Artichokes; a Superfood Rank among the Most Antioxidant-Rich of All Vegetables
Artichokes, also known as green artichoke or French artichoke in the United States, is a variety of a species of thistle cultivated as a food. Artichokes are low in fat while rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. They are particularly high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, and supply important minerals, such as iron, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Moreover, artichokes rank among the most antioxidant-rich of all vegetables. Artichokes are often cited as a superfood, in part because of their high levels of antioxidants.
Artichokes Market, by Origin, by Product Type, by Application, and by Region — Size, Share, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2019–2027.
Ranked as the number one overall vegetable for antioxidants, artichokes help combat oxidative stress related to chronic diseases and aging. Two antioxidants, such as silymarin and cynarin, found in artichokes have been shown to improve the overall health of the liver by reducing the presence of toxins and facilitating their elimination from the liver and the body. Artichokes are used to stimulate the flow of bile from the liver, and this is thought to help reduce the symptoms of heartburn and alcohol hangover.
Artichokes are also used for high cholesterol, kidney problems, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), anemia, arthritis, fluid retention (edema), liver problems, and bladder infections. Some people use artichokes to treat snakebites, lower blood pressure, prevent gallstones, lower blood sugar; to increase urine flow; and as tonic or stimulant. Artichokes are also the perfect skin ingredient to get youthful and flawless skin. Artichoke helps minimize open pores and to build collagen while activating retention for moisture.
In foods, artichoke leaves/extracts are used to flavor beverages. Chemicals found in artichoke, such as cynarin and chlorogenic acid, are sometimes used as sweeteners. It is mostly cultivated in the countries bordering Mediterranean region. Today most artichokes grown worldwide are cultivated in France, Italy, and Spain, while California provides nearly 100% of the U.S. crop, with around 80% of that being grown in Monterey County; there, Castroville proclaims itself to be ‘The Artichoke Center of the World’ and holds the annual Castroville Artichoke Festival.
