Delicious in salads, omelettes or on pizza… but beyond its unique flavour, artichoke holds a wealth of health benefits. It’s even credited with anti-cellulite powers. So, is artichoke really a remedy for cellulite? Let’s take a closer look at this wonderful vegetable.
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What are the benefits of artichoke?
1- Diuretic and draining
Artichoke is a plant naturally rich in potassium, making it an excellent draining agent. Consumed regularly, it encourages the elimination of water through the kidneys (diuretic effect), while draining excess water from the tissues. As we know, water retention is one of the main causes of cellulite – especially water cellulite. Artichoke is therefore a well-recognised anti-cellulite plant.
2- A source of fibre
The fibre content of raw artichoke is 5.40g per 100g, making it a particularly fibre-rich food. Its main fibre is inulin. This fibre helps reduce blood lipid levels by trapping dietary fats and preventing them from being stored. Inulin also has a natural appetite-suppressing effect, speeding up the feeling of fullness and reducing overall food intake. These are notable benefits, given the well-known link between diet and the appearance of cellulite – especially adipose cellulite, which is partly caused by a diet that is too rich. Finally, inulin has a prebiotic effect – it stimulates the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Safe to say, artichoke is a true ally for a flat stomach !
3- A fat trap
Artichoke contains cynarin, which gives it a slightly bitter taste but also grants it choleretic properties. What does that mean? Artichoke naturally stimulates the liver and gallbladder (bile production and secretion). This stimulation not only improves digestion, but also reduces the storage of dietary fats in the body (which are instead eliminated through natural pathways), and helps lower blood cholesterol levels.
4- Artichoke: low in calories
At just 40 kcal per 100g, artichoke is a true lightweight champion! It can be enjoyed freely, like many green vegetables. Rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre, its caloric value is very low: it is barely absorbed at intestinal level, but simply broken down and eliminated. Only the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and trace elements it contains are taken up by the body. There’s really no reason to hold back!
How to use artichoke against cellulite?
The artichoke flower is the edible part of the plant, but the active compounds are found mainly in the leaves. These leaves are available in many forms: capsules, dried leaves, ampoules, infusions. As a complement to a balanced and varied diet, artichoke-based food supplements can be a useful addition in the fight against cellulite. That said, it’s important to choose them carefully:
- Origin
- High artichoke leaf content
- Organic certification preferred
There are also certain conditions to be aware of when taking artichoke leaf-based food supplements:
- Not recommended in cases of gallstones
- Not advised for people sensitive to Asteraceae, a broad plant family (chicory, dandelion, chamomile, thistle…)
1- Artichoke and horsetail tea recipe
Horsetail, just like artichoke, is a plant that supports the reduction of cellulite. It is diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Combining the two plants is an undeniable boost in the fight against cellulite. To make the recipe, you will need:
- 1 artichoke
- 2 tbsp dried horsetail
- 500 ml water
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Chop the artichoke and bring it to the boil in the water. Once boiling, add the horsetail and reduce the heat. Leave to steep for 2–3 minutes, then turn off the heat. Allow to rest for 15 minutes, strain through a fine sieve and add the lemon juice. Drink your tea mid-morning and mid-afternoon. A 2-week course should help drain your cellulite effectively. You can also drink this tea on an ongoing basis, reducing intake to 3 times per week.
2- Artichoke leaf and nettle infusion recipe
A highly effective detox infusion recipe against cellulite! To make it, nothing could be simpler – you only need:
- A handful of dried artichoke leaves
- A handful of nettle
leaves
Steep the ingredients for 10 minutes in the equivalent of a large cup of boiling water. Leave the infusion to rest for 5 minutes, covered. You can drink this herbal tea up to 3 cups a day, for one month.
3- Our cellulite capsules
If herbal teas aren’t your thing, you can always try our Cellulite Capsules. They contain 100% natural ingredients, are vegan and made up of 6 plants recognised for their draining and fat-burning properties – including artichoke. Our course is very easy to follow: simply take 4 capsules a day, 2 in the morning and 2 at lunchtime, with a large glass of water, for 14 days. After taking them, the natural ingredients get to work throughout the day for targeted anti-cellulite action. Users are convinced: 70% of them report smoother skin with a visibly reduced dimpled appearance.
