The Many Health Benefits of Artichoke Tea

Artichoke tea can decrease cholesterol and glucose levels, and can also cleanse the liver and help with digestion.

High cholesterol in your blood can lead to cholesterol settling inside blood vessels, arteries blockage and eventually atherosclerosis, heart attack or stroke. By quitting smoking, performing physical exercises and making essential changes in your diet, you can decrease your levels of cholesterol.

At least 3 studies have shown that artichoke leaves have a positive effect on cholesterol, acting as an antioxidant which prevents cholesterol deposits on arteries. By stimulating the gall cleanse, it helps eliminate cholesterol from the body.

In 2010, a study that was published in Phytotherapy Research and was pursued on animals throughout 30 days proved that artichoke lowered oxidative stress. The powerful elements in artichoke leaves prevent the negative effect free radicals and environmental toxins have on the body.

Another study published in 2009, in Journal of Dietary Supplements, showed that artichoke is also useful in patients dealing with minor arterial hypertension. They have been given 50-100 ml of artichoke juice on the course of 12 weeks.

Artichoke tea reduces the levels of blood sugar, given that it contains insulin, a compound known to help diabetics regulate their sugar levels. Due to its many benefits, artichoke is also an excellent plant utilized as a liver protector.  Another matter in which artichoke tea can help is represented by the digestive issues. Whether it’s a stomach ache, an indigestion or constipation and bloating, its diuretic effect cleanses the body from toxins and urea. People battling kidney stones, vesicle infections or other issues regarding the urinary system, can also find cure with this wonderful plant.

Artichoke tea stimulates the metabolism, regulates the appetite, helps with heart and arteries problems and blood circulation.

How to prepare artichoke tea

You add 1 tablespoon of dried artichoke leaves to 2 cups of water (500 ml), from which you will make an infusion by letting it stay for 10-15 minutes in covered boiled water. Then, it will be administered following these instructions:

• 1 cup in the morning before eating (250 ml)
• 125 ml at lunch, 30 minutes before eating
• 125 ml in the evening, 30 minutes after serving the dinner.

After its consumption, you must lay down on your right side for about 20-30 minutes. Artichoke tea must be consumed for 20 days straight. Due to its many antioxidants, artichoke is a good tonic for the entire body and a cancer fighter.

If your main goal is to reduce the levels of cholesterol, artichoke tincture can do the job at a faster rate. You can buy it from healthy food stores. You must consume 1 teaspoon, 3 or 4 times per day, diluted in 100 ml of water. You can also buy artichoke tincture capsules, taken 1 or 2 per day or according to the doctor’s instructions.

Contraindications

Artichoke is contraindicated for people suffering of gallbladder lithiasis, biliary obstruction and those who are allergic to this plant.

During pregnancy or breast feeding, artichoke must not be consumed. At the same time, be sure to use the recommended dose only.

All in all, artichoke has many health benefits that you can take advantge of, especially if you are dealing with cholesterol or liver diseases.