Two ingredients you’ll find in our Regulat formula – amongst 20 other whole ingredients of fruits, vegetables, and nuts – include artichokes and figs. Artichokes and figs are both recognized for their superfood nutritional qualities.
Ancient Artichokes
While artichokes in their whole form present a bit of a challenge to work with, they are worth the effort! Most often people choose to consume the heart of the artichoke, however the leaves actually have the most nutritional value.
The globe artichoke is part of the thistle plant, and it is one of the oldest vegetables known to mankind. It’s believed the artichokes originated from the Mediterranean region, although now California supplies nearly 100% of the U.S. artichoke supply.
Artichokes are packed with phytonutrients (i.e. a substance found in certain plants which is believed to be beneficial to human health and help prevent various diseases) such as quercetin, rutin, gallic acid, and cynarin, all working to protect against many health risks including cancer, heart disease, liver dysfunction, high cholesterol, and diabetes*. They are also packed with antioxidants; in 2004 they were identified as a top contender in a vastly comprehensive study on antioxidant value in commonly consumed foods (conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture).
Delicious Figs
Figs are seasonal fruits originating from parts of Asia, however they are available year-round in dried form. They have a unique texture containing a soft, juicy center that is packed with seeds. They are a delicious fruit packed with minerals, vitamins and fiber, figs grow on small trees and are members of the mulberry family. Figs contain nutrients such as including vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, calcium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, sodium, potassium, and chlorine.
Their high amount of fiber (5g of fiber for every three figs consumed!) aids in weight loss as it contributes to improved bowel movements and promotes longer lasting feeling of fullness. Figs also contain a high amount of calcium, which aids in bone density.
*http://www.oceanmist.com/health/antioxidant.aspx
**http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2004-06/aas-lus061504.php