ARTICHOKES

ARTICHOKES = While it can be tough to eat these without drenching them in butter or mayo, these fabulous green globes may actually lower your cholesterol. If you can’t remember the last time you dug in to an artichoke, you might want to consider adding this wonder veggie to your healthy eating plan. Artichokes contain large amounts of powerful antioxidants, which may help prevent cancer and heart disease. A study done in Germany in 2000 shows the possibility that artichokes may help lower cholesterol while balancing blood glucose levels and their cyanic properties may help the body excrete blood cholesterol. Artichokes contain a great deal of potassium. Potassium helps the body handle excess sodium which in turn helps with hypertension. They also have an antioxidant capacity of 7,904 per serving. Always choose the freshest looking artichokes when purchasing. Steam them and eat with a healthy dip.