VEGGIE LOVE: The Mighty Artichoke

Since returning from France I have been in love with artichokes. I never ate them very often in the past, or prepared them in my meals at home. It was usually when dining out if they happened to be in my meal that I would indulge. For some reason in Cannes artichokes were one of the few veggies available everywhere, and I started craving them.  Over time I’ve learned to honor my bodies’ cravings because usually there are some nutrients I may need from that source.

Like most of the miraculous vegetables we have on our planet artichokes offer amazing health benefits and nutrients. It is one of the oldest known cultivated veggies, actually originating from Ethiopia, and was used in ancient Greece and Rome as a digestive aid. Artichokes are packed with magnesium, fiber, vitamins A, C, chromium, potassium, manganese and more.  They also have more antioxidants than any other vegetable! This is great as antioxidants help slow aging and protect against free radicals. Their high fiber content coupled with ability to stimulate bile flow helps with health digestion.

Artichokes can also support healing of a plethora of ailments including: irritable bowel syndrome, high cholesterol, (helps body to excrete bad cholesterol), diabetes, (helps stabilize blood sugar levels), liver issues, hypertension, and potassium deficiency. Due to their high potassium content, artichokes assists body in dealing with excess sodium, and if taking anti-hypertensive drugs, can make sure that one doesn’t become potassium deficient. All this said, artichokes can be eaten raw or cooked.  When you are choosing artichokes, look for tightly packed leaves. They are in season from March to May but can be found year round in most grocery stores. Bon appetit! –XoXo Raw Girl