Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the blood that the body needs to form healthy cells. Experts point out that, despite being a necessary element, having high cholesterol levels can increase the risk of suffering from different conditions, including heart disease.
Plants provide nutrients to treat high cholesterol. One of them is the artichoke, rich in water, fiber and flavonoids. Contains vitamin C and minerals, such as potassium and phosphorus, which provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic propertiesprobiotics and antidyspepsias that serve to combat poor digestion.
According to the portal your healththe artichoke “provides many health benefits, such as helping to reduce cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood, preventing diseases such as obesity, heart attack and diabetes.”
Thanks to the fibers, such as inulin and pectin, the artichoke is very useful to reduce the absorption and increase the elimination of fats through the stool, which is essential for the reduction of “bad” or LDL cholesterol levels, and total blood cholesterol.
This plant is also rich in antioxidant compounds, such as flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamin C, which serve to prevent the generation of free radicals and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries, a fundamental process for the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Being a low glycemic index food, due to the good amount of fiber and protein, the artichoke is an ideal plant to “regulate glucose and insulin levels in the blood, thus preventing diabetes”, in the words of the site Web Your Health.
This vegetable is known for its contribution of inulin, which is a carbohydrate that is metabolized slowly in the body, which serves to favor the transformation of sugar into energy.
The artichoke contains cynarin, which is “a substance that stimulates bile secretion to facilitate the digestion of fats and prevent them from accumulating in the body”, they highlight in the portal better with health about the virtues of this plant.
To have the properties provided by the artichoke, it can be included in various recipes, but one of the most recommended ways is to take it in a natural drink, since it allows to preserve a large part of its properties and contains very few calories.
In better with health recommend the following recipe, also keep in mind that size is an important factor, since the buds and leaves must be well defined and green.
Ingredients
- 3 medium artichokes.
- 1 liter of water.
Preparation
- Wash the artichokes well, cut the ends of the stem and cut it.
- Next, take it to a pot with a liter of water and let it boil for 15 minutes.
- After the recommended time, remove and let it rest covered.
Recommendations to take it
- Have a glass of the drink before breakfast and lunch.
- Take it for at least three weeks in a row.
- It can be taken hot or cold.
- In the refrigerator it can last up to a week.
Another preparation is artichoke au gratin
Ingredients
- 2 artichoke flowers;
- 1 can of heavy cream (optional);
- 2 tablespoons of grated cheese.
Preparation
First you have to place all the sliced ingredients on a tray and season with salt and pepper.
Following this, add the milk cream and grated cheese. This must be baked at 220 ° C until well browned.
In the portal your health They advise for people who want to lose weight, that the milk cream can be replaced by a little olive oil and grated cheese should be on top.