The French Have Long Trusted the Power of Artichokes
As one of the world’s leading vegetable growers, the French have been famous for their artichokes since the 1500s. In the 1800s, French immigrants brought this wonderful vegetable to the United States, where it’s still enjoyed, often with butter sauce.
Today, French women love artichokes for a different reason: they believe drinking artichoke water helps reduce bloating and digestive discomfort.
What Exactly Is Artichoke Water?
Artichoke water is a drink typically made from the whole artichoke—leaves, stem, heart, and flowers included. You can make it at home or find bottled versions in some stores.
You can enjoy it hot or cold. Either way, you’re treating your body to a tasty, well-known digestive aid packed with vitamins and minerals.
Dietitian Megan Darlington highlights that artichoke water is a great option for bloating thanks to an extract called cynarin. This compound stimulates bile production, helping your body break down fats more easily and absorb vitamins from other foods. Plus, artichokes contain antioxidants that work with cynarin to boost your liver’s detox power—another way to ease bloating.
It Also Supports Your Immune System
During the fall, most of us could use a little immune boost—and artichoke water offers just that. It’s rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, as Megan Darlington points out. It also provides valuable zinc, magnesium, and potassium, which can help ease stress and anxiety.
How Can You Make It?
Dietitian Cesar Sauza suggests making artichoke water at home by boiling artichokes in water. Eat the cooked artichoke and sip the water it was boiled in. You can drink it in the morning to start your day, with meals, or even add it to soups and smoothies. The latter is a great way to enjoy it if you’re not a fan of the artichoke’s flavor on its own.
While artichoke water is a valuable drink, you’ll get even more benefits by eating the vegetable itself—try it with a bit of butter or blended into a creamy vegetable soup.
If you haven’t eaten artichokes before, pay attention to how your body reacts. Like cabbage, broccoli, or cauliflower, artichokes can sometimes cause bloating instead of easing it. But if it feels good, enjoy it daily with confidence.
Source: byrdie.com
