Full Globe Artichoke

Full Globe Artichoke: Health Benefits

The Full Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) is a nutrient-rich vegetable with various health-supporting properties. Studies suggest that artichokes may promote digestive wellness, support liver function, and contribute to balanced cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Artichoke: Rich in Beneficial Compounds

Full Globe Artichoke leaves contain a range of beneficial compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids (such as rutin and luteolin), cynarin, sesquiterpenes, tannins, phytosterols, essential oils, provitamin A, enzymes and inulin. Inulin is a type of fiber that is not digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract but instead reaches the colon intact, where it serves as a substrate (food) for beneficial gut bacteria. This kind of fiber is called prebiotic fiber, and it can contribute to improved digestive health and overall gut function.

Artichoke: Effective for Indigestion

Artichokes may aid digestion by promoting bile production and flow, which assists in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble nutrients. Bile also helps regulate gut microbiota, supports digestive enzyme function, and may contribute to waste elimination and gallstone prevention.

 Maintaining healthy bile production and secretion is crucial for overall digestive health and nutrient absorption.

Artichoke: Protects the Liver

Some studies suggest that artichoke may help reduce liver congestion and improve blood flow by supporting the clearance of toxins and metabolic waste products from the liver.

Research suggests that artichoke extract may help maintain liver health by supporting antioxidant defenses such as glutathione peroxidase. Additionally, some studies indicate that artichokes may support liver function by promoting the clearance of metabolic waste products.

Some studies suggest that artichoke may help reduce liver congestion and improve blood flow by supporting the clearance of toxins and metabolic waste products from the liver.

Artichoke extract may protect the liver by reducing cholesterol synthesis and LDL oxidation. It boosts antioxidant defenses, such as glutathione peroxidase, which help defend liver cells against damage.

Artichoke: Balances Cholesterol

Studies indicate that Full Globe artichoke can help balance healthy cholesterol levels. The suggested mechanism is by modulation of HMG-CoA reductase activity, rather than a true inhibition as exhibited with statin medications. An additional mechanism is thought to increase the cholesterol fecal excretion due to effects on bile acids production. 

High LDL levels, together with high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, are a risk factor for various degenerative vascular diseases, and in particular for arteriosclerosis.

Studies suggest that artichokes may influence total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and the LDL/HDL ratio, while maintaining healthy HDL levels.

Artichoke: Blood Sugar Regulation 

Studies have demonstrated that artichoke could regulate blood sugar levels and improve fasting blood sugar levels. It is suggested that Artichoke affects glucose absorption and acts as an antioxidant, slowing down the emptying of the stomach and intestines. This helps inhibit the enzymes alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase in the intestines, which reduces the amount of glucose entering the bloodstream. In addition, antioxidants found in artichoke could have insulin-like effects, promoting glucose absorption in peripheral tissues. Artichoke may also influence pancreatic beta-cells, potentially repairing damaged cells and stimulating them to produce and release insulin.

Artichoke: Promising for Metabolic Disorders

Recent research suggests artichoke leaf extracts may benefit individuals with metabolic disorders like hyperglycemia, inflammation, and abnormal lipid profiles. It aids in lowering post-meal blood sugar levels and improves fasting blood sugar, potentially by influencing glucose absorption and insulin function.

It promotes bile secretion, reduces inflammation, oxidative stress and supports liver and gut health. Additionally, it aids in fat breakdown, therefore the absorption of beneficial fat and elimination of fat-soluble toxins.