I discovered the joy of eating artichokes just a few years ago. I like it best simply boiled whole, and each shell peeled off and dipped in garlicky creme fraiche. Yeah, I know, not exactly the healthiest dip, but as I ony seldom have it, I allow myself such rare indulgences.

Did you know that artichokes are nutrient dense?

Artichokes are an excellent source of dietary magnesium, fiber, and the trace mineral chromium. They are also a very good source of vitamins A and C, folic acid, biotin, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, potassium, the trace mineral manganese, and a carbohydrate that is in the form of insulin.

In addition, artichokes have also been demonstrated to impart a wide range of health benefits:

It is known to positively help poor liver function (thus helping to lower the blood cholesterol), arteriosclerosis, gout, supports the treatment of hepatitis and improves the gall secretions. It can slightly lower the blood sugar, improve the appetite and digestion, is diuretic and may help some migraine conditions (most especially those caused by toxins in the blood). As it helps the body rid itself of excess water and moves toxins it also has the added side effect of an improved skin luminosity.

Wow, what a superfood indeed. Hm, got artichoke recipes to share?

The UK Tea Council is running a poster advertising campaign on London Underground and Network South East trains this month to encourage people to drink more tea.

A minimum of four cups of tea a day will contribute to your daily fluid intake, the antioxidants tea contains can be beneficial for heart health, and the small amount of caffeine tea contains can help increase concentration, according to the latest research - all news that should have commuters heading straight for the kettle when they arrive in the office.

Aside from promoting heart health, tea has also been demonstrated to help cope with stress, cut death risks (due to chronic disease), and reduce the risks of developing gall stones and contracting gall bladder cancer.

That tea is a healthy drink is not a surprise. That Londoners need convincing is what makes me confused. Isn’t tea the ultimate panacea for the Brits? “Boyfriend left you for another? Another man? Here, have a cup of tea. It’ll do you good…”

Anyway, should you feel like reading scientific bases for tea’s health benefits, see the UK Tea Council’s Tea4Health, which compiles the latest research on tea and health.

My neighbor-blog here at b5media, the Cancer Commentary, reports:

According to a population-based study from China, drinking at least one cup of tea a day cuts the risk of cancer in the gallbladder and bile ducts by about 40 percent.

Don’t ask me how; they‘re not sure either. They believe its due to the anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenols found in tea called epigallocatechin gallate.

I hope I’m one of those with a very low risk of contracting this type of cancer. Or that there is some other food item, some other option, with the same medicinal benefit.

I can’t stand the taste of green tea. Ugh. (I’m a coffee-junkie)

[Photo: Vince Chan]