Beneath its thorny exterior is the “Artichoke” a delicious vegetable that is number 7 on the chart of foods with the most antioxidants, tracing their origin back to the Mediterranean. This plant grows better in colder seasons, while their tough exterior can look a bit intimidating. Inside is meaty like body which harbors many benefits to your health, below are just a few.
Fiber
A serving of artichoke gives you almost a 3rd of the necessary fiber requirement for the day; this helps to keep your digestive system regular and keeps your cholesterol down.
Vitamin K
This vitamin is necessary for blood clotting and bone health.
Vitamin C
Protects the body from free radicals that often circulate in the blood; it strengthens the immune system and can protect the body from common colds and cancer.
Folate Acid
Folic Acid is vital to healthy red blood cell formation and can benefit pregnant woman by protecting her fetus from neural tube defects.
Potassium
Helps to stabilize your blood pressure.
Magnesium
Essential for normal nerve conduction.
Protein
One serving contains about 3.5 grams of protein, which is a fundamental building block of muscle health.
B-complex group of vitamins, niacin, vitamin B-6, thiamin, and pantothenic acid, these vitamins are necessary for cellular metabolic functions.
The next time you want to change things up a bit in your diet, why not throw these gems in your pasta salad or on the grill, or in a dip. Not only are they good for you, but sometimes you discover that great things are often disguised inside of an unappealing shell.
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