All about artichoke > Health and nutrition

The edible parts make up over 50% of the artichoke, which is rich in vitamins C, B, E and provitamin A, required to keep the body's systems in healthy balance. Artichokes are also of nutritional interest because of their high mineral and trace element content. They provide the body with necessary amounts of manganese, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc and calcium. Artichokes promote the body's elimination function because of their inulin content (a carbohydrate that gives the artichoke its slightly sweet taste.) Their potassium content also gives them an astringent property.