This funny looking vegetable is packed with amazing health benefits. Firstly they help to keep blood supply flowing freely to the heart. Secondly, one medium sized artichoke provides 15% of daily folate requirement. Folate or vitamin B helps control blood levels of homocysteine that triggers a heart attack. Thirdly, it is packed with cynarin that lowers cholesterol production. Cynarin benefits the skin too. It helps protect collagen, the connective tissue for holding the cells together against skin damage. For digestive difficulties, artichoke stimulates production of bile that is an emulsifier in aiding fat digestion.