Artichokes are a tasty and healthy addition to any diet. One ounce of cooked artichoke (without added fat) provides only 14 calories, making them a great choice for those looking to control their calorie intake.

In addition to being low in calories, artichokes are also packed with nutrients. One ounce of cooked artichoke contains 1 gram of protein, 3 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of fiber.

In this article, we'll explore the various nutrients found in artichokes and their potential health benefits, as well as provide tips for cooking and storing artichokes.

Calories in Cooked Artichoke

As previously mentioned, one ounce of cooked artichoke (without added fat) provides only 14 calories. This makes artichokes an excellent choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight, without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Artichoke Macronutrients

In addition to being low in calories, artichokes are also a good source of macronutrients. One ounce of cooked artichoke contains 1 gram of protein, 3 grams of carbohydrates (including 1 gram of fiber), and 0.2 grams of fat. This combination of nutrients makes artichokes a filling and nutritious addition to any meal.

Vitamins Found in Artichokes

Artichokes are also a rich source of vitamins. One ounce of cooked artichoke contains 5% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C, 4% of the RDI of vitamin K, and small amounts of other vitamins such as vitamin B6, thiamin, and folate. These vitamins play important roles in maintaining a healthy immune system, blood clotting, and energy production.

Minerals in Artichokes

Artichokes are also rich in minerals. One ounce of cooked artichoke contains 3% of the RDI of magnesium, 2% of the RDI of potassium, and small amounts of other minerals such as iron, calcium, and zinc. These minerals are essential for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and nerves.

Benefits of Eating Artichokes

In addition to their nutrient content, artichokes also offer several potential health benefits. Studies have shown that artichokes may help improve digestive health, lower cholesterol levels, and even protect against certain types of cancer. However, more research is needed to fully understand these potential benefits.

Cooked Artichokes and Weight Loss

As previously mentioned, artichokes are a low-calorie and filling food, making them an excellent choice for those looking to control their weight. In addition, the fiber content in artichokes can help keep you feeling full for longer periods of time, which may help reduce overall calorie intake. Adding artichokes to your diet may help you achieve your weight loss goals in a healthy and sustainable way.

How to Cook Artichokes

Cooking artichokes may seem daunting, but it's actually quite simple. To start, trim the stem and the tips of the leaves from the artichoke. Then, steam or boil the artichoke for 25-45 minutes, or until the leaves can be easily pulled off. Once cooked, artichokes can be eaten on their own or used in a variety of recipes.

Artichoke Recipes

If you're looking for inspiration on how to incorporate artichokes into your diet, there are plenty of delicious recipes to try. Some popular recipes include stuffed artichokes, artichoke dip, and artichoke and spinach quiche. With their mild and slightly sweet flavor, artichokes can be used in both savory and sweet dishes.

Medical Uses and Precautions for Artichokes

While artichokes are generally safe for most people to eat, they may interact with certain medications and should be avoided by those with certain medical conditions. For example, those with bile duct obstructions or gallstones should avoid artichokes, as they may worsen these conditions. Additionally, artichokes may interact with medications such as diuretics, which can increase the risk of dehydration.

Buying and Storing Artichokes

When buying artichokes, look for ones that are firm and heavy for their size, with tightly closed, dark green leaves. To store artichokes, wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Artichokes will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator, but are best eaten within a few days of purchase.