In the long journey of health, high cholesterol often appears like a dark cloud, overshadowing people’s cardiovascular health. If not resolved promptly, it can deposit on the blood vessel walls, leading to narrowing, hardening of the arteries, and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, do not fear, nature has endowed us with a powerful “cholesterol fighter.” Not chives, but artichokes, this vegetable may not be well-known to the public, but it possesses amazing health benefits. Let’s explore its magical properties together.
Artichoke, also known as Korean thistle or French lily, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family. Its unique appearance resembles a budding flower, with a delicious taste and rich nutritional content. The cynarin in artichokes can boost liver vitality, promote toxin elimination from the liver, stimulate liver cell regeneration, enhance bile secretion and fat digestion, regulate cholesterol levels, and protect the liver. It also provides abundant vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers, and other nutrients to supply our body with ample energy. It can strengthen the immune system, enhancing our body’s resilience for improved health and vitality. Below we share a delicious artichoke recipe for you to try.
【Cooking Artichokes】
Ingredients: 4 artichokes, 1 lemon, olive oil, parsley, sea salt, black pepper
Cleaning artichokes: Soak the artichokes in water with a pinch of salt, gently stir, soak for 10 minutes, then thoroughly wash and drain.
Preparing lemon: Dampen the lemon peel, sprinkle some salt, gently rub and rinse clean, cut into slices and set aside.
Handling artichokes: Remove the outer tough leaves of the cleaned artichokes. Cut off the top 1/3 and stem. (If not plating as shown, you can leave the stem intact. Immediately brush with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Cooking artichokes: In a pot, add room temperature water, lemon slices, and artichokes. Cover and bring to a boil, then simmer for about 30 minutes over low heat.
Serving: When the artichokes are tender and the leaves can be easily pulled off, remove them from the water. Drain upside down in a dish and let them cool naturally for a moment.
Plating: Once not too hot to handle, place the artichokes face up in a dish, then gently spread the leaves layer by layer to create a flower-like appearance, making it more attractive.
Finishing touch: Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with chopped parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper according to personal taste. Enjoy your delicious meal.
Nutritional Value:
Dietary fiber: Cooked artichokes are rich in dietary fiber, promoting intestinal motility, preventing constipation, and lowering cholesterol levels. Dietary fiber also increases satiety, beneficial for weight management and maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Vitamins and minerals: Artichokes are rich in various vitamins and minerals, essential for maintaining normal bodily functions and good health.
Antioxidants: Artichokes contain different antioxidants such as flavonoids and anthocyanins. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and inflammatory conditions.
Liver protection: Compounds in artichokes are believed to protect the liver from damage and enhance its detoxification function.
Blood sugar regulation: Artichokes may be beneficial for blood sugar control, aiding in diabetes prevention.
Improving digestion: Its high fiber content helps improve digestion, alleviating issues like indigestion and bloating.
