May Improve Digestive Health

Artichokes are high in fiber, which helps to keep your digestive system healthy by increasing friendly gut flora, lowering your risk of certain bowel malignancies, and relieving constipation and diarrhea. Inulin, a form of fiber that works as a prebiotic, is found in artichokes. In one study, 12 adults who ingested an artichoke extract containing inulin every day for three weeks saw an improvement in their gut microbes. Artichoke extract may also help with indigestion symptoms like bloating, nausea, and heartburn.

In a trial of 247 participants with indigestion, using artichoke leaf extract daily for six weeks improved symptoms like gas and uncomfortable feelings of fullness compared to not taking artichoke leaf extract. Cynarin, a naturally occurring component in artichokes, may be responsible for these beneficial effects by boosting bile production, speeding gastrointestinal movement, and aiding fat absorption.