Artichoke Tea

Ever had artichoke tea? Artichokes are a member of the thistle family. The flowers develop from a large bud, which is the edible part of the plant. As a vegetable it has many nutritional as well as health benefits. This plant grows in Mediterranean climates. Known for its medicinal properties for treating the liver and the gall bladder since ancient times the artichoke has many other health giving properties as well.

Artichoke is high in antioxidants and contains Cynarin, which causes increased bile flow. It has diuretic properties and its nutritional value is in aiding digestion, strengthening of the liver function, and the gall bladder function. It also helps in raising the HDL/LDL ratio, which helps in reducing cholesterol and diminishes the risk for arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease. It is also high in fiber contents and a good source of minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus.

Artichoke tea is a very popular beverage in Vietnam there it is made from the flowers and roots of the artichoke plant. This tea is quite sweet and contains no caffeine. The benefits of artichoke tea are numerous. It helps in the liver function and lowering of cholesterol, treatment of hepatitis, prevention of heart disease, birth defects and certain types of cancers. It also helps the digestive process.

Artichoke tea is very easy to make. The easiest and quickest way is to mash the artichoke and steep it in boiling water for about 20 minutes. You can also find artichoke tea in tea bags usually in health food as well as some Online stores. The tea bags need to be steeped for about 5 minutes. This tea by itself is sweet and depending on your taste you may not want to add any sweetener to it.