Does Eating Artichoke Help You Lose Weight?

The artichoke is attributed various beneficial properties for health. Among them, it is believed that it would help you lose weight, but is this true? This vegetable would act on the organism favoring the elimination of toxins and excess fluids in our body. In this article, we analyze whether or not these benefits have scientific endorsement.

Keep in mind that a healthy diet is one that is characterized by its variety. It is important to include plant foods of different types to obtain all the nutrients that are needed.

Artichoke properties

The artichoke can be consumed in a wide variety of preparations, as well as in the form of tea. It can be enjoyed on an empty stomach or after meals. In fact, many people recommend the latter option on the grounds that it would help digest food easier.

Another way to consume the artichoke is through capsules or pills. These can be found in stores specializing in natural products. They offer the same benefits as if the vegetable is consumed directly, either in salads or in tea, since they are prepared from the extract of the artichoke leaves.

According to the Spanish Nutrition Foundation, some of the properties of this vegetable are:

• The artichoke has a large amount of fiber. Therefore, it would be of great help to reduce and control the levels of glucose in the blood, cholesterol and, above all, relieve the symptoms of constipation. This is evidenced by a study published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.
• It has been shown to have a good amount of antioxidants due to the vitamins and minerals it contains. We highlight vitamin C, B1 and minerals such as phosphorus, iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium.
• It contains a substance called cynarin, which is responsible for stimulating bile secretion, a process of great importance for the correct digestion of fats. In fact, there is evidence that the artichoke helps to take care of liver health.

• The artichoke only contains 1% fat, few amounts of carbohydrates and proteins, which makes its caloric intake very low. Therefore, it would be a suitable food for people who want to lose weight. In addition, it would cause a feeling of satiety.

Benefits of artichoke

In addition to contributing to weight loss, the consumption of artichoke would have other health benefits. For this reason, many consume it both in recipes, as in tea, extracts or supplements. Summarizing its benefits:

• It would help control bad cholesterol levels and promote the increase in good cholesterol, according to a study from 2000.
• It could help regulate blood pressure.
• It would improve liver health. In fact, research suggested that consuming artichoke extract would help improve fatty liver symptoms.

• It could ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
• It would improve digestive health. Due to its prebiotic effect, it would help alleviate indigestion symptoms.
• It would help lower blood sugar.

How to prepare artichoke tea?

We can benefit from the properties of the artichoke by cooking it in many ways. However, in this article we will learn how to make a diuretic tea with this vegetable.

Ingredients

• 20 g of artichoke leaves.
• A cup of water.

Preparation

• Wash the leaves very well and place them in a container with the water.
• Bring to the fire and boil for approximately five minutes.
• Then, turn off the heat and let it rest. You can have a cup half an hour before each meal.

To consider

When starting to take this infusion you have to be very attentive to the side effects that may occur, since there may be people who do not tolerate it and have any discomfort.

In that case, the quantity and frequency should be decreased. If the discomfort continues, its consumption should be permanently discontinued. Do not forget to consult with your doctor if you are suitable for the consumption of this product.

On the other hand, it must be borne in mind that this vegetable by itself does not help you lose weight, as it would only have the facility to help digest fat and a diuretic effect.

Therefore, the consumption of fats, refined flours and sugars should be restricted, so that the consumption of the artichoke has the desired effect on the body. Remember to supplement with a balanced diet and an excellent exercise routine.

Artichoke, a vegetable with many properties

Artichoke is a dense food from a phytonutrient point of view. For this reason, its consumption generates health benefits in the medium term. Thanks to it, the efficiency in the functioning of several of the systems that are part of the body can be increased.