All You Need to Know About Artichoke

Artichoke is a popular vegetable that is enjoyed by most people, especially those who are health conscious. The reason all you need to know about Artichoke is the health benefits it offers. But if you are just starting out with the artichoke plant, and would like to know more about it, then this article is for you. In this article, we will be discussing about artichoke’s nutritional value and how you can benefit from it. So, just take a look at the information below.

1. Properties of Artichoke

1.1 Essential body parts

1.1.1 Stalks and leaves

As a vegetable, all you need to know about Artichoke has fibrous stalks and leaves.

1.1.2 Roots and the Stems

The main parts of the plant are the roots and the stems, which are also referred to as the rhizomes. All parts of the plant are rich in nutrition, so you should not feel limited when eating artichoke.

1.2 High fiber content

The fiber content of the artichoke leaves is quite high. Artichoke is known to be a great alternative to broccoli and asparagus.

1.3 Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

Artichoke is loaded with vitamins, minerals, as well as protein.

1.3.1 Iron and trace elements

 It is also rich in iron and other trace elements. If having problems finding a good food for family, including artichoke would be a good choice.

1.3.2 Chlorophyll

 Artichoke leaves are rich in chlorophyll, which is a natural source of energy for plants. Chlorophyll helps in the conversion of food into energy for the body.

1.4 Plenty of carbohydrates

All you need to know about Artichoke contains plenty of carbohydrates, but not as much as other vegetables.

• If looking for a way to boost carbohydrate intake, try incorporating artichoke in diet.

1.5 Antioxidants Content

All you need to know about Artichoke leaves contain plenty of antioxidants. And since antioxidants are known to be good for health, it is beneficial including them in daily food intake.

2. Tips for Growing Artichoke Plant

2.1 Proper Sunlight and temperature

All you need to know about Artichoke in growing, to provide proper amount of sunlight and temperature to plant. Also need to pay attention to the kind of soil using.

2.2 Nutrients rich soil

It is vital for to provide ample amount of nutrients for artichoke plant.

2.2.1 Adaptability

It is one of the best plants to grow because it is very adaptable in the areas that can grow it.

2.2.2 Types of soil

 The fact is artichokes grows well in most types of soil.

2.2.3 Nitrogen and increase PH level

It is recommended for you to add more nitrogen for healthy growth. Advisable to increase the PH-level of soil.

Note: It is not advisable to use clay because it contains high levels of acid in it.

2.3 Use of fertilizers

To feed plant with adequate amounts of fertilizer following are to be done.

2.3.1 Direct application

 The fertilizer that are going to be used should be applied directly on the leaves.

2.3.2 Harmful for roots

 If the fertilizer is applied on the roots then it will cause them more harm since they may not absorb the nutrients properly. This type of fertilization should be avoided at all cost.

2.4 Ample amount of water

It is also very important for to give ample amount of watering to plant. Keeping in mind, all you need to know about Artichoke, grow the best with proper amount of water.

• All you need to know about Artichoke, how long should be taken to grow a certain plant.
• Usually it takes from three to six months to grow a plant.

2.5 Weather conditions

It is also important to watch for how the weather is in the area when trying to grow an artichoke plant.

2.5.1 Amount of light

Artichokes thrive best when they get about eight hours of light.

2.5.2 Planting time

The best time to plant them is late in the afternoon or early evening.

2.5.3 Avoid cold weather

They do not like being cold, so make sure keep their containers just warm enough to keep them alive. This is especially important for all you need to know about Artichoke during winter months when it is cold outside.

2.6 Avoid weed growth

Another important tip from all you need to know about Artichoke that which needs to be considered is to reduce any kind of weeds that are around the plant.

2.6.1 Impede growth

 Weeds can impede the growth of artichoke plant.

2.6.2 Kinds of weed

There are different kinds of weeds that are removed so it depends on preference if are preferred removing or not.

The important thing is that the fewer the weeds around artichoke plant the better.

2.6.3 Use of organic herbicides

Use organic herbicides to get rid of the weeds but make sure that it is safe for plant.

2.7 Plenty Room

The last tip that is important for growing artichokes is to give them plenty of room.

2.7.1 Estimated space

• A three foot border is good, but even a foot of space between each plant of course is better.
• When planting them in garden, space them wide apart so that each plant gets plenty of sun.

3. Tips for Taking Care Artichoke Plant

3.1 Summer season

3.1.1 Remove dead leaves

During the summer season all you need to know about Artichoke, it is important to remove the dead and damaged leaves of artichoke plant.

• These leaves contain toxins that can damage the health of your plant.

To safely do this, remove the entire leaves and stems of your plant.

 Note: If not removing these leaves, they will rot and cause plant to die.

3.1.2 Plant pruning

In addition to removing the leaves, plant can be pruned during this time. This pruning helps to keep plants shape as well as its roots.

3.1.3 Pruning process

When planning on doing pruning process,

• Make sure to cut at least one third of the leaf away from the base.
• Make sure to keep the remainder of the leaf on the plant.

3.2 Fall Season

3.2.1 Watering

When fall comes all you need to know about Artichoke, water artichoke plant very well. Also, keep the water several inches away from the leaves of plant.

Water plant every other day throughout the fall season.

3.2.2 Color changes

The foliage starts to change colors when it starts to go into the cold weather.

3.2.3 Central location

 It is a good idea to put the pot on a flat surface, such as a table, so it remains in a central location.

3.3 Winter Season

3.3.1 Leaves drying

Throughout the winter season all you need to know about Artichoke, check artichoke plant for any rotting or drying leaves. On finding leaves that look like they may fall off, don’t worry.

These leaves are part of the plant’s natural process of re-growth. Simply clip these off before placing plant back into the container.

3.3.2 Avoid pruning

 Don’t ever try to prune these leaves because they are very sensitive to any type of trimming.

3.4 Protection from Insects and Pests

Another tip for taking care of artichoke is to protect it against insects and pests.

3.4.1 Threat to leaves

Moths and other pests love feeding off the leaves of plant. They can cause the leaves to become brittle and die.

3.4.2 Prevention

As they grow the plant will also produce more leaves to accommodate all of this feeding.

• To prevent this from happening, paint the inside of the pot black so that the insects cannot see the plant.

3.5 Fungal infection

One very common problem all you need to know about Artichoke that is encountered with the artichoke plant is fungal infection.

3.5.1 Healthy plant connection

Fungus loves to grow on the healthiest leaves so if keeping plant healthy they will be healthier and live longer.

3.5.2 Fungal growth

 A fungal infection starts when the roots of the plant are damp or wet.

3.5.3 Treatment

Treat the area with an antifungal spray. Make sure do this soon after the area becomes dark as this fungus will have a chance to grow.

4. Health Benefits of Artichoke

4.1 Protection against Viruses and Bacteria

All you need to know about Artichoke can also provide protection from various bacteria and viruses. It can be used to fight against:

• Flu
• Cold

It is also,

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antibacterial
• Antifungal herb

Note: Since artichoke leaf powder is edible, would not feel bothered if accidentally ate a few leaves.

Artichoke is a good source of vitamins A, B and C.

4.2 Prevent Digestive Disorders

Artichoke is also beneficial for preventing digestive disorders.

4.2.1 Dietary fiber and pectin

It contains a lot of dietary fiber and pectin, both of which are beneficial to the digestive system.

• The pectin also adds low-glycemic index carbohydrates to the food, making it an excellent source of nutrition for diabetics.

4.2.2 Potassium and magnesium

All you need to know about Artichoke, it is rich in potassium and magnesium, both of which play an important role in balancing electrolyte levels in the body.

• Potassium helps regulate blood pressure
• Magnesium improves muscle strength

4.3 Prevent Cancer

Artichoke leaves contain high level of antioxidants and hence can prevent cancer from developing.

• The artichoke helps destroy free radicals in the body and thus prevents the growth of cancer cells in the body.

Note: Free radicals can be damaging to the DNA and lead to cancer and many studies have indicated that the intake of artichoke leaf extract is very effective in preventing cancer.

4.4 Prevent Scurvy

Aside from the health benefits of artichoke, this leafy vegetable has a wide array of added benefits.

It is a good source of,

• Potassium
• Vitamins A, C and E
• Folic acid
• Manganese

4.4.1 Vitamin A and B6

Artichoke is high in vitamin A and vitamin B6 and is known to help prevent scurvy.

4.2.1 Boost immune system

 It is used to boost the immune system and increase energy levels.

4.5 Lower LDL Cholesterol

4.5.1 Quercetin

Quercetin in artichoke is also known to help with lowering LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol).

Note: In laboratory studies this compound has been shown to help reduce cholesterol by 40%.

4.5.2 Prevent other diseases

• Atherosclerosis and protect cardio vascular health
• Cancer and inflammation
• Certain types of diabetes
• Guard against obesity
• Strengthen the immune system

5. Benefits of Artichoke for Skin

5.1 Skin Nourishment 

 All you need to know about Artichoke which nourishes the skin and improves the quality of skin feeding action of elastin and collagen.

5.2 Antioxidants

• Artichoke contains antioxidants like Vitamin E and carotene.

Antioxidants prevent free radical damage and thus prevent premature aging of the skin.

• Artichoke contains hydroxycitric acid, which is known as an antioxidant.

Protects the cells from damage and enhances their longevity.

5.3 Refreshing effect

Having refreshing bath or cleanse, using artichoke for skin will give a refreshing effect.

5.4 Non-visible fine lines and wrinkles

Artichoke contains amino acids, which improve the production of elastin and collagen. As a result, fine lines and wrinkles are less visible.

5.5 Anti-inflammatory agent

All you need to know about Artichoke which is also known as an anti-inflammatory agent and a source of Vitamin E.

5.6 Skin soothing and rejuvenating

Artichoke for skin is excellent for soothing and rejuvenating tired and irritated skin.

5.7 Salt and fluid balancer

Artichoke is also known as a powerful diuretic and astringent, which removes excess fluid from the body and balances the salt and fluids in the body system.

5.8 Artichoke oil and combinations

5.8.1 Oil with vitamin E

The benefits of artichoke for skin are more convincing if the oil or its extract is combined with vitamin E and other essential oils.

5.8.2 Polyphenols in oil

Oil of artichoke contains many polyphenols. These polyphenols are antioxidants that help protect against damage caused by free radicals.

• Free radical damage is what causes wrinkles and other signs of aging.

5.8.3 Oil and lime juice

This oil is also effective for skin care and it is good for hair care too. A combination of artichoke oil and lime juice is a wonderful way to remove dry, scaly, and oily skin.

6. Uses of Artichoke

6.1 Food Preparation

Artichoke is used in a great variety of cooking styles.

6.1.1 Topping or dressing

All you need to know about Artichoke can be used as a topping for salads, and as a dressing for cooked meats and fish. The light and mild flavor of the artichoke adds a lot of flavor to any dish.

6.1.2 Low-fat manner

Use artichoke in a low-fat manner by adding it to soups, stews, and casseroles.

6.1.3 Fillings

The artichoke herb is also used in making bread and sandwich fillings.

6.1.4 Flavoring

 Many recipes use artichoke in place of oils for flavoring and cooking purposes.

6.2 Preparation of gelatin

All you need to know about Artichoke is also commonly used in the preparation of gelatin.

6.2.1 Processing of artichoke

The artichoke will soak up the liquid and retain the natural flavors along with the solids that are transferred with it.

6.2.2 Prevent from separating

This process is used to prevent the gelatin from separating out, and to keep the natural color and flavor of the artichoke.

6.3 Natural diuretic

6.3.1 Detoxification programs

One of the many amazing uses of artichoke is its ability to act as a natural diuretic. It has diuretic effect and can detoxify the body of harmful toxins. This is why it is often used in detoxification programs.

6.3.2 Alleviate constipation

Diuretic effect of artichoke leaves can also help alleviate constipation and has a laxative effect too. It is used as a natural laxative and is good for those who have difficulties with their digestion.

6.4 Use in Medicines

In Asian culture, artichoke is widely used for food and medicine.

6.4.1 Root medicine

 The root can be used for stomach cramps, diarrhea, flatulence, and as an antibiotic.

6.4.2 Anti-Bacterial

Artichoke extract has been proven effective against both bacterial and viral infections. The antibacterial properties help fight against germs that are harmful to body.

6.4.1 Antiseptic

The antiseptic qualities help fight against the infections caused by bacteria.