium: 9% DV Phosphorus: 9% DV Vitamin B6: 7% DV
Artichoke leaf extract could reduce cholesterol. A 700-person study indicated that using artichoke leaf extract daily for 5–13 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol. Another 14-study evaluation found that artichoke supplements reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. Regular artichoke extract eating reduced LDL cholesterol by 30% and triglycerides by 22% in a 2012 animal research.
High blood pressure may benefit with artichoke extract. The supplementation of artichoke can dramatically lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in persons with high blood pressure. How artichoke extract lowers blood pressure is unknown. However, several previous test-tube and animal research show that artichoke extract stimulates eNOS, which widens blood arteries.
Artichoke leaf extract may preserve the liver and enhance tissue growth . It promotes bile synthesis, which helps your liver cleanse toxins. A study found that artichoke leaf extract reduced inflammation and liver cell death in mice with NAFLD. Human studies demonstrate liver health benefits.
Artichokes are high in fiber, which promotes friendly gut flora, lowers the risk of certain bowel malignancies, and relieves constipation and diarrhea. Prebiotic inulin is found in artichokes. One 2010 study found that 10 g of globe artichoke inulin improved gut microbiota composition after 3 weeks. Some older research suggest artichoke extract may relieve indigestion symptoms like bloating, nausea, and heartburn.
The digestive system is impacted by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can result in flatulence, bloating, diarrhea, cramping in the stomach, and constipation. In a previous study, using artichoke leaf extract thrice a day for six weeks reduced the symptoms of IBS in participants. Furthermore, according to 96% of participants, the extract was just as effective as traditional IBS therapies like laxatives and antibiotics, if not more so.
Consuming artichokes and artichoke leaf extract may have hypoglycemic effects. Indeed, a study conducted on rats revealed that specific components in artichokes could lower blood sugar and elevate triglyceride and cholesterol levels. This improvement may have resulted from the antioxidant properties of the vegetable.
Animal and test-tube studies show artichoke extract inhibits cancer growth. Artichokes include antioxidants such rutin, quercetin, silymarin, and gallic acid that may fight cancer. Despite these promising results, no human studies exist. More study is needed.