Artichokes are deliciousespecially when paired with spinach in dip formbut are they actually healthy?
Spinach and artichoke dipis delicious, but it’s not the only way to enjoy artichokes.
What Is an Artichoke?
Getty Images / Fridholm, Jakob
Artichokesalso known as globe or French artichokesare pinecone-shaped vegetables.
Well, technically they’re a thistle flower bud that is classified as a vegetable by many.
Once the bud blooms into a flower, the artichoke as a whole becomes inedible.
And almost all artichokes grown in the U.S. are grown in California, according to theCalifornia Artichoke Advisory Board.
To maintain strong bones as you age, don’t skimp on this nutrient.
Protects your brain
Whole artichokes also pack folate, a B vitamin that’s associated with brain health.
In addition, folate keeps the heart and blood vessels healthy.
Like magnesium, potassium is essential for nerve and muscle function.
It also helps support healthy bones and kidneys and maintains the body’s fluid balance.
Contains helpful antioxidants
Artichokes are known for their antioxidant properties.
Silymarinhas been studiedfor its role in liver health.
FODMAP is an abbreviation for certain types of sugars and fibers that can cause gut issues.
How to Enjoy Artichokes
Artichokes have a firm texture and bitter flavor in their natural uncooked state.
That’s thanks to cynarin, the compound that contributes to artichokes' bitterness.
Cooking artichokes softens their texture, transforming them to have the feel of boiled potatoes.
The bitterness also fades with cooking.
Though artichokes look nothing like conventional vegetables but don’t let their appearance intimidate you.
Cooking whole artichokes is not complicated either.
Artichokes also pair splendidly with spinach.
Our collection of easy-to-prepartichoke recipescan get your next meal ready in 20 minutes or less.
Canned, jarred or frozen artichoke hearts make it easy for us to enjoy them year-round.
