Artichokes are an excellent source of dietary fiber, magnesium and the trace mineral chromium; a very good source of vitamin C, folic acid, biotin, and the trace minteral manganese; and a good source of niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin A, and potassium.  The artichoke is 60 calories, fat-free, 4.2 grams protein, no cholesterol, 11.2 grams of carbohydrate with 5.4 grams of fiber.  The carbohydrate in an artichoke is in the form of  inulin, a polysaccharide or starch that improves blood sugar control in diabetes.  The artichoke also has a history of treating liver diseases and has demonstrated liver-protecting and -regenrating effects.  The choleretic effect of artichokes promotes the flow of bile and fat to and from the liver.  Cooking time of an artichoke is 20-40 minutes, the artichoke can be steamed or boiled, then cooked in the oven if you wish.