The liver, which is the largest organ of our body and the most effective in carrying out metabolic events, is very important for our health. Therefore, we need to pay attention to our liver health. The liver has the ability to renew itself, that is, regeneration. In order for this renewal to occur, it is necessary to make some changes in our diet. One of these changes is to benefit from functional foods specific to the disease.
The functional food that the season offers us for liver health is artichoke. Unlike these days, when medicines were consumed unnecessarily, people in ancient times used artichokes instead of medicines for treatment. Artichoke, which is the harbinger of spring months of Mediterranean origin, belongs to the Asteraceae family. And its scientific name is Cyanara scolymus. Nature has presented the artichoke to us in layers, there is a hairy tissue in the middle and when it matures, this tissue turns into a flower. There is also the *artichoke heart* inside this tissue. The main part we consume is the heart of the artichoke. It is also possible to consume its leaves with a suitable cooking method. Optionally, the outer leaves can also be consumed raw.
→It is very low in saturated fat and does not contain cholesterol.
→It is effective in keeping blood cholesterol in balance.
→ 1 medium-sized artichoke contains approximately 60 calories.
→ It contains vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. It strengthens our body's defense mechanism against free radicals.
→Artichoke has high pulp content. It is an important food for individuals suffering from constipation problems.
→ Artichoke contains high amounts of iron (Fe). Consuming artichoke, a vegetable source of iron, with vitamin C will increase its bioavailability.
→It contains high levels of phosphorus, niacin (vitamin B1) and vitamin B6.
→It contains carbohydrates in the form of inulin. And if the artichoke is fresh, it acts as inulin and plays a role in balancing blood sugar in diabetics.
→It has been observed that it is beneficial to our liver, gallbladder and kidneys, thanks to the *CIARIN* substance it contains. It reduces indigestion and other digestive complaints by increasing bile secretion.
→ It contains *LUT. EOLIN* substance is of great importance in protecting us from LDL, which we call bad cholesterol.
→ It is known that the liver has a detoxification function, it protects our body from toxins. The liver has regeneration (self-renewal) feature. However, it requires some nutrients for this feature. One of these foods is artichoke, which protects our liver. In other words, artichoke has an important place in protecting our body from toxins.
→According to a study, it has given positive results in the treatment of the chronic disease known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which causes abdominal swelling, pain and changes in the frequency of defecation.
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→It increases the urea concentration of our kidneys and has a diuretic (urinary increase) effect.
WHAT SHOULD WE CONSIDER WHEN CONSUMING ARTICHINES THAT REFRESH OUR LIVER??
In addition to its detoxification function, our liver also contains proteins, carbohydrates, It is also responsible for the metabolism of fats and vitamins. Excess sugar makes it difficult for our liver to work properly, it tires our liver and can impair its function. For this reason, care should be taken not to add sugar when cooking artichokes. Just as you pay attention to the sugar content, you should also pay attention to the fat content. Maximum 1 Tbsp (tablespoon) of olive oil can be consumed for each artichoke. By consuming it with olive oil, you will also benefit from the fat-soluble vitamins it contains. Olive oil is a type of oil containing high amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids and is one of the most beneficial oils for our health. For this reason, in order not to turn the benefits of oil into harm, care should be taken not to burn the oil while cooking.
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