CASTROVILLE, Calif. (Feb. 10, 2016) This Valentine’s Day enjoy the vegetable that’s all heart – the artichoke – while you do something GOOD for your heart.
Aside from its impressive abilities at fighting cancer, artichokes are considered a heart-healthy food for a variety of reasons.
Certain ingredients in the leaves of artichokes have been found to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase the levels of good cholesterol (HDL, or omega-3 fatty acid). Artichokes are also rich sources of potassium, the essential mineral that has an impact on numerous organ systems throughout the body. Potassium helps to neutralize the effects of excess sodium, which is notorious for increasing blood pressure. A reduction in blood pressure can reduce the chances of heart attacks and coronary heart disease.
The artichoke is one of the most nutritious vegetables available during the winter months and Ocean Mist Farms, the largest grower of artichokes in North America, is shipping beautiful artichokes now to grocery stores nationwide. For Valentine’s Day, heat things up with fire-roasted artichokes. Your heart will love you.
