Most people eat meals without any thought as to whether or not what they are eating is good for them or not. Some do put a lot of thought as to what they are putting into their body. But the truth is that all diseases can be traced to one or more of three factors: genetic, environmental, or poor eating habits.
Poor eating habits trigger genetic tendencies such as cancer, as well as many other illnesses. Unfortunately, the current medical “industry” likes to concentrate on the pharmaceutical approach, instead of a nutritional approach, to health care. The direct relationship between diet and health is minimally taught in the vast majority of medical schools. These schools concentrate on disease rather than the prevention of disease and maintenance of good health.
Take, for example, the artichoke and all the nutritional benefits that it offers. There are two kinds of artichokes. The true artichoke, which is a member of the thistle family and the Jerusalem artichoke, which is not a true artichoke but a member of the sunflower, nor is it from Jerusalem. Although both have cynarin and silymarin, the true artichoke has higher concentrations of these and is used in the treatment of gallstones and more ailments.
It is the choke (heart) that is edible and their are no hairs to remove as there are in the larger varieties. The Italian and Spanish artichokes are especially favored. The artichoke has always been prized as a treatment for liver and gallbladder conditions, ‘cleaning the blood’ as well as the bladder. It was highly valued by the Egyptians as both a health and diet food and it was considered a ‘food of the rich’ because of the ‘rich’ lifestyle such as rich foods, fats and wines that led to health problems such as liver problems, gout and a general run down condition.
Today’s research has shown that artichokes are very high in fiber, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and many other nutrients that are important to a balanced system. It has positive effects on poor liver function, helps lower cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, gout, supports the treatment of hepatitis, and improves gall secretions.
It also helps rid the body of excessive water and as it removes toxins from the body, it gives skin added luminosity. For heavy consumers of alcohol, high red meat, and fat consumption, the artichoke boosts the liver’s ability to repair damaged cells. Most liver damage is self-inflicted. The liver mainly functions to metabolize the food that we eat.
When artichokes are in season, go on an artichoke treatment diet for one week. This will help repair the liver from drink and rich food excesses. Vary the menu with other meats and vegetables. A glass of red wine each day will help repair the liver as well. When you eat artichokes and improve the liver function, weight loss is much easier. Avoid all animal fats while on this diet. Fish and poultry are to be eaten 3 times a week and drink plenty of water.
Use the artichoke leaves that you would normally throw away. 12-15 leaves per 2 cups of boiling water. Pour the boiling water over the chopped leaves and allow to brew for 5 minutes. Strain and drink 2 cups daily sweetened with honey, if desired.
Also, once trimmed, the entire choke is edible. Cook whole and slice lengthways, cut in half, quartered or chopped. pre-cooked it can be poured over rice dishes, potato dishes, pizza. The sky is the limit.
Poor eating habits trigger genetic tendencies such as cancer, as well as many other illnesses. Unfortunately, the current medical “industry” likes to concentrate on the pharmaceutical approach, instead of a nutritional approach, to health care. The direct relationship between diet and health is minimally taught in the vast majority of medical schools. These schools concentrate on disease rather than the prevention of disease and maintenance of good health.
Take, for example, the artichoke and all the nutritional benefits that it offers. There are two kinds of artichokes. The true artichoke, which is a member of the thistle family and the Jerusalem artichoke, which is not a true artichoke but a member of the sunflower, nor is it from Jerusalem. Although both have cynarin and silymarin, the true artichoke has higher concentrations of these and is used in the treatment of gallstones and more ailments.
It is the choke (heart) that is edible and their are no hairs to remove as there are in the larger varieties. The Italian and Spanish artichokes are especially favored. The artichoke has always been prized as a treatment for liver and gallbladder conditions, ‘cleaning the blood’ as well as the bladder. It was highly valued by the Egyptians as both a health and diet food and it was considered a ‘food of the rich’ because of the ‘rich’ lifestyle such as rich foods, fats and wines that led to health problems such as liver problems, gout and a general run down condition.
Today’s research has shown that artichokes are very high in fiber, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and many other nutrients that are important to a balanced system. It has positive effects on poor liver function, helps lower cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, gout, supports the treatment of hepatitis, and improves gall secretions.
It also helps rid the body of excessive water and as it removes toxins from the body, it gives skin added luminosity. For heavy consumers of alcohol, high red meat, and fat consumption, the artichoke boosts the liver’s ability to repair damaged cells. Most liver damage is self-inflicted. The liver mainly functions to metabolize the food that we eat.
When artichokes are in season, go on an artichoke treatment diet for one week. This will help repair the liver from drink and rich food excesses. Vary the menu with other meats and vegetables. A glass of red wine each day will help repair the liver as well. When you eat artichokes and improve the liver function, weight loss is much easier. Avoid all animal fats while on this diet. Fish and poultry are to be eaten 3 times a week and drink plenty of water.
Use the artichoke leaves that you would normally throw away. 12-15 leaves per 2 cups of boiling water. Pour the boiling water over the chopped leaves and allow to brew for 5 minutes. Strain and drink 2 cups daily sweetened with honey, if desired.
Also, once trimmed, the entire choke is edible. Cook whole and slice lengthways, cut in half, quartered or chopped. pre-cooked it can be poured over rice dishes, potato dishes, pizza. The sky is the limit.
