Find out the amazing benefits of artichokes for weight loss, how best to prepare them, and how much to eat to get the maximum benefit from artichokes, one of nature’s amazing fat burning foods.

The artichoke, which is a highly enjoyed vegetable, is actually a flower bud and is closely related to the thistle plant. If you let them bloom, the artichoke flower is almost seven inches wide and a beautiful deep purple blue.

There are two types of artichoke, the Green Globe, which can be found year-round, and the Desert Globe, which can only be found in grocery stores from December to March and again from July to September.

Artichoke leaves, which have a somewhat prickly texture, begin at a base that sprouts from the stem. The edible sections of the plant are the heart and leaves.

Fat burning benefits of artichokes

Artichokes provide a number of fat-fighting properties that make this a great vegetable to include in your weekly meal.

Because it has a diuretic effect, toxins are quickly removed from the body.

The nutrient-dense artichoke provides 16 essential nutrients, but contains only about 25 calories per medium artichoke.

This vegetable is a good way to get the fiber you need to feel full and satisfied; It is also a great source of vitamin C, which stimulates your metabolism to help the body burn fat, and provides folic acid, which aids digestion.

The key minerals magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and iron are abundant in each artichoke and offer healthy fat-burning properties.

The powerful antioxidant characteristics of the compound silymarin help your liver to regenerate healthy tissue.

Many of the phytochemicals found in artichokes are now being tested for their properties that help maintain health and prevent disease.

Preparing artichokes

Steaming and boiling them are the best ways to enjoy artichokes. Artichokes need to be cleaned and cut before doing anything else.

Depending on how many artichokes you plan to cook, you will need a heavy pot and lid. Put 1-1 / 2 to 2 cups of water in the bottom of the pot. Place the lid on top until the water boils. Once the water is boiling, simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes; they are ready when a leaf can be easily removed from the center row of leaves. Remove the artichokes from the skillet and allow the water to drain completely. Artichokes can be served hot or cold, but cold artichokes are tastier.

Artichokes are a great ingredient for making soup; You can also fill them or marinate the hearts in oil and lemon. This is what you will want to look for when shopping for artichokes. Hearty artichokes should be dark green, heavy, and have tight leaves. If they are dry or turn brown, please do not buy them.

To clean artichokes, place them upside down in the sink; rinse by running water over them, making sure to remove all dirt and other residue.

You can remove the entire stem or, if desired, leave about 1-1 / 2 inches remaining and remove the outer skin. You will also want to remove the small lower leaves that grow along the bottom of what is called “the choke.” Some cooks remove the prickly tips from the leaves; some remove the tops of the artichokes before stuffing them. If you cut the stems, set them aside. They are great in soup!

Once you have prepared the artichokes, put them in a pan with water and add the juice of 1 or 2 lemons before cooking; this helps keep them fresh.

There are some easy steps to eating artichokes. Remove each blade from the choke by pulling it out. Hold the pointed end with your fingers, then scrape the leafy end through your teeth. Believe it or not, the edible portion of the leaf is found within the bottom third of each leaf. Once you’ve eaten them, you can toss the leaves into a second bowl.

How much does a daily ration cost?

A medium artichoke represents a day’s ration.