Cooling foods for hot weather: Artichokes nourish the liver and bile

Artichokes are low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals, have a cooling effect, are good for the liver, and are good for bile.

Specialist Doctor 2 Huynh Tan Vu, Lecturer of Traditional Medicine Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City said that artichoke flower has the effect of clearing heat and cooling the liver, which is very good for health. It provides about 9.3% carbohydrates, 1.5% fiber, very little fat and protein.

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"Artichoke flowers contain low calories, only about 40 to 50 kcal, but are rich in vitamins and minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. Artichoke flowers are especially suitable for people with diabetes because they have very little sugar. This flower also helps eliminate toxins for people who are unbalanced due to drinking too much alcohol," Dr. Vu shared.

Artichoke has the effect of cooling the body.

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On hot days, a glass of cool artichoke water will not only quench your thirst but also be good for your health, such as improving digestion. You can use an artichoke, wash it, drain it, and cut off the stem. Boil 1.5 liters of water in a large pot, add the artichoke, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and cook for about 2-3 hours until the artichoke is soft and releases all its sweetness.

Add rock sugar and pandan leaves to the pot, cover and cook for another 10 minutes then turn off the heat. Remove the artichokes and pandan leaves. Let the water cool then pour into a bottle, cover and store in the refrigerator for later use.

Although artichokes do not have the effect of regenerating liver cells (because they do not contain cynaropicrin), they can prevent liver poisoning, are anti-oxidant, diuretic and choleretic. Tests show that artichokes have the effects of stimulating the liver and gallbladder, preventing gallstones, diuretic, anti-liver poisoning, lowering blood lipids, increasing metabolism and diuretic. Recent studies show that the antioxidant effect of artichokes is not lost when cooked.

In cases of liver pain, stomach pain, indigestion, low milk supply in postpartum women, diabetes, gout, rheumatism, and physical weakness, artichoke flowers can be boiled in water to drink, fresh or dried (10-20 g of decoction if used fresh, 5-10 g if used dried).

"However, do not abuse it. If you eat and drink too much, there will be side effects caused by artichoke such as smooth muscle spasms of the digestive system, bloating, and fatigue. You should only use 10-20g boiled with water per day if using fresh, 5-10g if using dry. With packaged tea, you should only drink 2-3 bags per day," Dr. Vu recommends.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/an-uong-giai-nhiet-mua-nang-nong-atiso-nhuan-gan-loi-mat-185230426130955453.htm