By Batista Gremaud
The artichoke is a type of thistle and part of the sunflower family. It is often referred to as a flower because of its appearance. It has a unique taste and texture, making it a great complement to many dishes. The artichoke grows on a stalk and comprises a series of overlapping green leaves that form a cone shape on top and a stem underneath. The most prized and coveted vegetable part is the tender heart inside the artichoke. The Artichoke grows in the spring.
Buying and eating seasonal fruits and vegetables is advisable for several reasons. First, seasonal fruits and vegetables are fresher and tastier since they don't have to travel far to reach your local grocery store. This means you are also getting more nutritional value.
In addition, seasonal fruits and vegetables are regularly grown and harvested locally, which cuts down on the fuel needed to get the food from where it's grown to the store, reducing your carbon footprint.
Eating seasonally also supports local farmers and food producers. Buying produce from your local farmers' market helps inject much-needed money into the local economy, creating jobs and helping to build healthy and sustainable food systems. Moreover, spending your money locally keeps cash flow in your community and supports businesses that respect the planet by using sustainable farming methods.
Finally, eating with the season encourages you to eat a variety of foods throughout the year and is an essential part of any healthy diet. It also helps you get numerous nutrients, ensuring you get the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed to stay healthy.
In the Springtime, the selection of fresh fruits and vegetables at the grocery store is bountiful.
Here is a list of some of the best fruits and vegetables available during the Springtime:
Fruits:
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Peaches
• Plums
• Apples
Vegetables:
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Snow Peas
• Spinach
• Radishes
• Artichokes
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The Artichoke
A Springtime Weight Loss Favorite
Artichoke is an integral part of the Mediterranean diet, which is well known for its many health benefits. The plant is rich in dietary fiber and minerals, making it an excellent weight-loss choice. Many studies have shown that consuming artichokes can help support weight loss and reduce the risk of developing metabolic diseases. Artichoke is low in calories, fat, and sodium, so it is often recommended as part of a healthy weight loss diet. Artichoke is also rich in plant sterols, which can help lower cholesterol. Additionally, the active compounds in the artichoke can help reduce food cravings, which can help with weight loss.
Due to its high content of vitamins and minerals, artichoke also helps strengthen the immune system. In addition, it contains antioxidant properties, which reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Artichoke is also a great source of magnesium and potassium, which can help support cardiovascular health.
How to select and prepare the artichoke.
When selecting artichokes, choose ones that are heavy for their size and that have tightly closed petals. Artichokes are best when cooked soon after being purchased, and they should be kept refrigerated and used within a few days for the best flavor. Preparing artichokes can be intimidating, but it is pretty simple. First, remove the stem end, carefully pull the petals around the edible center, trim the base, and discard the fuzzy center.
There are several easy ways to incorporate artichokes into your diet:
Boiling: Boil artichokes in lightly salted water until the leaves can easily be removed from the center.
Steaming: Place the artichokes in a steamer basket and steam until tender.
Baking: Place artichokes in a baking dish and pour olive oil and lemon juice. Bake at 375F for about twenty minutes.
Grilling: Brush artichokes with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until tender
Cooking time varies depending on the size of the artichoke; you can eat them hot or cold and store them in the frigidaire for a few days.
Artichokes can be enjoyed in many ways, from dipped in melted garlic butter to broiling and stuffed with bread crumbs and cheese. For a lighter option, try dressing them with a light vinaigrette. You can eat one leaf at a time, enjoy the journey to the center, or prepare the artichoke ahead of time by removing the heart, which can be eaten in salads, pasta, or on pizzas.
Summary
All in all, artichokes are a great addition to your diet and provide many health benefits. They can be pricy off-season, but you can find them at a reasonable price during Springtime.
Whether boiled, steamed, baked, or grilled - artichokes will surely be a flavorful and nutritious meal!
Bon Appetit
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Batista Gremaud is the CEO and president of Dr Fitness International, an International.
Body Designer, Strength Training Expert, No1 Best Selling author of Feminine Body Design, Empowering Fitness For A Pain-Free Life, co-creator of the Feminine Body Design online strength training mentoring system, co-host of the Esoteric Principles of Bodybuilding, Recipient of the most outstanding fitness program 2019 by The Winners Circle, Mastermind at Sea. and producer of the Dr Fitness USA’s THE SHOW.
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