Although often referred to as a vegetable, artichokes are actually a type of thistle. The green, leafy artichoke you know from the grocery store is the Bulb Artichoke. It is the edible flower bud of a thistle plant before it blooms. Bulb artichokes are loaded with nutrients and may provide various health benefits.
The extract of the artichoke plant comes primarily from the leaves. Artichoke extract, or artichoke leaf extract, has all of the benefits of the artichoke in a concentrated form, including active compounds like flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids.1 Let’s take a look at how artichoke leaf extract may be able to support your health.
Liver Health
The liver is a filter. It works daily to control things like antioxidants and free radicals. The balance between antioxidant levels and free radicals is what keeps oxidative stress under control. Artichoke extract contains important compounds called caffeoylquinic acids. These are natural antioxidants that work to support the health of your liver.2 Additionally, artichoke extract may increase bile ducts and bile production in liver cells. This may support metabolic function and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.3,4 By producing healthy enzymes and supporting your lipid profile, artichoke extract may support healthy amounts of fat stored in the liver.5 This may in turn, reduce the risk of developing liver issues.6
Digestive Health
The digestive system is a web of connectivity. It controls things like fat digestion, weight loss, and bowel movements. The liver, stomach, and gall bladder all play a role in this digestive ecosystem. Artichoke leaf extract can help to keep it well-nourished. Artichoke extract supports digestion by stimulating the gall bladder. This important digestive organ produces bile, which is crucial for healthy digestion. The bile from a bile duct emulsifies fats in the digestive system and breaks down food.7
Cardiovascular Health
The benefits of artichoke extract don’t stop at the liver and stomach. Artichoke extract can also support healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels.8,9
Two Great Ways To Achieve A Healthier You – Artichoke Extract
Artichoke extract is an all-natural remedy that may offer all kinds of potential health benefits. As always, consult with your doctor before adding artichoke extract to your diet. Some may have an allergic reaction to artichoke extract. They can also answer any questions you may have and recommend the correct dosage for you. Meanwhile, you can also try out some of Dr. Gundry’s delicious artichoke recipes like these crunchy “fried” artichoke hearts. You may also want to read about wheatgrass dangers and why it is toxic.
Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15212452
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26310198
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1110093118300346#b0070
- https://www.degruyter.com/downloadpdf/j/jtim.2016.4.issue-2/jtim-2016-0018/jtim-2016-0
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29520889
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4879230/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23923586
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22746542
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22435514
