Are you looking for a natural way to boost your health and wellness? Look no further than artichoke supplements! These little-known supplements are packed with nutrients and have been shown to offer a range of health benefits.

Artichoke supplements are derived from the leaves of the artichoke plant and contain a variety of compounds that can improve your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, blood sugar, liver health, gut microbiome, and more. Plus, they’re easy to use and can be incorporated into your diet in a variety of ways.

In this guide, we’ll explore the many benefits of artichoke and show you how to choose the best supplement for your needs.

Health Benefits of Artichoke Supplements

We begin with the good stuff.

Why would you want to include artichoke in your health regimen?

What type of health and wellness perks does it give you – and what is the scientific proof behind them? Let’s break down some of the best artichoke health benefits:

Lowering Cholesterol Levels

Artichoke supplements have been shown to lower cholesterol levels, which is great news for those with high cholesterol – and everybody who wants to lower their cardiovascular risk.

Artichoke leaf extract contains compounds that inhibit the production of cholesterol in the liver and increase the excretion of cholesterol from the body. This can lead to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, as well as less triglycerides in the blood. [1]

So, if you have been diagnosed with high LDL cholesterol, artichoke extract is an excellent addition to your pharmacological treatment.

Important warning: just because artichoke can reduce your cholesterol doesn’t mean it should replace statins. If you have been prescribed medication for your high cholesterol, make sure you stick to the drug regimen and use supplements as a complement, not a replacement.

Reducing Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is another major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

Artichoke to the rescue, once again. The veggie can lower blood pressure, which can reduce your overall heart disease risk. It is particualrly helpful in those already diagnosed with high blood pressure – it reduces both your systolic and diastolic blood pressure [2]

The compounds in artichoke leaf extract help to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow – not only does this lower blood pressure, but it also protects your organs from the consequences of poor circulation.

Regulating Blood Sugar Levels

Artichoke supplements may also help regulate blood sugar levels, which is especially important for those with diabetes or insulin resistance. The inulin in artichoke leaf extract is a prebiotic that feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut – and having a healthy microbiome can, in turn, regulate blood sugar levels.

Additionally, artichoke leaf extract contains compounds that improve insulin sensitivity, which can also help regulate blood sugar. This makes it another great option for a supplement that curbs sugar cravings (check out our dedicated article for 11 more ideas.)

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, artichoke supplementation managed to improve blood sugar regulation, as well as cholesterol levels and waist circumference – it took eight weeks of 1000mg artichoke supplement divided in two daily doses. [3]

Supporting Liver Health and Detoxification

The liver is responsible for detoxifying the body and removing dangerous chemicals from the bloodstream. But, it can use some help.

Artichoke supplements have been shown to support liver health and detoxification by increasing bile production and flow. Bile is necessary for the digestion and absorption of fats, and it also helps remove toxins from the body.

What is more, artichoke can also protect the liver from toxins and help it recover once it has been damaged. These are all pretty remarkable results – and, we’ve seen they work in humans, not just lab rats. [4]

Improving Gut Health as a Prebiotic

As mentioned earlier, the inulin in artichoke leaf extract is a prebiotic that feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut. [5] This can help improve gut health and digestion, as well as boost your immune system.

Since gut health is also a cornerstone of IBS treatment, those who struggle with Irritable Bowel Syndrome can also benefit from a daily artichoke supplement. [6] That said, if your IBS flares up with fiber, it might be best to get those symptoms under control first – then you can use artichoke and a daily probiotic.

Providing Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties

Last but not least, artichoke is also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. And, since free radical damage is one of the ways cancer can develop, some even claim artichoke extract can reduce your risk of malignancies. [7]

Overall, artichoke supplements are a great way to support your health and wellness – and I hope all the benefits we went over helped convince you. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at how to use and choose the best artichoke supplement for your needs.

Artichoke Extract: How to Use and Top 3 Supplements

Artichoke supplements come in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. When choosing an artichoke supplement, it’s important to consider the form that will work best for you and your needs. Here are some additonal things to factor in, when picking your supplement:

• Dosage: The recommended dosage for artichoke supplements can vary depending on the form of the supplement and the reason for use. Be sure to follow the instructions on the supplement label, and consult with a healthcare professional if you’re unsure about the appropriate dosage for you.
• Purity: Look for an artichoke supplement that is pure and free from fillers, additives, and preservatives. Going for an organic product may protect you from some of the pesticides used in conventional farming.
• Quality: Choose a reputable brand that uses high-quality ingredients and has been independently tested for purity and potency. This is essential when it comes to any supplement, as supplements are not regulated in the same way medication is – so, a reputable brand and third-party testing is all you have to confirm their purity.

So does any artichoke supplement check all of these boxes? Sure thing – here are the top 3 artichoke supplements on the market that we recommend you begin with:

• Nature’s Way Artichoke Extract: Easily the most powerful supplement in our selection, Nature’s Way’s product contains 600mg of artichoke extract, along with milk thistle seed extract, which is another excellent ingredient for liver health. It’s standardized at 13-18% caffeoylquinic acids, a liver-health promoting compound.
• Jarrow Formulas Artichoke: This supplement contains 500mg of artichoke leaf extract per capsule and is standardized to contain 5% caffeoylquinic acids, another group of compounds found in artichoke leaf extract. It’s free from GMOs and suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
• Now Foods Artichoke Extract: One of the most affordable artichoke supplements out there, this option contains 450mg of artichoke leaf extract per capsule and is also standardized to contain 5% caffeoylquinic acids as cynarin. It’s vegan, soy-free, tree nut-free, gluten-free, and produced at a GMP facility.

Ready to get started? Let’s talk about the possible dosage you can use for different conditions:

Best Dosage of Artichoke Leaf Extract

The recommended dosage of artichoke leaf extract can vary depending on the form of the supplement and the reason for use.

In general, the dosage of artichoke leaf extract used in studies ranges from 50mg to 2700mg per day, depending on the health condition being treated. Here are some general guidelines for dosing artichoke leaf extract:

• Cholesterol and Blood Pressure: Studies have used doses ranging from 180mg to 1920mg of artichoke leaf extract per day for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Blood Sugar: Studies have used doses of around 1,000mg daily of artichoke leaf extract per day for regulating blood sugar levels. Since this is a higher dose, it’s best to split it in two – say once in the morning and once in the evening [3]
• Liver Health and Detoxification: In the pilot study on humans with liver disease we cited above, they used 600mg daily for two months to see an improvement. This is a good dose to try and be around – it’s lower than the one for blood sugar reduction, but this also means you’re less likely to have digestive troubles. [4]
• Digestive Health: You can experiment with doses between 400mg and 1200mg of artichoke leaf extract per day for improving digestive health. The higher dose is likely to be more effective here, since we’re looking to add more inulin (as a prebiotic) to your diet.

Keep in mind that everyone’s body is different, and the appropriate dosage for you may be different from the recommended dosages used in studies. Be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, and to follow the instructions on the supplement label.

And what about adverse reactions and side effect?

While artichoke supplements are generally safe, they can cause side effects in some people, especially at high doses. Common side effects include gas, bloating, and stomach upset. These are mostly because of the insoluble fiber artichoke contains – which can trigger some people who are prone to gastrointestinal distress. To avoid these side effects, start with a lower dose and gradually increase as tolerated.

In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at how to incorporate artichokes into your diet for even more health benefits

Artichoke in Your Diet

In addition to taking artichoke supplements, you can also incorporate whole artichokes into your daily menu and get much of the same benefits.

Along with being delicious, artichokes are also a good source of several key nutrients. One cup of cooked artichokes contains:

• 90 calories
• 20 grams of carbohydrates
• 10 grams of fiber
• 5 grams of protein
• 12% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin C
• 34% DV for folate
• 15% DV for magnesium
• 21% DV for copper
• … and a range of other vitamins and micronutrients.

Unsure of what you can prepare using an artichoke? Here are some ways to add artichokes to your diet:

• Roasted & Grilled: Roasted or grilled artichokes are a delicious and easy way to enjoy this vegetable. Simply cut the artichokes in half, remove the fuzzy choke, and brush with olive oil. Roast or grill until tender and serve with a dipping sauce of your choice.
• Steamed & Boiled: Steamed or boiled artichokes make a great appetizer or side dish. To prepare, trim the stem and top of the artichoke, and steam or boil until tender. Serve with a dipping sauce.
• In Salads: Artichoke hearts are a popular addition to salads. Simply slice the hearts and add to your favorite salad for a tasty and nutritious addition.
• In Pasta Dishes: Artichokes also pair well with pasta dishes. Simply add artichoke hearts to your favorite pasta dish for added flavor and nutrition. You get bonus points if you choose a whole wheat pasta, which is rich in fiber and will further support your digestive and cardiovascular health.

By incorporating artichokes into your diet, you can add valuable nutrients to your meals and support your overall health and wellness.

Conclusion

Artichoke supplements are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with compounds that can offer a range of health benefits. From lowering cholesterol and blood pressure to supporting liver health and detoxification, artichoke supplements can play an important role in your overall health and wellness.

When choosing an artichoke supplement, be sure to consider factors such as dosage, purity, and quality. Or, if you’d rather not take pills and powders, look for ways to incorporate artichokes into your diet for even more nutritional benefits.

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, and to follow the instructions on the supplement label. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the many benefits of artichoke supplements and support your health and wellness naturally.

Thank you for reading, and we hope you found this article informative and helpful

FAQs

Q: What is artichoke supplement good for?

A: Artichoke supplements have been shown to offer a range of health benefits, including lowering cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, regulating blood sugar levels, supporting liver health and detoxification, improving gut health as a prebiotic, and providing antioxidant and anticancer properties.

Q: Does artichoke extract really help your liver?

A: Yes, artichoke extract has been shown to support liver health and detoxification by increasing bile production and flow. Bile is necessary for the digestion and absorption of fats, and it also helps remove toxins from the body.

Q: Who should not take artichoke extract?

A: While artichoke supplements are generally safe, they may not be suitable for everyone. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of kidney stones, or are allergic to artichokes should avoid taking artichoke supplements. Additionally, those taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, should consult with a healthcare professional before taking artichoke supplements.

Q: Does artichoke extract help with belly fat?

A: While artichoke supplements may offer some health benefits, there is no evidence to suggest that they can specifically target belly fat. A healthy diet and regular exercise are the best ways to achieve weight loss and reduce belly fat.

References

1. Sahebkar A, Pirro M, Banach M, Mikhailidis DP, Atkin SL, Cicero AFG. Lipid-lowering activity of artichoke extracts: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2018;58(15):2549-2556. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2017.1332572. Epub 2017 Aug 24. PMID: 28609140.
2. Moradi M, Sohrabi G, Golbidi M, Yarmohammadi S, Hemati N, Campbell MS, Moradi S, Kermani MAH, Farzaei MH. Effects of artichoke on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2021 Mar;57:102668. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102668. Epub 2021 Jan 16. PMID: 33465383.
3. Rondanelli M, Riva A, Petrangolini G, Allegrini P, Bernardinelli L, Fazia T, Peroni G, Gasparri C, Nichetti M, Faliva MA, Naso M, Perna S. The Metabolic Effects of Cynara Supplementation in Overweight and Obese Class I Subjects with Newly Detected Impaired Fasting Glycemia: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2020 Oct 28;12(11):3298. doi: 10.3390/nu12113298. PMID: 33126534; PMCID: PMC7693737.
4. Panahi Y, Kianpour P, Mohtashami R, Atkin SL, Butler AE, Jafari R, Badeli R, Sahebkar A. Efficacy of artichoke leaf extract in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2018 Jul;32(7):1382-1387. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6073. Epub 2018 Mar 9. PMID: 29520889.
5. Costabile A, Kolida S, Klinder A, Gietl E, Bäuerlein M, Frohberg C, Landschütze V, Gibson GR. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study to establish the bifidogenic effect of a very-long-chain inulin extracted from globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) in healthy human subjects. Br J Nutr. 2010 Oct;104(7):1007-17. doi: 10.1017/S0007114510001571. Epub 2010 Jul 1. PMID: 20591206.
6. Walker AF, Middleton RW, Petrowicz O. Artichoke leaf extract reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a post-marketing surveillance study. Phytother Res. 2001 Feb;15(1):58-61. doi: 10.1002/1099-1573(200102)15:1<58::aid-ptr805>3.0.co;2-r. PMID: 11180525.
7. Ben Salem M, Affes H, Ksouda K, Dhouibi R, Sahnoun Z, Hammami S, Zeghal KM. Pharmacological Studies of Artichoke Leaf Extract and Their Health Benefits. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2015 Dec;70(4):441-53. doi: 10.1007/s11130-015-0503-8. PMID: 26310198.