They have long been valued as adigestive aid and in fact are one of the oldest medicinal plants known to man with reference to it's remedial effects dating back as far as 4 B.C.

The Greeks and Romans both valued the artichoke highly for it's ability to aiddigestion after a heavy night banqueting!As has been the case with so many old remedies recent scientific evidence has now been found to support these claims. Antioxidants present in this remarkableplant actively encourage the production of bile which in turn promotesthe digestion of fat and helps to protect the sensitive linings of the intestinal tract. These increased levels of bile enter the duodenum thusstimulating intestinal peristalsis and improving digestion.

Thisincreased fat metabolism also has the added benefit of assisting with weightlossOther ways in which artichokes can help to detoxify the body are due to their restorative and stimulative effect upon the liver. One of the liversmain functions is the metabolic transformation of nutrients and the detoxificationof poisonous substances, particularly prevalent when we have been overindulging! A poorly functioning liver cannot do it's job properly which resultsin poorly assimilated nutrients and increased levels of blood toxins,all of which help to explain that morning after syndrome.

The active ingredients in artichokes stimulates and restores the liver andthe increased bile production helps in the elimination process of excesstoxins. With the liver working more efficiently it can more easily takeup the nutrients in our food and thus improve our general health.

Another health benefits of the much neglected artichoke is it's ability to lowerLDL or bad cholesterol thus offering protection against arteriosclerosis.

They are also a good source of vitamin C, folate,fibre, potassium, iron, phosphorus,calcium and magnesium and they are low in calories too so you can takeadvantage of all their health giving benefits without worrying about your figure!

Artichoke Recipes. Cordoban Artichoke and Potato CasseroleIngredients.12 artichokes50 ml. olive oil2 cloves garlic1/2 kilo small new potatoeslemon1 tsp. turmeric100 ml stock or water1tbs. flour1 tbs. watersalt and pepper to taste.

Mint sprigs to garnish.

Method

Remove tough outer leaves and trim the base and the tips of the remaining ones.

Rub the cuts with lemon and place in a bowl of lemon water so they don'tdarken. Heat the oil in a flame proof dish and fry the garlic until toasted. Crush it in a mortar. Dissolve the vinegar in the water. Drain artichokes and add them to the oil in the flame proof dish along with the scrubbedpotatoes. Sauté for 5 mins. then stir in flour. Cook for a few further minutes then addstock, crushed garlic, turmeric and salt and pepper. Cover and place in a medium oven for about 1 hour. Garnish with sprigs of mint.

Cheese Stuffed Artichokes.

Ingredients.6 medium artichokes1/2 lemon2 cup soft bread crumbs3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese1/3 cup chopped parsley2 cloves garlic - choppedsalt and pepper6 tablespoons olive oil