Artichoke and Cholesterol

Latest news on the health benefits of artichoke has drawn an immense attention to this plant. According to series of scientific articles featured in prominent health magazines, artichoke has the power to fight bad cholesterol levels (LDL). It is LDL that is responsible for the formation of cholesterol deposits in blood vessels.

UK scientists conducted a string of studies with several groups of volunteers involved. Over three months of the experiment the participants consumed 100 g of artichoke extract every day. Also, each participant took cholesterol test at the beginning and at the end of the study. The results showed that daily consumption of artichokes – without taking any anti-cholesterol drugs – could lower the bad cholesterol levels more than by 10%.

And what’s amazing about artichoke is that it helps dissolve and remove LDL (low-density lipoprotein) which is the culprit for heart and blood vessel disorders. The scientists suppose that the marvelous artichoke health benefits are explained by the plant’s uniquely balanced content of flavonoids, minerals and vitamins.

Besides, artichoke is good for kidneys, for it acts as a mild diuretic. The scientists emphasized that fresh artichokes provide the source of silimarin which stimulates bile secretion and helps regenerate liver cells. In some countries, artichoke based drugs are now being produced commercially. These drugs are even used in the treatment of liver cirrhosis.