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What Is The Health Benefits Of Artichoke Leaves? |
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The health benefits of artichoke leaves
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Darrell Miller | 12/07/12 |
Date:
December 07, 2012 01:12 PM
Author: Darrell Miller
(dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: The health benefits of artichoke leaves
Artichoke has been a very popular vegetable since ancient times due to its great taste and abundant health benefits. Although most people prefer eating its heart, it's actually the artichoke leaves that contain most the ingredients that are beneficial to the body.
The following is an overview of the health benefits of artichoke leaves.
Contain powerful antioxidants
Artichoke leaves and flower heads have one of the highest antioxidant capacity reported for vegetables. Its powerful antioxidants can help you to detoxify your body, as well as avoid problems that are associated with free radicals in the body, including weak immune system, aging skin, decreased energy and weight gain.
Lower cholesterol
The ingredients found in the artichoke leaves extract have been found to lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body. They achieve this by inhibiting the enzyme HMG- CoA reductase, which is responsible for cholesterol production. This reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, arteriosis and other cardiovascular issues.
Help to treat and prevent cancer
Artichoke leaves extract contains substances that are known to induce apoptosis or “cell death,” which inhibits cell proliferation in different forms of cancer, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer and leukemia.
Increase bile flow
The pulp of artichoke leaves is rich in Cynarin - a chemical substance that is known to increase bile flow. Healthy bile flow helps to avoid a variety of health problems such as Candida, parasites, constipation, gallstones, high cholesterol, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes and insulin issues.
Improve digestion
Artichoke leaves extract contains diuretic effects and has been shown to aid digestion. It improves bile flow, which in turn stimulates peristalsis, required for better digestion. This keeps digestive problems such as constipation away.
Strengthen liver and gall bladder function
As a natural diuretic, artichoke leaves extract boosts both liver and gall bladder functions. This is actually the reason why they are considered to be an effective hangover treatment. Rich in fiber Artichoke leaves are high in fiber, and they can be very handy when you are trying to lose weight, or fight digestive problems.
