Among the typical vegetables of the season between September and November, one in particular is indicated for its nutritional properties. Its beneficial properties have always been recognized, so much so that in ancient times its extract was used as a medicine. Its benefits on the body are numerous, but the most important ones concern the control of blood pressure and its anticancer effects. Surely it is possible to write that of the autumn vegetables this is the most effective for preventing bad cholesterol and cancer.
Many fruits and vegetables have beneficial properties such as pepper. Few people know that this vegetable protects eyesight, heart and intestines and fights cancer. Well, even the artichoke has these anticancer properties, as well as having many other qualities. For example, artichokes are low in saturated fat and cholesterol and rich in vitamins, in particular vitamins B, C and vitamin K.
Of the autumn vegetables this is the most effective for preventing bad cholesterol and cancer
But the properties of the artichoke don’t stop there. They contain a very low level of calories. For every 100 grams of artichokes only 22 calories are consumed. With an artichoke you are filled with minerals necessary for our health such as iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. The artichoke contains cynarin, a substance that stimulates bile secretion and acts on liver lesions. In addition, this vegetable helps lower the level of bad cholesterol by lowering triglycerides in the blood. For example with an excellent artichoke omelette, obviously avoiding cooking in lard and using flour and chickpeas instead of egg.
But the artichoke also has another great quality, it has a high concentration of antioxidants. According to a study by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), this vegetable ranked 7th out of 60 vegetables for antioxidant content. Antioxidants are essential for the immune system because they help fight free radicals, which are dangerous for our health.
The antioxidant properties of artichoke derive from various sources, in particular from vitamin C and polyphenols. The artichoke also has a high level of quercetin and rutin, two other antioxidants that have been shown to be effective in fighting cancer. In addition, the artichoke is very rich in fibers which are important allies in the prevention of tumors.
The results of numerous studies report that the consumption of foods rich in fiber helps prevent the onset of colorectal cancer.
Other foods effective against some common diseases
In addition to the artichoke, many other fruits and vegetables have beneficial effects on human health by helping to combat some serious diseases. Blueberry would be effective against blood sugar and with a diet without this fruit you risk weight gain and diabetes, cholesterol and hypertension. To lower blood sugar, ginger would also be effective, using this condiment contrasts cholesterol and lowers blood sugar.