Artichoke Extract & Weight Loss

Artichoke extract is one of the few herbal remedies that has been through clinical trials and experiments to yield favorable results. Artichoke extract has been proven to aid with everything from diabetes to curing a hangover. One of the favorable benefits for many is the ability of artichoke extract to aid with weight loss.

History

The artichoke is one of the oldest known cultivated vegetables. It originated in Ethiopia but Italy is the world's leading producer of the artichoke. In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans used the artichoke as a digestive aid. It was only available to the wealthy due to its lack of availability. The French and Spanish brought the artichoke to the United State. Today, California cultivates large numbers of artichokes.

Dietary Benefits

Natural Herbs for the Gallbladder

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Artichokes are a great source of dietary fiber, magnesium, and chromium, a trace mineral. Artichokes are a good source of vitamin C, folic acid, biotin, and manganese. They are also sources of niacine, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin A and potassium.

The Artichoke as a Natural Diuretic

According to The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbal Supplements, artichoke extract can serve as a natural diuretic 2. The extract can help to prevent water retention as well as aid in kidney function. Natural diuretics can help you lose five to 10 pounds of water weight in just one week.

Supplements

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Artichoke extract is found in a number of weight loss supplements on the market. According to "The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbal Supplements," artichoke extract helps to promote the secretion of bile, which is made in the liver and stored in the gallbladder until it mixes with food 2. By speeding up the production of bile, it is likely to help you lose water weight. Artichokes also serve as a natural laxative, removing unwanted waste and toxins from the body. Removing toxins from the body can help to accelerate weight loss.

Warnings

While artichoke extract has been found to have little side effects, those with serious health conditions should contact their physician before taking an artichoke supplement. Additionally, you need to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. You also need to eat enough calories while taking artichoke extract. Not eating enough will cause your body's metabolism to slow and your body will go into starvation mode, making it harder to burn calories and lose weight.