Good and Good for You -- Artichoke

I hope you guys are enjoying the GAGFY features (ooh, unfortunate acronym) because I am really having fun with the research and feel like I'm learing a lot of good stuff to share with you (and to store away in my vast arsenal of random trivia for cocktail chatter). So to continue...

Artichokes

The globe artichoke is one of the oldest known cultivated vegetables from the Mediterranean area, primarily by early Romans.

Artichokes slowly spread upwards through Europe – the Dutch introduced the English to artichokes – and outward from there – French and Spanish explorers introduced the artichoke to the Americas.

Ancient Greeks and Romans used it as a digestive aid, but it was only available to the wealthy because it was not a readily available product so exclusive to the upper classes.

Still today, there are many health benefits to be gotten from eating artichokes.

Ÿ Artichokes provide an excellent source of dietary fiber.
Ÿ They are a good source of vitamin C and folic acid and contain a healthy amount of niacin, thiamin, potassium, riboflavin and vitamin A.
Ÿ Artichokes are liver friendly; they promote bile secretion, help decrease the manufacturing of cholesterol, and protect it against infections and toxins.
Ÿ Artichoke leaf extract has been used to relive IBS.
Ÿ Because of the carbohydrates found in artichoke, it’s been shown in studies to help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Ÿ Artichokes are super low in calories.

Artichoke is the primary flavoring of the Italian liqueur, Cynar.

Artichokes are usually boiled or steamed until tender and then served with a light dipping sauce.

The veggie part of the artichoke we eat is actually the base of the flower bud; if allowed to bloom, its flowers are large and purple and poofy.