Artichokes for Fertility: 5 Emerging Benefits & Side Effects

Artichokes are a type of thistle, although they are mostly considered vegetables loaded with nutrients such as fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that are beneficial to health including fertility.

Today, we shall get to know how to use Artichokes for fertility, its health benefits, and emerging side effects. Before we get to that part, you should know that Artichokes is scientifically called Cynara cardunculus, and believed to originate from the Mediterranean.

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Do Artichokes promote fertility?

Yes! Artichokes may promote fertility in both men and women who eat them due to the presence of certain fertility-boosting nutrients such as Folate, Copper, Magnesium, Vitamin C, Niacin, Riboflavin, Potassium, Phosphorus, Carbs, Fiber, Protein, and Vitamin B6 found in Artichokes — FDC.

Additionally, it has been in use for centuries due to its health-promoting properties such as lowering blood sugar levels, enhancing digestion, and improving heart health, and liver health.

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Is Artichoke good for pregnancy?

Intake of Artichoke extract, tea, or supplement may be helpful to pregnant women since it contains important nutrients known as folate – a vitamin B9, that promote DNA repair and fetus development. Other essential nutrients include Iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and other nutrients beneficial to the developing fetus.

However, there is a lack of scientific evidence on the safety of artichoke during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it’s better to consult with a health expert before consuming it, at best avoid it, or reduce the rate of consumption.

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How to use Artichokes for fertility

Artichoke has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties and is found beneficial for reproduction. Here are some ways to use artichokes for fertility.

1. Artichoke tea

Drinking artichoke tea can help regulate hormones and improve fertility. To make artichoke tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried artichoke leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. You can drink this tea 2-3 times a day.

2. Artichoke supplements

Artichoke supplements are available in the form of capsules or tablets. These supplements can help improve liver function, which can in turn improve fertility.

3. Artichoke extract

Artichoke extract is a concentrated form of artichoke that can be added to smoothies or taken as a supplement. It contains antioxidants that can help protect the reproductive system and improve fertility.

4. Artichokes in the diet

Including artichokes in your diet can also provide fertility benefits. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, including folate, which is important for reproductive health.

Overall, artichokes can be a helpful addition to a fertility-boosting regimen. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before using artichokes for fertility or health use.

Benefits of Artichoke for fertility

Artichoke has several potential benefits for fertility, including:

1. Regulating hormones

Artichoke contains compounds that can help regulate hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. This can help improve fertility in both men and women.

Furthermore, certain conditions such as hormonal imbalance are linked to irregular menstruation which is detrimental to fertility. Meanwhile, the intake of foods like Artichokes may help in balancing body hormones, and this can boost the menstrual cycle’s luteal phase, which is the phase when women move from menstruation to ovulation.

Research shows that women with a functioning corpus luteum have a higher chance of conception because the corpus luteum makes it easier for a fertilized egg to implant.

2. Improving liver function

They play important roles in the body such as the metabolism of nutrients. Even in reproduction, it’s responsible for the production of different hormones including reproductive hormones. A recent study on Cell Metabolism shows that estrogen receptors in the liver are critical for maintaining fertility.

Another similar study suggests that malfunctioning the liver could significantly affect the production of reproductive hormones which may equally impact sperm quality.

Artichokes can help improve liver function, which is important for fertility. The liver plays a key role in hormone metabolism and detoxification, and a healthy liver can help support reproductive health.

Lastly, Artichoke leaf extract may offer a hepato-protective effect on the liver boosting its ability to produce more bile, which helps remove harmful toxins from the liver.

3. Reducing inflammation

Artichoke contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the liver and the body system. Chronic inflammation can interfere with fertility, so reducing inflammation can be beneficial.

A related study suggests that Artichoke leaf extract contains Antioxidants called luteolin that can help lower cholesterol and improve Cardiovascular disorders.

4. Supporting egg quality

Artichoke is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the reproductive system and support healthy egg development.

Additionally, the presence folate of in Artichoke makes it a potential candidate with nutrients that protect against chromosomal abnormalities. Also, Vitamin K is present and it can also help balance progesterone and estrogen levels in the body, and other fertility difficulties like PCOS and endometriosis.

5. Boosting sperm count and motility

Artichoke can help improve sperm count and motility in men. This is likely due to its ability to regulate hormones and improve liver function. As mentioned earlier it’s a rich source of natural antioxidants like Vitamin C that helps protect our system from cellular damage caused by oxidative stress.

Finally, with the Liver health-promoting property of this plant extract toxin like lead acetate which is harmful to fertility with being flushed out.

Altogether, artichokes can be a helpful addition to a fertility-boosting regimen. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before using artichoke or any other supplement for fertility.

Artichoke side effects

Artichoke is generally considered safe when consumed in food amounts. However, some people may experience side effects when taking artichoke supplements or consuming large amounts of them. Here are some potential side effects of artichokes:

1. Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to artichokes and may experience symptoms such as itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

2. Digestive issues: Artichokes can cause digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea in some people.

3. Gallbladder issues: Artichoke can stimulate the production of bile, which can be problematic for people with gallbladder issues.

4. Interference with medications: Artichoke can interfere with the absorption of certain medications, including those used to treat high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

5. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough information available about the safety of artichoke during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it’s best to avoid it or consult with a healthcare provider before consuming it.

Altogether, artichoke is safe for most people when consumed in food amounts. However, if you are considering taking artichoke supplements or consuming large amounts of it, it’s important to seek a doctor’s opinion first to avoid any complications or interactions with medications.

BOTTOM LINE

Consuming Artichokes for fertility may improve liver health which can boost the production of reproductive hormones, healthy eggs, and quality sperm. There are also certain fertility-boosting nutrients such as ;
Folate — For DNA repair and fetus development.

Vitamin K — Helpful in balancing hormones which may aid in curbing certain fertility concerns such as PCOS and endometriosis.

Magnesium— supports fallopian tube function and implantation.

While we can establish the benefits of consuming Artichokes, Evidence is still limited hence more study is needed on the use of Artichokes for fertility.