Health & Beauty. delivery number 37: THE CHIVE.

Thank you for visiting my blog and Continuing with the series of properties and benefits of fruits and vegetables, today I bring you information about:

The chive belongs to the same family as garlic and onion, so it belongs to the liliaceae family and is an aromatic plant widely used in cooking that has different therapeutic properties backed by science. Next, I will show you some of the properties that I could investigate about this plant.

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Protect the view:

According to studies, quercetin contained in chives can help patients with macular degeneration to preserve eyesight. In addition, lutein and zeaxanthin reduce oxidative stress in the eyes and slow the progress of the cataract.

Antimicrobial properties:

It has good antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiviral properties. So you can help us prevent some viruses. It also has antiseptic and bactericidal properties, therefore this plant's poultice of wounds can also be used.

Antiscorbutic:

Scurvy, is the deficiency of vitamin C in the body, which is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, the chives, can avoid this condition.

Benefits for the heart:

Thanks to its cardiotonic and blood circulation stimulating properties, it can bring benefits to the heart. The quercetin contained in the leaves has antioxidant properties and as I mentioned in other deliveries, this is beneficial in case of high blood pressure.

The allicin present in the spice is a sulfur compound that reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Allicin releases a vasodilator compound that increases the elasticity of blood vessel walls and, consequently, lowers blood pressure. According to studies, allicin not only reduces LDL cholesterol levels, but also increases good cholesterol

Against Free Radicals:

It is abundant in vitamin C and vitamin E, two powerful antioxidants, capable of counteracting the activity of free radicals and thus preventing oxidation of cell membranes. This characteristic makes chives an herb recommended for the prevention of various heart diseases and degenerative diseases.

Antitumor:

It contains a large amount of vitamin A, phenolic flavonoid antioxidants such as carotenes, lutein and zeaxanthin that can protect the lungs and mouth, from tumors. This plant would help the body produce glutathione, a compound that allows the body to identify the substances that cause tumors and eliminate them. According to studies, plants belonging to the liliaceous family can help prevent prostate, stomach and esophageal cancer.

Protect bones and brain:

Chives is also a good source of vitamin K. which plays an important role in bone formation and strengthening. In addition, adequate levels of vitamin K in the body limit damage to the brain.

Pregnant women:

It is a good source of folic acid that is essential for DNA synthesis. In addition, adequate levels of folic acid in pregnant women are useful for preventing neural tube defects in newborns.

Digestive properties:

It is an excellent source of dietary fiber, its presence in the diet promotes the health of the intestines, facilitates digestion and helps prevent hemorrhoids and constipation. It can be used to stimulate appetite.

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Skin care:

Thanks to its high antioxidant content, it is a great ally of our skin keeping it protected from the degenerative effect of free radicals.

With the leaves it is possible to prepare poultices to cure pimples, burns and insect bites.

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In addition to the leaves, it is also possible to use their flowers as food. The leaves should be cut at the base, when fully developed, in this way, they will grow back quickly.

It is always advisable to eat fresh leaves, however, they can be kept perfectly in the fridge for up to about 2 weeks.

The flowers, although they have less aromatic properties than the leaves, can be used in salads to flavor and decorate them at the same time.

Its flavor is very delicate and tends to fade very quickly. For this reason, it should be used fresh and preferably cut at the time.

Unlike garlic and onions, the underground bulb of this plant has an unpleasant spore, so it is not very popular for use in the kitchen.

Chives can be used to create all those recipes that require the use of raw onion. It has a more delicate but tasty flavor. It can also be prepared in decoction, a good tea to enjoy all the benefits mentioned above.

I hope you like this initiative ... you can make suggestions and propose fruits and vegetables for the next delivery.

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