ARTICHOKE TEA

ARTICHOKE TEA

Artichoke tea

Cholesterol tea is not necessarily the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of artichoke. However, the often-discarded pieces of the plant are not to be taken lightly. They are rich with substances that can work like statin in lowering cholesterol.

Compounds in artichokes called aqueous extracts may slow the enzyme responsible for cholesterol production, which in turn can reduce the amount of LDL (bad cholesterol) in the blood. Artichoke tea may also help to maintain a better ratio between good (HDL) and bad cholesterol.

BENEFITS OF ARTICHOKE TEA

It is certainly not a coincidence that the most desirable part of the plant is known as the heart. Its effects on the heart health are becoming better known with time. Some of these benefits include:

  • Reduction of LDL (bad cholesterol)
  • Maintenance of LDL and HDL ratio in the body
  • Detoxification of liver
  • Increase in the production of bile
  • Diuretic effects on the body

HOW TO BREW A PERFECT CUP OF ARTICHOKE TEA
There are two main ways to prepare artichoke tea.

  1. By boiling the entire head in its original form with leaves fully intact, in a pot of water for 2-4 hours. After that,allow the head to simmer in the water for another 2 hours.
  2. You can remove the outer leaves from the heart and boil only the leaves and the core.

Ingredients

  • 1 fresh artichoke
  • A good ratio is to use 1 gallon of water per artichoke. If the boiling time is too long, the majority of the water will evaporate. After boiling for two hours, it is recommended to add additional water.

Method

  1. Boil the entire artichoke in a pot of water for 2-4 hours until it is submerged in the water.(Artichokes naturally float in water.The goal is to boil it so long that the fully intact artichoke/artichoke leaves sink to the bottom of the water. This is a good indication that the outside water has fully penetrated the leaves of the plants, and that the desired nutrients have been fully extracted. The water should change to a light yellow color by the time you are finished boiling the tea.) OR
  2. Cut the artichoke apart and remove the heart and fuzzy choke. Once removed, boil the leaves and the core of the artichoke.
  3. To enhance the taste of the tea, add a bit of honey or lemon.
  4. Store the tea in glass jars or canisters with a lid that is firmly sealed.
  5. Enjoy!