Artichoke Nutrition

This page gives Artichoke Nutrition information. Artichokes are one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world and native to the Mediterranean region, an area of the world with one of the lowest rates of chronic disease and one of the highest life expectancies. Artichokes and other fruits and vegetables play an important role in a healthy Mediterranean diet.

One large artichoke contains only 25 calories, no fat, 170 milligrams of potassium, and is a good source of vitamin C, folate, magnesium and dietary fiber.

New studies have shown that artichokes contain a high amount of anti-oxidants. They are in the form of phytonutrients and in a study done by the United States Department of Agriculture, artichokes rank as the number one vegetable in ant-oxidant count. Among the most powerful phytonutrients found in Artichokes are Cynarin and Silymarin, which help with liver health. You can also get these nutritional benefits with artichoke supplements from artichoke extracts.

It is mostly the heart of the artichoke that is eaten. Fresh artichokes can be bought in the produce section but due to the difficultly in preparation most people buy canned artichoke hearts for dips and other recipes. Here is a link to a delicious Artichoke and Spinach dip you can make at home.

Today's health professionals continue to recommend a low fat diet with at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day to reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. This type of diet combined with daily physical activity promotes lifelong health.