Cardoon is a good source of vitamins, although not as well known as other leafy greens. It contains impressive amounts of essential vitamins like vitamin C and K, as well as trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps in the formation of collagen and aids in immunity, while vitamin K helps support healthy bones. Calcium and magnesium provide nutrition to your cells, tissues, and organs, and are important for skeletal and muscular health. Iron helps improve oxygen transport throughout your body and is necessary to create red blood cells. Cardoon also supplies dietary fiber, which can help keep digestion regular and provide energy. All together this makes cardoon an excellent source of vitamins and minerals for overall health.
Introduction
Cardoon, Cynara cardunculus, is an herbaceous member of the Asteraceae family native to Mediterranean regions. Cardoon has long been used by people from many different cultures as a food and medicine. Beyond being rich in vitamins and minerals, it was found to contain phytochemicals that may contribute to its beneficial effects on human health. This paper will explore the range of vitamins present within the plant parts of Cardoon and their potential application to humans when consumed.
Vitamins Present in Cardoon
Cardoon contains a wide array of vitamins that could benefit those who consume it. These include water-soluble substances such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, pantothenic acid, biotin and various other compounds, which are known collectively as 'vitamin B complex'. Vitamin A can also be found in the form of beta-carotene.
Thiamin (or Vitamin B1) is essential for turning carbohydrates into energy, maintaining nerve health and keeping muscle cells functioning properly. As a water-soluble vitamin, daily dietary intake of thiamin is necessary in order for it to remain at balanced levels in the body. Taking too much or not taking enough of this important nutrient is associated with increased risk of fatique, mild weight loss, heart disease and more serious illnesses likeberiberi. Thiamin levels have reportedly been found ranging from 0.006 - 0.13 g/100g fresh matter in Cardoon depending on the variety of the plant.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) plays an integral role in energy metabolism. Without adequate amounts circulating throughout the body, suppressed vitamin B2 levels may lead to problems such as fatigue, weakened immune system, skin irritation and dizziness. Found in smaller amounts than thiamin, most varieties of Cardoon were reported to contain anywhere between 0.125 - 0.36 g/kg dry weight.
Niacin (Vitamin B3) facilitates greater blood flow, generates energy, aids in healthy digestion and encourages serotonin production; a neurotransmitter linked to happier moods. Like most vitamins, niacin must also be taken regularly through food sources as it cannot be stored in large quantities within the body. Niacin content has ranged from 0.17 - 1.48 mg/100g fresh weight across multiple studies.
Vitamin B6 acts as a coenzyme for several metabolic functions including protein synthesis, glycogen breakdown and amino acid metabolism. Research suggests that Vitamin B6 offers protection against joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, dementia and even depression. Fresh Canadian Cardoons grown without fertilizers contained 0.26mg/100g fresh weight on average, though values differed significantly according to growing location and harvesting techniques used.
Folate, an umbrella term referring to what we normally refer to a ‘folic acid’ is remarkable because it helps produce red and white blood cells, preserve mental health, support pregnant women and improves overall heart condition. With respect to Cardoon, Italian research established the presence of 17.31 ?g/ml in the shoots and 6.76 ?g/ml in the leaves. In France, concentrations of 15–20 ?g/10g FW were observed in aerial plant parts after boiling.
Vitamin C, arguably the most popularly known nutrient, performs multiple tasks. It contributes to strong bones and teeth, boosts the immune system and enhances absorption of iron from food. It is required in higher doses than any other liquid soluble substance due to how quickly it departs from the bloodstream. Analyzing Cardoon samples collected during August 2014 in Portugal revealed that mature leaves contained up to 64.12?g/mL while young samples commissioned later yielded only 14.36 ?g/mL. The aerial parts included in the study showed 4.35 – 18.81 ?g/mL.
Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) participates in fatty acid synthesis, supports adrenal gland function, prevents stress and calms anxiety. Pantothenic acid studies conducted in Brazil indicated that green leafy veins may possess 30.11 ?g/gfw concentration, stems displayed 8.29 ?g/g fw with flowers at 3.28 ?g/gfw, roots exhibited 6.30 ?g/gfw and seeds had 11.90 ?g/gfw respectively.
Biotin, aka Vitamin B7, assists in the utilization of cell growth, maintenance of nervous system and regulation of glucose. Most varieties from around the world contain only traces of Biotin (<0.01 to 0.008 mg/100 g F.W), however edible portions cultivated in Brazil recorded concentrations between 0.02 and 0.77mg per 100 grams of dry weight.
Beta Caroetenoids as Vitamine A
Finally, Beta carotene is another significant source of vitamin A: a preformed pigment that spurs formation of visual purple - aiding eyesight in low light conditions. Generally speaking, all parts of the Cardoon were measured to contain 2.207 mg/ kgFW on average - particularly high in the flowers, ranging from 5.598 to 8.493 mg / kgFW.
Conclusion
This study goes to show that Cardoon provides an abundant level of vitamins and minerals not available in regular diet making it a great choice to supplement our bodies with essential nutrients. Both old civilizations and modern science have come to recognize the extraordinary benefits of consuming Cardoon regularly; going hand in hand with proper exercise, nutrition and personal hygiene, along with using them as part of medical treatments. More recent data is persuading us to prefer organic forms of the plant wherever possible for betterment of nutritional value and quality. Ultimately, no one knows the full extent of its medicinal qualities yet but potential is promising!
Vitamin A | 0.006 mg | |
Vitamin C | 0.0017 grams | |
Vitamin B1 | 0.02 mg | |
Vitamin B2 | 0.03 mg | |
Vitamin B3 | 0.29 mg | |
Vitamin B5 | 0.1 mg | |
Vitamin B6 | 0.04 mg | |
Vitamin B9 | 0.022 mg |