Artichokes: What are they?

Artichokes are immature flower buds of a thistle that are loaded with vitamins, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. Technically a plant, artichokes are often considered a vegetable. Once eaten as a delicacy by the elite with honey and vinegar, today they are popularly eaten in dip, risotto, stuffed, and soup. Artichokes are delicious, nutrient-dense, and have been used for centuries for their potential health benefits. Artichoke leaf extract is a potent alternative that may offer even greater benefits than eating artichokes alone. 

5 Health Benefits of Artichokes and Artichoke Extract

1. Promote healthy cholesterol levels: Some studies have found that artichokes may support healthy cholesterol levels by reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol and increasing “good” HDL cholesterol. This is thought to be due to the antioxidant luteolin, found in artichokes, which assists in stopping cholesterol formation.  

2. Support healthy blood pressure: Artichokes are a good source of potassium which assists in regulating blood pressure. Additionally, studies have found that artichoke extract promotes the enzyme eNOS which promotes the widening of blood vessels.

3. Support a healthy liver: Artichoke extract is believed to promote hepatoprotective activity. It promotes an increase in the production of bile, which promotes the removal of toxins from the liver. This may be due to the antioxidants, cynarin, and silymarin.

4. Promote digestive Health: Artichokes contain inulin, a type of fiber that acts as a prebiotic. Prebiotics promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. Cynarin also supports healthy digestion. 

5. Support healthy blood sugar levels: Some studies have found that artichoke extract can promote lower levels of sugar in the blood. It is theorized that artichoke extract slows down the activity of alpha-glucoside. This enzyme breaks down starch into glucose which may affect blood sugar.

Why should Hispanic Americans make artichokes part of their diet?

Hispanics commonly face health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney failure, and liver disease. Although Hispanic Americans are the fastest-growing minority in the United States, the population’s diabetes and chronic liver disease mortality is 50% higher than that of whites. Some of the risk factors for Hispanics include obesity and cigarette smoking, more prevalent in US-born Hispanics than foreign-born. This may be due to following a Western diet typically low in fruits and vegetables and high in fat and sodium. Many of the health benefits artichokes promote are related to health conditions Hispanics are prone to and suffer from. 

Fun Fact about Artichokes

The modern scientific name for artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) derives from Greek mythology. According to Greek myth, we can all thank Zeus for creating the artichoke. On his way to visit his brother Poseidon, Zeus saw and fell in love with a girl named Cynara. He seduced her, made her a goddess, and returned to Olympus with her. She soon became homesick and would sneak home to visit her family, making Zeus extremely angry when he found out. For this reason, he tossed Cynara from Olympus and turned her into….an artichoke. 

Although this veggie had a pretty dark beginning with the Greek gods, it is now enjoyed widely for its taste and health benefits. Realistically, most of us won’t be eating artichokes every day. This is where artichoke extract in supplement form comes in. Artichoke extract supplements are a great way to get all the benefits artichokes have to offer. 

Try Artichoke Extract by Natura-Genics® today! 

Where to Buy Artichoke Extract

Purchase quality artichoke extract supplements directly from Health Hispanica®. Health Hispanica® is a Hispanic-American health store specializing in supplements from Hispanic-American-owned brands such as Natura-Genics® and Yerba Farma®. We strive to provide quality and innovative supplements at fair prices and educate our clients and community on healthy living.

The statements above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.