FOOD & LONGEVITY
The artichoke, Cynara scolymus is the flower of a perennial herbaceous plant already appreciated by the Greeks and Romans, who attributed to them aphrodisiac powers.
Caterina de Medici, bringing them together with spinach to the French court, contributed to their diffusion and popularity in the European courts.
For about 100 grams of artichoke the caloric intake is just over 20 kcal. The content of carbohydrates is modest, whereas very high is the one of fibers. Fats are practically absent, protein intake is about 3.3 grams per 100 grams of artichoke
Contine folate, vitamin C, K, and B vitamins, phosphorus, copper and iron
The artichoke has a hepatoprotective action able to increase the enzymes with antioxidant action. Several clinical studies have reported that dietary supplementation with artichoke extract can reduce triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL. Artichoke extract has an anti-inflammatory action, with also a good anti – aging effect
Among the flavonoids are abundant derivatives of luteolin, antioxidant substance. At the level of the intestine the presence of these antioxidants has a protective effect contributing to the prevention of cancers of the small intestine, colon and rectum
The artichoke is rich in fiber and has an important prebiotic action that contributes to the increase in the population of bifidobacteria, an important component of the intestinal microbiota
Apone F et al ” Polyphenols from Artichoje Heads ( Cynara cardunculus (l) subsp. scolymus Hayek) Vitro Bio-Accessibility, Intestinal Uptake and Bioavailability” Food & Function, april 2015, 6 (4) pp 1268 -1277; I cibi della longevità M. Tommasini I cibi della longevità, Sperling e Kupfer 2020
