The artichoke is a perennial plant with purple flowers. Although considered a vegetable, the part that is eaten is actually the unopened flower bud, so it could be classified as a fruit. Its botanical name is Cynara, and it is one of the oldest known foods. It is known that consuming it 7-8 times during its season annually renews the liver; today, due to excessive toxin intake, this dose may not be sufficient.
In mythology, Zeus fell in love with a woman named Cynara and declared her a goddess; when the woman went to Zeus's house, she didn't like it and wanted to return. Angered, Zeus transformed her into an artichoke. The artichoke comes from the same family as daisies; it grows in Southern Europe, North Africa, and Mediterranean countries.
Nutritional Values
An average-sized artichoke contains approximately 25 calories. It is a source of vitamins C and B, folate, and magnesium. The cynarin substance found in its leaves has a cholesterol-lowering effect.
Health Benefits
It has been traditionally used for anemia, rheumatism, gout, indigestion, skin itching, and insect-snake bites. It is quite beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome and spastic colon; it facilitates digestion, correcting symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.
It lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol levels; especially the leaf parts are effective in this regard. The artichoke, which cleanses organs and increases mental capacity, also supports toxin elimination and delayed aging with its antioxidant properties. It quickly relieves hangover symptoms after alcohol consumption — headache, fatigue, dry mouth. The ancient Greeks considered the artichoke an aphrodisiac.
Precautions
Artichoke is a substance that stimulates the liver; those with gallstones are advised not to consume it excessively. Those allergic to daisy and chrysanthemum plants, which are from the same family, should also not consume artichoke. There is no known interaction with medications and other plants.
