7 Surprising Chives Benefits For Health You May Not Know
While most people only think of chives as a garnish on baked potatoes, egg dishes, and salads, this versatile vegetable has many other potential benefits and uses. The primary healthy chives benefits include their ability to promote heart and bone health, regulate digestion, improve eyesight, prevent birth defects, and strengthen the immune system.
What are chives?
Chives are the smallest members of the onion genus Allium. This small vegetable, with the full scientific classification Allium schoenoprasum, has a wide range of uses and benefits for human health. This herb (as it is commonly used) is native to Europe, North America, and parts of Asia but has now spread throughout the world, having become a very popular addition to many dishes.
Chives are bulbous plants, but the stems are long and hollow. The edible part of the plant is the stem. These hollow stems are commonly sliced and added to fish, soups, sauces, salads, Mexican and potato dishes, and a variety of other dishes. The unopened flower buds can also be crushed into a useful spice, but it is more commonly found in the form of freshly chopped stems.
The taste is not very similar to that of plants in the Allium genus, and it is generally considered to have a subtle, mild, and pleasant taste in culinary applications. As for its medicinal use, it has been used since the Roman Empire but is probably much older than that. It has similar medicinal properties to garlic; although it is less potent than garlic, its greater palatability allows for a wider range of uses in foods, and its benefits may be more readily available than those of other members of the Allium genus.
Nutritional value
Although usually eaten in small amounts, fresh chives are packed with nutrients. Combined with a variety of other healthy foods, just one tablespoon can help boost your vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A intake to help meet your daily nutritional needs.
One tablespoon (about 3 grams) of raw chives contains approximately:
- 1 calories
- 0.1 grams of carbohydrates
- 0.1 grams of protein
- 131 international units of vitamin A
- 3.2 micrograms of folate
- 0.1 grams of dietary fiber
- 6.4 micrograms of vitamin K
- 1.7 milligrams of vitamin C
- 0.1 milligrams of manganese
The flavor is not very similar to members of the Allium genus and is generally considered to have a mild, pleasant, delicate flavor in culinary applications. In terms of medicinal use, they have been used since the time of the Roman Empire, but they were probably used much earlier. They have medicinal properties similar to garlic, although not as strong. Their more flavorful nature makes them more versatile in dishes, so their benefits may be more accessible than those of other members of the Allium genus.
Where to find chives?
Chives are widely available in most supermarkets and health food stores, usually in the produce section.
Be sure not to confuse them with green onions or scallions. Although green onions are often used interchangeably with chives, there are some notable differences between green onions and chives. Most notably, green onions have a stronger flavor with a slightly peppery taste, while chives are a little milder.
Dried chives can also be used as a convenient alternative to fresh chives that you may keep in your pantry. They are often found in the spice section, often alongside other herbs and spices, such as basil, thyme, and oregano.
While both forms can be beneficial, some nutrients may be lost during the drying process. Therefore, it is best to choose fresh chives whenever possible to maximize the potential health benefits. Look for fresh chives that are bright and green and avoid chives that are bright and green, soft, dry, or wilted.
Healthy chives benefits
Special chives benefits include:
1. Helps treat digestive problems
The allyl sulfides and other unique organic compounds found in chives provide similar benefits to the body as garlic, effectively relieving digestive problems. In addition, they have natural antibacterial properties that can eliminate various bacteria. Especially Salmonella bacteria that can wreak havoc on the gastrointestinal system. Specifically, they increase the efficiency of nutrient absorption in the intestines. Ensuring that you absorb as many nutrients as possible from your food.
2. Can improve bone health
Chives contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, but one of the most important is certainly vitamin K, an essential nutrient that is not found in many common foods. Vitamin K is very important for maintaining bone density and bone integrity. As we age, bone mineral density decreases, which can lead to symptoms such as osteoporosis and worsening inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. The high levels of vitamin K in this herb may contribute to the production of osteocalcin, which plays a key role in maintaining bone mineral density.
3. Can improve heart health
One of the important organic compounds found in chives is allicin. It has recently been linked to lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in the body and improving heart health. Allicin also acts to lower blood pressure. Combined with the vasodilatory effects of potassium, this herb may have a significant impact on reducing cardiovascular stress. In addition, another organic compound, quercetin, is directly linked to lowering cholesterol levels and plaque formation in arteries. It is involved in preventing atherosclerosis.
4. It can boost the immune system
Although the organic compounds found in chives attract attention, the traditional nutrients are also important. The abundant vitamin C found in this herb stimulates the production of white blood cells and collagen, an essential component for the formation of new blood vessels, cells, tissues, and muscles, helping to increase the effectiveness of the immune system.
5. It can prevent birth defects
Another important nutrient found in chives, folic acid, is important for pregnant mothers who want to ensure the healthy development of their children. Folic acid prevents neural tube defects This herb is a rich source of folic acid for conscientious mothers.
6. It can improve vision
The carotenes are found in chives, namely lutein and zeaxanthin. They are directly involved in reducing oxidative stress in the visual system and delaying the appearance of cataracts in the eyes. It also helps slow or prevent macular degeneration, helping keep your eyes healthy into old age.
7. May detoxify the body
Chives have a mild diuretic effect when combined with other potential free radical scavenging and antibacterial properties, making them a great way to detoxify the body. By encouraging urination, chives help flush excess toxins, salt, water, and even fat from the body. Allowing organ systems to function smoothly and eliminating dangerous substances that could harm us.
Risks and side effects of chives
Warning: Chives are not generally considered to be allergenic, and there have been few reports of negative reactions. However, consuming too many chives, which contain high concentrations of potent organic compounds, may cause stomach upset. If you have an allergy to onions or other allium species, consult your doctor before adding chives to your regular diet.
As with any product, it is important to follow proper food safety practices when handling chives. Always choose chives that are uniform in color to ensure freshness.
How can you tell if a chive is bad?
- Avoid soft, wilted, or unevenly colored, dull chives.
- Also, be sure to wash them well before adding them to your dishes.