Artichoke tea is rich in flavonoids and compounds that naturally contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycemic properties. It can help to prevent high blood pressure and reduce LDL cholesterol levels.

Artichoke tea also protects the liver from damage caused by free radicals, and stimulates bile production. This can help promote the breakdown of fat from food and relieve indigestion.

Artichoke tea can be prepared using dried artichoke leaves, or using tea bags. These can be found in farmer's markets, grocery stores and natural health stores.

Health benefits

Artichoke tea can be beneficial for:

1. Preventing high blood pressure

Artichoke tea is rich in cynarin, chlorogenic acid and luteolin, antioxidant compounds that improve artery health, facilitating blood circulation and helping to prevent high blood pressure.

2. Improving liver health

The antioxidant compounds present in artichoke tea improve liver health, because they protect this organ against damage caused by free radicals, in addition to helping to treat fatty liver. See ARTICLE NOT FOUND IN EN: other home remedies to treat fatty liver.

3. Delaying aging

Because it is rich in antioxidant compounds, artichoke tea combats excess free radicals in the body, preventing the formation of sagging and wrinkles, and delaying skin aging.

4. Lowering LDL cholesterol

Because it is rich in flavonoids, artichoke tea inhibits the oxidation of fat cells. This can reduce levels of LDL and total cholesterol and prevent conditions such as atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.

5. Preventing diabetes

Artichoke can protect the pancreas from damage caused by free radicals, and can therefore contribute to the regulation of insulin production. This can keep blood glucose levels within normal limits and prevent insulin resistance and diabetes.

6. Improving digestion

Artichoke tea stimulates the production of bile, which can improve liver function and the digestion of fatty foods.

Does artichoke tea help you lose weight?

Because of its natural diuretic action, artichoke tea can trigger the the elimination of excess body fluid, which can contribute to weight loss. Check-out a list of other natural diuretics you can prepare at home to combat fluid retention.

Furthermore, artichoke tea contains flavonoids that help to regulate the release insulin and prevents insulin fluctuations. This can help with managing appetite throughout the day.

However, more studies are still needed to prove the benefits of using artichoke tea for weight loss.

How to make

Artichoke tea can be prepared using dried artichoke leaves.

Ingredients

1 liter of water
1 teaspoon (5 to 6g) of artichoke leaves

Directions

Boil the water in a pot and then remove from heat. Add the artichoke leaves to the water, cover the pot and let it soak for 10 minutes. Strain and drink up to 4 cups of this tea per day before meals.

Possible side effects

The main side effects of using artichoke tea are mild diarrhea, excess gas, muscle weakness, nausea and heartburn.

Contraindications for use

Artichoke tea is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, nor for children under 12 years of age or people with liver cancer, liver failure or hepatitis.

This tea is also not recommended for those taking anticoagulant medications. People who use diuretic medications or who have gallstones should only consume this tea as approved by their doctor.

In addition, people with allergies to artichokes and other plants in the Asteraceae family, such as daisies, chicory, dandelions and sunflowers, should also avoid this tea.