Artichokes deserve their very own post! Simply because artichokes are the detox powerhouse. However, many people, including myself don't *really* like to buy them because they look at the vegetable and think, how would I eat this thing???? Don't worry, I used to think that way too...and here is my attempt to debunk your hesitations.
First, let me talk about the incredible properties of artichokes. They are a liver-cleansing food, in other words detoxification. Detoxification is important for battling diseases and keeping a healthy body. Artichokes are a good source of silymarin, which helps protect and nourish the liver.
According to herbal experts Joe and Teresa Graydon, Ph.D. (authors of The People's Pharmacy), patients with chronic gastrointestinal (GI) upset who were given artichoke extract showed incredible improvement. Another study showed patients experience relief from stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. [Remember, findingfoodorlove.com does not provide medical advice, please consult your physician--but what awesome results!]
Second, how to consume whole artichokes. After you buy a artichoke from the store, you will want to peel the outside layers by the stem, remove any fibers or small leaves at the bottom of the artichoke. Next, cut the spikey tips of the artichoke leaves. After you go around cutting all of them, cut off the top where all the leaves start to bunch up so you end up with something that looks like my picture.
Steam the artichokes for about 15-20 minutes.
That's it! Now eat. Just pull the leaves off and scrape the base of the leaf with your teeth. When you get down to the heart of the artichoke, remove the hairy 'choke' (inedible fuzzy part).
I can eat with no dip. It's really healthy. It does take some work to eat, but in my opinion, when we have to work for our food, I think we eat better portions.
Source: The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth by Jonny Bowden
