Nutritious Artichoke Aids Health of Liver

A member of the sunflower family, artichokes originated in the Mediterranean and were cultivated by the Greeks and Romans who considered them a delicacy. Its common name comes from the Italian articolus deriving from cocali or pine cone – an apt description of the appearance of the flower bud.

Artichokes waned in popularity during the Dark Ages but were restored to favor when Catherine De Medici introduced them to France in the 16^th century. From France the artichoke was spread around the world and reached the U.S. in 1806 traveling with French and Spanish settlers.

Low in calories and high in fiber, artichokes are a good source of folate, vitamin C and potassium. Artichokes may provoke an allergic reaction in people sensitive to ragweed.

Artichokes are especially good for the liver aiding detoxification and regeneration. They also reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels, stimulating the gallbladder and helping the metabolism of fat. A natural diuretic, artichokes have been used to treat hepatitis and jaundice. In folk medicine artichokes have been used as both a contraceptive and an aphrodisiac.