Thanks to its diuretic properties, the artichoke can help us eliminate fluid retention caused by excess uric acid and promote the elimination of toxins.
Different studies have suggested that artichokes would have multiple beneficial properties for health. Most would be due to acids like cyanidin. In this article, we tell you everything about the artichoke as a possible ally to reduce uric acid.
Uric acid is a product of our own body is harmful if it accumulates. We can acquire it through food and drinks that when metabolized release this compound based on purines.
The normal thing is that it dissolves in blood and later it is eliminated by urine. However, if there is a serious excess of this substance, it is installed in our body permanently, leading to diseases such as gout.
The best way to eliminate uric acid from our body is usually by controlling our diet. The artichoke, according to nutritionists, stands as an interesting ally to achieve it. Do you want to know how? We show you.
Remember that if you have high uric acid, you should go to your doctor for the best recommendations to improve your health. The artichoke diet can be a complement to the treatment provided by the specialist.
Artichoke, enemy of uric acid
It would improve liver health
Thanks to its caffeic linoleic and oleic acids, it could help dissolve the fats in our body. On the other hand, in 2015 experts pointed out that it could help protect our liver, improving its basic functions.
It would lower cholesterol
Experimental studies have concluded that its properties could reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood and regulate blood pressure. These two problems can lead to cardiovascular diseases, which is why it is so important to keep them at bay.
It would reduce the sugar level
Artichoke could also reduce blood sugar, a property that would make it a food that could help fight diabetes.
In 2011, an investigation was carried out in which it was observed that those who had regularly consumed artichokes and beans had managed to reduce their blood sugar levels. More studies would be necessary.
It would have diuretic properties
The conclusions of different scientific investigations suggest that the artichoke would be a diuretic. This would allow us to eliminate the fluid retention caused by uric acid, favoring its disappearance. It would also help prevent obesity.
Nutrient source
Besides all this it has very few calories. According to the Spanish Nutrition Foundation, it provides us with vitamins A, B6, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, carbohydrates. Also, proteins and carbohydrates are transformed into energy.
How to take artichoke to reduce uric acid
It is advisable to consume artichoke every day for at least 21 days to help reduce uric acid. It is necessary to emphasize that this diet can be a complement to the indications given by the doctor. If you have high uric acid, you should consult your doctor.
Before the two main meals, we will drink a glass of artichoke juice. Thus, it is supposed that we would be able to better digest what we are going to consume, eliminating toxins and improving our functions.
For this you can cook two artichokes in a little more than half a liter of water, letting them gradually reduce. The water obtained from the same cooking is what you will ingest before meals (a glass), while the artichokes can be perfectly eaten with a splash of lemon.
It is as healthy as it is delicious. You can save the juice that is left over for the night, although the ideal is to do it right away and drink it as soon as it cools down.
In the afternoon you can prepare an artichoke infusion. This is optional. If you want to make this tea, you only need to take four leaves of the artichoke and boil them in a cup of water. Once it has rested for a few minutes, add a teaspoon of honey and a dash of lemon.
Try to accompany your meals with a few pieces of artichokes. Culinarily you have several options. For example, cooked with a little garlic and olive oil, accompanying your salads … To see authentic results, the ideal is to follow this diet based on artichokes for at least 21 days in a row.
Other recommendations to reduce uric acid
We share with you some of the most common suggestions for reducing uric acid. Keep in mind that most do not have a scientific basis to back it up.
- Start your days with a glass of lemon juice on an empty stomach. Drink it little by little, favoring salivation so that it reaches the stomach better and eliminates uric acid. It is recommended to do it for 21 days.
- It is best to follow a strict diet designed by a nutritionist, based on juices, fruit and a special treatment of raw vegetable foods. Probably, in addition to the artichoke, it includes onion, garlic, carrot, leek, celery, parsley, brewer’s yeast, honey and lemon.
- Drink at least two liters of water a day. Better diuretic mineral waters, and sodium sulfates as they could help dilute uric acid.
- Consume three pieces of fruit a day. For example, bananas, grapes, oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, watermelons or melons…
conclusion
High uric acid levels are very harmful to health. They are detected with analysis and your doctor will indicate the appropriate treatment. However, you can benefit from foods like an artichoke to help your body eliminate it.