In the intricate relationship between our various internal systems, digestion and liver function play pivotal roles. All our bodily systems are connected and influencing each other. This makes a holistic and whole-body approach to health so powerful. It is especially beneficial to nurture and nourish the digestive tract and liver.
And this is where the artichoke comes in.
A very versatile and nutritious vegetable, the artichoke has captured attention not only for its culinary appeal but also for its potential impact on digestion and liver wellbeing.
The Artichoke in Detail.
The artichoke has a long history of medicinal use. The traditional use of artichoke leaf extract has been substantiated through recent research demonstrating the health benefits of artichokes, including digestive health, blood sugar regulation, cholesterol metabolism, and liver health. It many benefits stem from the phytonutrients found in artichokes. These phytonutrients act as antioxidants, protecting against oxidative stress damage, and they exhibit antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects.
Artichoke extract is obtained from globe artichoke, or Cynara scolymus. Artichokes have a high mineral content, and contain vitamin C, fiber, inulin, and polyphenols. Its composition depends on the part of the plant, as well as on other factors such as the variety, type of soil, and climate. The edible part, the artichoke’s heart, contains more nutrients than the leaves. However polyphenolic active compounds are mainly found in the latter. Artichoke leaf extracts thus have more potential health benefits, which is why it is these that are used in plant medicine.
Artichoke leaf extract contains numerous active compounds, the more health supporting ones being:
Luteolin, an antioxidant that may have protective effects on free radicals.
Caffeoylquinic acid, another antioxidant that helps form bonds with toxic compounds, thus lowering their toxicity.
Cynarin, a polyphenolic substance that stimulates bile production, which helps the gut digest fats and absorb vitamins from food.
Inulin, a sweet-tasting indigestible starchy substance and prebiotic, which means it can increase the number of beneficial microorganisms in the gut.
Artichoke & Digestion.
Digestion is a complex process where food is broken down into tiny pieces called nutrients that can be utilised by the body. These nutrients are like little building blocks that your body needs to stay healthy and strong. Your mouth, throat, stomach, and other organs all play a part. They work together like a team to make sure your body gets what it needs from the food you eat. When everything is working smoothly, you feel great! But if your digestion is not working as it should, you might get cramps, feel bloated, or tired. Did you know that your gut health can even affect your mood and energy levels? So, taking care of your digestion is super important for your overall well-being. When your digestion is happy, you are happy!
1. It is dietary fiber rich.
Artichoke is packed with fiber which is essential for digestive health. It promotes regular bowel movements, prevents constipation, and supports a healthy gut microbiome through its prebiotic effects as well as creation of short chain fatty acids (SCFA).
Inulin, a prebiotic fiber found in artichokes, serves as food for our beneficial gut bacteria. By promoting the growth of these good bacteria, artichokes contribute to a balanced and thriving gut microbiota, fostering optimal digestive function. Inulin also exhibits excellent health benefits in regulating lipid metabolism, lowering blood sugar, inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors, reducing the risk of colon cancer, enhancing mineral absorption, improving constipation, and relieving depression.
Studies have shown that artichoke works powerfully to help patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as well as constipation. The increase of short chain fatty acid production further promotes the health of not only the gut, but the entire body. By accelerating gut movement, the compound cynarin also helps support the health of the digestive tract.
2. It provides indigestion relief.
Artichoke has been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of indigestion. Studies suggest that compounds in artichoke may help relax the digestive tract, reducing symptoms like bloating and discomfort. It is also effective in easing fullness and reducing flatulence.
Artichoke & The Liver.
The liver, arguably one of the body’s most important organs, has many different functions. It is often hailed as the body's detoxification powerhouse, but it also contributes significantly to the digestion process. It produces bile, a digestive fluid that aids in the breakdown of fats. Additionally, the liver plays a crucial role in filtering and detoxifying blood, regulating blood sugar, supporting the immune system, and storing essential nutrients. The liver has an overall crucial role of maintaining homeostasis (internal balance) within the body.
1. It supports bile production.
The cynarin in artichokes is believed to stimulate bile production. Bile is crucial for the digestion and absorption of fats, aiding in the emulsification and breakdown of dietary lipids. Furthermore, bile helps remove harmful toxins from the liver.
2. It aids in detoxification.
Artichokes contain antioxidants and phytonutrients that may support the liver's natural detoxification processes. These compounds help neutralize harmful free radicals and assist in the removal of toxins from the body.
3. It is liver protective.
Artichokes have demonstrated hepatoprotective effects in research, suggesting their potential in protecting the liver and supporting its overall health. It can also help reduce non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and possibly help liver cells regenerate.
4. It can help cholesterol reduction.
Artichoke extract has been shown to be influential in the reduction in LDL “bad” cholesterol, and may increase the amount of HDL, “good” cholesterol. Artichokes contain compounds called phytosterols that can help regulate cholesterol levels by inhibiting its absorption in the intestines. By reducing cholesterol levels, artichokes may support liver health and prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver.
Supporting Your Body.
Whilst supplementation can help in supporting the health of your body, making the right diet and lifestyle changes are the foundation to health and well-being. To help digestive and liver health, try to eat balanced meals, and not too much or too fast. Avoiding spicy and very fatty foods, ultra-processed food, caffeine, and alcohol can also help to rebalance your digestive system and liver. It is important to listen to your body when you are feeling discomfort after eating a certain food. It could mean a food intolerance or sensitivity is present which may need to be addressed.
Always check with your doctor before starting any supplements. There can always be unexpected interactions with other drugs or supplements you are taking.
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