Steamed Artichokes With Garlic Cashew Aioli

Steamed Artichokes With Garlic Cashew Aioli: Artichokes are easy to prepare and fun to eat, but they’re also a healing superfood filled with nutrition.

Steamed Artichokes + A decadent Garlic Cashew Aioli is a deliciously and perfectly steamed artichoke recipe that is simple to make. Artichokes are also full of beneficial nutrients-a fabulous superfood providing healing benefits to your thyroid.

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Several Positive Benefits Of Eating Steamed Artichoke

• Nutrients – Artichokes are abundant in nutrition and packed with phytochemicals such as isothiocyanates and lutein; vitamins such as A, E, and K; amino acids; and enzymes. As well as a significant amount of B12 or (cobalamin) which helps boost your gut health.
• Thyroid Gland – The artichoke leaves contain powerful alkaloid compounds, and the artichoke hearts contain nutrients to support and repair your thyroid gland, specifically phytochemicals that communicate with your thyroid’s frequency delivery system. These phytochemicals compounds are subgroups of isothiocyanates (naturally occurring small molecules formed from glucosinolate precursors of cruciferous vegetables) that work specifically with enzymes and amino acids in our bodies to enter into and support our immune systems and thyroids.
• May Help Prevent Cancer – The compounds in artichokes, specifically rutin, quercetin, and gallic acid, have been shown in studies to reduce cancerous cells’ growth and prevent cancerous tumors from proliferating.
• Fights Cardiovascular Disease – Research shows that the lipidic- and glycemic-reducing action of artichokes also can help prevent coronary heart disease and metabolic disorders.
• Detoxes the Liver and Digestive System – Artichokes help improve gut flora, reduce symptoms related to digestive disease, and boost immunity.
• Excellent Source of Fiber – Fiber keeps the digestive system running smoothly and relieves conditions like constipation and diarrhea. It has a vital role in helping the body detox itself of waste, extra cholesterol, sugar, and toxins.
• Helps Control Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome – Artichokes can assist in normalizing blood sugar levels, thus helping to avoid spikes and dips in insulin that can lead to severe problems for people with diabetes.

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How to Buy, Clean, and Prepare an Artichoke 

Selecting The Perfect Artichoke

When buying artichokes, look for globe artichokes — sometimes called French artichokes — typically around the size of a softball with vibrant green color. The leaves should have a closed top and tight, dense layers and the entire artichoke should be firm and feel heavy for its size for optimal nutrients.

Trim + Clean

Trimming your Artichoke –

First, prepare your artichoke by cutting the top off by 1/2 of an inch and the bottom stem if present. Then, with a pair of kitchen shears, horizontally snip off the tips of the artichoke leaves (bracts) so that they are not “spikey” around 1/2 inch.

How to clean your Artichoke –

Using warm water, clean the inside of your artichoke by pulling the leaves apart. Then, lightly brush the exterior of the vegetable with a vegetable brush. 

Garlic Cashew Aioli Recipe

Directions –

Utilizing a large cooking pot with or without a steamer basket, place the artichokes, bottom side, down in two inches of water. Cut two lemons in half, then squeeze in the fresh juice. You can also place the lemons inside of the pot. Over high heat, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover for 30- 40 minutes until artichokes are tender. Artichokes are ready when the leaves pull off easily and are tender. Then remove promptly and serve with your Garlic Cashew Aioli.

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Ingredients –

• 2 cups organic cashews, raw.
• 1/4 cup organic olive oil
• 2 tablespoons organic lemon juice
• 3 organic garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 – 1 cup of water
• 1/4 tsp. – organic horseradish – grated (Note: horseradish is gluten free)
• salt + pepper to taste
• fresh chopped cilantro for garnish

Directions

First, place your cashews in a bowl of hot water to soak for at least 5 minutes. Soaking cashews beforehand will help release an inhibiting enzyme that may block the absorption of vitamins and minerals.

Combine all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth and creamy, around 1 minute. For a thinner consistency, add in a little more water till your desired consistency has been achieved. Your Cashew Aioli should have a nice creamy texture when finished.

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Health Benefits Of Horseradish

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a spicy root vegetable in the Brassicaceae family (the mustard family). Horseradish has a long history in ethnomedicine and has been in practice medicinally worldwide for centuries. This spicy root vegetable contains a chemical compound called sinigrin. Sinigrin has been shown to help reduce inflammation by blocking or altering the portions of the immune system that cause inflammation. These same studies suggest that sinigrin could help relieve symptoms of atherosclerosis.

• Anti-Cancer Properties.
• Boosts Circulation And Clears Mucus.
• Helps With Digestion.
• Speeds Up Metabolism.
• Supports Immunity.
• Naturally Antibacterial.
• Weight Loss Aid.