Native to the warmer climates found in the Mediterranean, globe artichoke is a herb, with the leaves being where the most active ingredients are located. The fleshy flower part of globe artichoke is often eaten as a delicacy.
Benefits of Artichoke Extracts
Globe artichoke is recognised to have an antioxidant property and is helpful in terms of liver cleansing and regeneration. In The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements, Brewer (2010) explains how artichoke extracts promote secretion of bile, which is made in the liver and then stored in the gall bladder until it is mixed with food. Contained in bile are salts and acids, which are used in the process of emulsification, allowing fat globules to be reduced in size in order to be processed and absorbed more easily.
However, artichoke extracts are not recommended if one has either jaundice or a bile duct obstruction, where both of these conditions will require accessing medical treatment. Any concerns about liver health or whether artichoke extracts are suitable for one's medical situation, should be discussed with a qualified nutritionist or family doctor.
Health Benefits of Artichoke Supplements
Artichoke supplements have been used in the treatment of a wide range of health conditions and are recognised to have similar properties to that of milk thistle. Brewer (2010) identifies that artichoke supplements has the following health benefits:
- improves digestion
- increases bile secretion
- reduces blood cholesterol
- protects liver cells
- reduces irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms
- helps with abdominal pain (related to hangovers)
- helps reduce flatulence
- helps with bloating
- helps combat nausea
There are clearly many ways in which this herbal supplement is able to help those suffering from various health conditions. One of the primary health benefits associated with artichoke is in the area of digestive-related symptoms. Studies have proven that artichoke may help to significantly improve IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, fat intolerance, nausea, vomiting and constipation.
Research undertaken into treating high cholesterol with the herb have shown that it may lower LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and raise levels of HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol). While more research studies are needed, there already exists evidence that the benefits of taking artichoke extracts or supplements can make a real difference to certain health conditions.
As highlighted above, those with IBS and other digestion-related health conditions will be likely to see an improvement in symptoms from taking artichoke supplements. Before taking any herbal remedies, it is worth discussing this with one's doctor, as some, such as aloe vera, are not recommended during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding.
Source:
Brewer, S. (2010) The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements London: Constable Robinson
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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