I was sitting in my office this morning, shuffling through the tidal wave of information that is the internet while munching on a banana. I thought to myself, I know bananas have potassium but what else about them is so good form me. I googled, I discovered, and was inspired to share.
What if I took the 26 letter of the alphabet matched each one up to a common food? Would you follow me through my next 26 posts to find out some interesting health benefits of the things you eat, you might be surprised and so might I.
Each day that I post I'll also show how to prepare the food, and perhaps a recipe or two. (I'll try to try the recipes as I go but I won't get to them all so don't hold me responsible if they taste gross.)
Among antioxidant-rich foods, artichokes are too often overlooked. Yet a July 2006 study tested the antioxidant levels of 1,113 foods and beverages and found that artichoke hearts had the highest level among all vegetables measured; they came in fourth among all foods and beverages analyzed. That means artichoke heats beat out blueberries, red wine, chocolate, coffee and tea.
This thorny thistle can actually improve digestion as well. Studies suggest that artichokes help control blood sugar in those with diabetes. Artichoke extracts have been shown to alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. A natural diuretic, artichokes are high in insoluble fiber, which helps regulate the digestive tract. The high fiber and low calorie count (60 calories in one medium globe artichoke) make artichokes attractive for dieters.
Artichokes promote general health with their balance of nutrients. They are high in potassium, which protects against kidney stones. They are also a good source of folic acid, which is especially important for women of childbearing age since deficiencies have been linked to birth defects. The vitamin C in artichokes adds to their cancer-fighting potential.
DID YOU KNOW....?
The beautiful, silver-leafed artichoke never gets to preen and show its lavender flower. We love to eat artichokes too much to let them bloom, but they are, in fact, members of the thistle family.
In the 16th century, eating an artichoke was reserved only for men. Women were denied the pleasure because the artichoke was considered an aphrodisiac and was thought to enhance sexual power.
So exotic were artichokes, that in one short movie of "The Three Stooges," Curly calls an artichoke a smarty-choke, a party-smoke, an okey-doke, a feathered pineapple, and a barbed-wire pickle.
SHE SURE KNOW HOW TO PICK "EM.
Select globes that are deep green, with a tight leaf formation, and those that feel heavy for their size. A good test of freshness is to press the leaves against each other which should produce a squeaking sound. Browning of the tips can indicate age, but can also indicate frost damage.
Fall and winter artichokes may be darker or bronze-tipped or have a whitish, blistered appearance due to exposure to light frost. This is called "winter-kissed." Look for tender green on the inside of petals. Many consider these frosted artichokes to be the most tender with intense flavor. Avoid artichokes which are wilting, drying or have mold.
STORAGE(Not under the bed.)
To store fresh artichokes at home, sprinkle them with a little water and refrigerate in an airtight plastic bag. Do no wash before storing. They should last a week when stored properly.
Try them, Steamed, Stuff, or made into dip.
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