What's So Great About Artichokes?

Did you know that an artichoke is technically a flower or flower bud? However, we commonly classify it as a vegetable.

What are the benefits?

Artichokes are ideal for spring because they are high in fiber which makes them a highly cleansing food. They also contain phytochemical silymarin which supports liver and gallbladder health according to the book, Eat Pretty by Jolene Hart. They are also antiaging and nutrient-packed. The antioxidant capacity of artichokes is one of the highest reported for vegetables.Artichokes stimulate bile production in the liver which aids in the digestion of fats and helps us detox. They help with bloating and ease digestion which makes them a good choice for stomach issues. They may not be a typical food you would pick up at the grocery store, but with all the benefits they provide, you may want to consider it on your next grocery run!

How do I cook it?

You can pretty much cook an artichoke anyway you want. You could steam or boil an artichoke, remove each petal and dip the base of it into a sauce like hollandaise, lemon butter, or vinegar sauce, then pull through teeth to remove soft, pulpy portion of petal. You could also find recipes that incorporate artichokes. Some people (and restaurants) put artichokes on pizza. There are plenty of ways to add them to your diet!"Let thy food be thy medicine, and thy medicine be thy food."- Hippocrates