Few people know that artichoke It is one of the oldest vegetables – yet it is rarely used in our kitchens on a daily basis. There are plenty of reasons to change this. From this article you will learn how much this inconspicuous product can do for your health.
Artichoke is a plant from the Asteraceae family, originating from the Mediterranean region. Indeed, in countries such as Italy or Spain it is extremely popular, which cannot be said about Polish cuisine – we eat this vegetable rather occasionally.
The edible part of the artichoke is its inflorescence – a large bud with fleshy green or purple scales. Due to its appearance, it may seem complicated to prepare, but nothing could be further from the truth. It’s really simple. When you cut off the stem, remove the woody outer leaves, and discard the fibrous center (called the “hay”), you’ll be left with the best, most tender part of the artichoke. You can also use, for example, marinated artichokes.
Without a doubt Artichoke is a vegetable with many faces – you can easily bake them, grill them, or stew them with your favorite herbs. Artichokes are an addition to pizza or pasta, they are also an ingredient of delicious salads. If you take a moment to explore this topic, it will turn out that a vegetable that you didn’t really know what to do with offers a lot of culinary possibilities.
Who should eat artichokes? To answer this question, we should consider what specific nutrients this plant contains. It turns out that it is a real treasure trove of vitamins and minerals that can support the body on many levels.
Let’s start with the beneficial effects of this plant on our digestive system. As the editorial team of the portalzdrowie.interia.pl writes:Artichokes have been used for centuries as a natural digestive aid. Already in ancient Greece and Rome, they were considered a vegetable with “medicinal” properties – they were eaten after heavy feasts to relieve stomach discomfort. Today we know that their effects are confirmed by scientific research. Cynarin and chlorogenic acid contained in artichoke leaves and heart stimulate the secretion of bile, which accelerates the digestion of fats and facilitates liver detoxification. Thanks to this, artichokes can support problems such as flatulence, feeling of heaviness after a meal or irritable bowel syndrome.
In addition plant compounds found in artichoke are helpful when it comes to reducing “bad” LDL cholesterolthey also help regulate blood glucose levels. It is also worth reaching for artichoke when you want to cleanse your body – it has a diuretic effect, supports the proper functioning of the kidneys and removes toxins from the body. Artichokes also contain inulin – a prebiotic compound that supports the intestines. Additionally, inulin facilitates the absorption of ingredients such as: calcium, magnesium or iron.
Importantly, artichoke, rich in potassium, is also an ally of a healthy heart. Additionally, vitamins C and K and polyphenols support blood vessels, thus reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. Your immunity will also benefit if you include artichokes in your diet, thanks to the presence of antioxidants. This vegetable will also work well in the diet of people on a weight loss diet because it is low-calorie and at the same time filling because it has a high content of dietary fiber.
Do you want to start using this source of vitamins and are wondering how to introduce a Mediterranean vegetable to your diet? Start with this dish – stuffed artichokes you can prepare it easily.
Ingredients list:
- 8-10 artichokes (e.g. marinated),
- 30 dag of minced meat,
- 1 larger onion,
- 2-3 cloves of garlic,
- yellow cheese,
- chili pepper,
- cinnamon,
- sun
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or olive oil in a pan. Add the diced onion and season with a pinch of cinnamon. Also add finely chopped chili pepper.
After a few minutes, add the minced meat, fry, season with salt to taste.
Fill the marinated artichokes with minced meat and sprinkle with grated yellow cheese.
Bake until golden brown at 180 degrees Celsius. This will take approximately 10 minutes.
Sources: guster.pl, Terazgotuje.pl,zdrowie.interia.pl.
