Chives are the smallest member of the onion family. Chives are native to Europe, North America, and parts of Asia but can now be found across the globe.
Nutrition Facts of Chives
Despite being consumed in modest quantities, fresh chives are an excellent source of nutrients. When it comes to nutrition, fresh chives are a potent bunch. Even one tablespoon of this vitamin K-rich, C-rich, and vitamin A-rich powder may help you achieve your daily nutrient requirements by boosting your intake of these vitamins.
One tablespoon of raw chives contains approximately:
- 1 calorie
- 0.1 grams carbohydrates
- 0.1 grams protein
- 0.1 grams fiber
- 6.4 micrograms of vitamin K
- 1.7 milligrams of vitamin C
- 131 international units of vitamin A
- 3.2 micrograms of folate
- 0.1 milligrams of manganese
Health Benefits of Chives
A type of onion, chives, has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries. The following are some of the potential health benefits of chives:
Chives Are Healthy for Your Heart
Chives contain allicin which recent research has found to help reduce harmful cholesterol levels. Allicin has also been found to improve heart health. Studies find that allicin may lower blood pressure when combined with the vasodilatory effects of the potassium in the chives. Chives include the antioxidant quercetin, linked to lower cholesterol levels as artery plaque. It helps prevent atherosclerosis and reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Chives Are Good for Pregnant Mothers
Chives contain the essential nutrient folic acid. Folic acid is critical for pregnant mothers and women who wish to get pregnant. Folic acid helps to prevent neural tube defects in newborn infants. Chives are a great source of folic acid and should be a part of the diet.
Chives Help the Body to Detoxify
Research has found that the chive has a mild diuretic property. Nutritionists have found that this diuretic property, along with the other benefits found in chives, this onion can help detoxify the body. Chives can help stimulate the body to urinate and rid the body of excess toxins, salts, and water. Detoxifying can help the organs run smoothly and help clear out substances that are not good for the body.
Chives May Contain Cancer-Fighting Compounds
Like other veggies in the same family, chives are thought to have potent cancer-fighting effects. Regular ingestion of allium vegetables has been linked to a decreased risk of some malignancies in certain studies. Chive seeds may possess anti-cancer properties due to their organosulfur components.
Chives May Help Reduce Inflammation
It is natural for inflammation to occur during an immune response, but if you allow it to persist long-term, it can be extremely harmful to your health. According to some studies, inflammation may cause disease and contribute to developing autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. Chives are high in anti-inflammatory antioxidants and other chemicals to help reduce inflammation.
Chives May Aid in Disease Prevention
Citrus fruits are rich in water-soluble antioxidants like vitamin C. Vitamin C has been found in studies to protect the immune system, fight infections, and have therapeutic effects against many illnesses and diseases. Chives, on their own, don’t provide enough vitamin C. However, because chives are high in lysine and improve the absorption of nutrients from other food sources, you can combine them with fruits and vegetables to increase your intake.
Chives are a Good Source of Choline
Chives are high in choline, an essential nutrient many of us lack. Choline is involved in synthesizing neurotransmitters, cell structure, metabolism, and more.Β
There is also evidence that it contributes to liver health, cognitive function, and fetal development. Other excellent sources of choline include wild-caught salmon, quinoa, chicken, cauliflower, and wheat germ.
Chives Have Antimicrobial Properties
Chives have significant antibacterial effects. It has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. As a result, chives can help us avoid viral sicknesses and disease-causing organisms during the winter. Chives are an excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral agent. Chives have the best antibacterial activity against food-borne illnesses of any spice tested in a study. Chives can be used to make herbal infusions that effectively treat yeast and viral infections.
Chives May Promote Hair Growth
Chives extract a natural remedy for promoting hair development. Its antifungal properties can cure scalp infections, which aid in forming new hair follicles. Chives also promote more blood flow to our scalp. A stronger blood flow leads to healthier hair growth. Chive extract is used as a hair pack to nourish and strengthen the scalp.
Chives May Boost Skin Health
Chives are high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that improves skin radiance and health. It can also aid in treating acne since vitamin C has anti-age antioxidant qualities. It may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, some of the most visible signs of aging.
Chives Are Good for Your Bones
Chives are high in vitamin K. Vitamin K is required to maintain bone mineral density and structure. Vitamin K in chives is essential for the production of osteocalcin, a critical structural component in maintaining mineral density. Mineral density decreases as we age, posing the risk of osteoporosis and aggravating inflammatory disorders such as arthritis.
Chives Are Good for the Health of Your Gut
Chives are a source of allyl sulfides similar to what is found in garlic. The allyl sulfides and the other organic compounds are known to help ease and rid digestive discomfort. Studies have found that chives have a natural antibacterial quality that may eliminate various types of bacteria, especially those in the salmonella family. Studies are being conducted, and promising results have shown that chives may increase the nutrient uptake efficiency of your gut.
Chives are Easy to Add to Your Diet
Chives are best when used fresh. They can be chopped and added to salads, soups, potato dishes, omelets, and more. They can also be used as a garnish. Chives are a versatile herb that can be used in many different dishes. Chives are a great option if you’re looking for a way to add more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your diet.
References:
- Allium vegetables and organosulfur compounds: do they help prevent cancer? – PMC (nih.gov)
- Anti-inflammatory effects of Allium schoenoprasum L. leaves – PubMed (nih.gov)
- The inflammation theory of disease – PMC (nih.gov)
- Therapeutic Role of Functional Components in Alliums for Preventive Chronic Disease in Human Being – PMC (nih.gov)
- Vitamin C in Disease Prevention and Cure: An Overview – PMC (nih.gov)
- Choline: An Essential Nutrient for Public Health – PMC (nih.gov)
- Allicin induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of breast cancer cells in vitro via modulating the p53 pathway – PubMed (nih.gov)
- Allium vegetables and risk of prostate cancer: a population-based study – PubMed (nih.gov)
