Artichoke tea: what it is for and how to make it

Artichoke tea is rich in flavonoids, compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycemic properties that help prevent high blood pressure and reduce “bad” cholesterol levels in the blood.

Furthermore, artichoke tea also protects the liver against damage caused by free radicals, in addition to stimulating the production of bile, helping with the digestion of foods rich in fat and relieving poor digestion.

Artichoke tea can be prepared using dried artichoke leaves, or using sachets, and can be found in markets, supermarkets and health food stores.

What is it for

Artichoke tea can be recommended for the following situations:

1. Prevent 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. Improve 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 other home remedies to treat fatty liver.

3. Slow down 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. Lower “bad” cholesterol

Because it is rich in flavonoids, artichoke tea inhibits the oxidation of fat cells, reducing levels of “bad” cholesterol, LDL, and total cholesterol in the blood, preventing situations such as atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.

5. Prevent diabetes

By protecting the pancreas against damage caused by free radicals, artichoke tea helps regulate insulin production, balancing blood glucose levels and thus preventing insulin resistance and diabetes.

6. Improve digestion

Artichoke tea stimulates the production of bile, improving liver functions and the digestion of fatty foods. Discover other teas that improve digestion.

Does artichoke tea help you lose weight?

As it has a diuretic action, artichoke tea stimulates the elimination of excess body fluid, helping with weight loss. Discover other diuretic teas.

Furthermore, artichoke tea contains flavonoids that help regulate insulin secretion, balancing blood glucose levels and thus helping to control hunger throughout the day.

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

How to prepare artichoke tea

Artichoke tea can be prepared using dried artichoke leaves.

Ingredients:

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

Preparation mode:

Boil water in a pan and then turn off the heat. Add the artichoke leaves to the water, cover the pan and let it rest 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, weakness, nausea and heartburn.

Who shouldn’t take

Artichoke tea is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under 12 years of age and people with liver cancer, liver failure or hepatitis.

Consumption of this tea is not recommended for those using anticoagulant medications. People who use diuretic medications or who have gallstones should only consume this tea under the guidance and supervision of a doctor.

In addition, people with allergies to artichokes and other plants in the A familysteraceaesuch as daisy, chicory, dandelion and sunflower, should also avoid this tea.