Healing Artichokes

With all the superfood talk we have today, artichokes should be right there in the top 10 list. Artichokes are one of the most abundant sources of nutrition, filled with phytochemicals such as lutein and isothiocyanates; vitamins such as A, E, and K; amino acids; and enzymes. They are B12-enhancing stars, wonderful for bringing balance to the gut. 

Artichokes are also dense with minerals such as silica, which is one of the foundational minerals of our bodies that’s critical for our existence. Artichokes’ magnesium content gets attention, and rightfully so. There’s a bigger picture to what gives artichokes their sedative qualities, though: In addition to magnesium, artichokes contain sedation phytochemicals that calm all body systems, as well as a compilation of calming minerals. This mineral denseness corresponds with the dense organs and glands (such as the liver, spleen, pancreas, brain, adrenals, and thyroid) that artichokes nourish. Deep within these organs, we have foundational nutrient reserves, and artichokes are one of those foods that replenish our reserves to promote longevity. 

Artichokes are incredible for the pancreas, making them an ideal food for people with diabetes, hypoglycemia, and other blood sugar imbalances. They are also one of the best foods for reducing kidney stones and gallstones, as well as calcifications and scar tissue inside the body. Artichokes are remarkable for protecting the body from the radiation of X-rays, cancer treatments, dental treatment, and common exposure. 

Artichokes are meant to be taken seriously in our lives, and should be considered medicine—a medicine that tastes earthy, sweet, and delicious. Many people don’t bother with fresh artichokes, because they find their appearance off-putting and don’t know how to deal with them. Once you learn the art of preparing and cooking an artichoke, though, you’ll be bringing an amazing nutritional dish into your life. 

CONDITIONS 

If you have any of the following conditions, try bringing artichokes into your life: 

Diabetes, hypoglycemia, kidney stones, gallstones, calcifications, internal scar tissue, shingles, osteomyelitis, thyroid disease, insomnia, carpal tunnel syndrome, bone fractures, cirrhosis of the liver, endocrine system disorders, fatty liver, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, interstitial cystitis, liver cancer, Lyme disease, optic nerve conditions, pancreatic cancer, stomach ulcers, systemic lupus, low reproductive system battery, mystery infertility, Achilles tendon injury, blood cell cancers such as multiple myeloma 

SYMPTOMS 

If you have any of the following symptoms, try bringing artichokes into your life: 

Blood sugar imbalances, food allergies, canker sores, rib pain, sleep disturbances, abnormal Pap smear results (i.e., abnormal cervical cells), food sensitivities, urinary urgency, bone density issues, bone loss, brittle nails, dysfunctional liver, electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), emotional eating, inflamed colon, liver congestion, nerve pain, stomach pain, mineral deficiencies, enlarged spleen 

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT 

For anyone who is dealing with heart-related emotions—those who are downhearted, broken-hearted, ill-hearted, or coldhearted—artichokes are critical. Eaten on a regular basis, artichokes have the power to open up the heart chakra, and to ignite healing through this sacred channel. 

SPIRITUAL LESSON 

Sometimes we put up armor in order to protect ourselves. Each experience of being hurt or taken advantage of adds another layer between the core of who we are and the outside world. It’s a necessary act that we learn from nature—a survival tactic. Just like the artichoke, though, if you take the time to peel back our armor, you’ll find that we all have soft, sustaining hearts under- neath. Artichokes teach us that while connection doesn’t always come easily—sometimes it takes work to peel back the spikes—it is worth the work to get to the tender, true, and loving centers of ourselves and each other. 

TIPS

* Consider having artichokes on the dinner menu four times a week for promising results.

* The most nutritious way to enjoy artichokes is to steam them. Once they’ve cooked and cooled, peel off the leaves, dip them in your favorite healthy dressing, and nibble the “meat” from the base of each leaf. Next, scrape off the choke and enjoy the hearts.

* If you buy prepared artichoke hearts that have a preservative such as citric acid, soak them overnight in water to get rid of this corn-derived irritant. 

* Enjoying artichokes for dinner helps your liver purge and clean itself in the early hours of the morning, while you sleep. For best results, try eating artichokes at 7 or 8 in the evening.

* Try eating artichokes alongside romaine lettuce. Together, they help dissolve gallstones and kidney stones.

STEAMED ARTICHOKES WITH LEMON-HONEY DIPPING SAUCE 

Preparing artichokes can seem daunting. All it really requires is hot water and some patience. When steamed until tender, artichokes are just waiting for you to pull them apart and dunk them into a luscious sauce of honey, olive oil, and sage. 

• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 1⁄4 cup honey
• 1⁄4 cup lemon juice
• 3 sage leaves

Prepare the artichokes by cutting off the top quarter of each and removing the stem. Using scissors, cut the remaining tips off of each of the leaves. Fill a large pot with 3 inches of water. Place the artichokes in a steamer basket inside the pot. Steam the artichokes for 30 to 45 minutes, until the leaves are tender and easily removed. 

To make the dipping sauce, combine all the remaining ingredients in a small saucepan over high heat. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken slightly, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and serve immediately alongside the cooked artichokes. Makes 2 to 4 servings

Excerpt from the #1 New York Times bestselling book Life-Changing Foods

This item posted: 13-Jun-2018

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