health benefits of leeks - Leeks( Allium porrum) are a vegetable that belongs to the same botanical category as chives, garlic, onions, scallions and shallots, in the genus Allium. However, unlike its fellow members, leeks do not form bulb. The edible the members of the leek plant is the white onion base and light-headed dark-green stubble( or stem ), while the dark dark-green leaf sheaths are usually discarded.
Leeks are believed to be originated in the Mediterranean and Middle East. They have been flourished and used for prepare for more than 3,000 years in Asia and Europe regions.
Just like onions, leeks can be served either cooked or raw, but make sure to simply use the whitest the members of the plant. Leeks have a mild onion-like flavor that works well in soups and a variety of other recipes. Apart from that, Leeks also have several health benefits that are similar to those of garlic and onion.
Nutritional Content of Leeks
100 grams of leeks contain about 83 g of ocean, 1g of protein, and 2g of dietary fiber. Leeks are a good generator of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium and Manganese.
Health Benefits of Leeks
1 Anti-cancer properties
Leeks are a good generator of allyl sulfides which have been shown to reduce the risk of developing particular cancers, peculiarly stomach, prostate, and colon cancer.
2 Protect against heart disease
Several examines have shown that members of the Allium family, including Leeks, have a slight blood pressure lowering aftermath and may help prevent heart disease like arteriosclerosis, blow and cardiac failure.
3 Fight infections
Leeks also act as an antiseptic worker, which help the body fight against illnes. You may apply leek extract on a wind to frustrate the infection.
4 Improve digestive health
Leek is one of the few menus that contain prebiotics, a type of good bacteria, which is necessary for a better nutrient absorption. It eradicates poisonous waste matter in the body, energizes peristaltic war and exudes digestive liquids, thereby improving digestive function.
5 Maintain healthy cholesterol levels
A regular intake of leeks has been associated with the decrease in bad( LDL) cholesterol and create in the level of good( HDL) cholesterol.
6 Good for pregnant women
Leek is very essential for pregnant women as they contain great extent of folate. The folate uptake during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
7 Strengthen bones
Leeks are a rich generator of calcium and magnesium. The calcium together with magnesium is essential for bone health, is contributing to alter vitamin D into its active pattern in the body and thus strengthen the bones.
8 Prevent Anemia
Due to its iron material, leeks are also welcome to help in preventing various types of anemia, peculiarly iron-deficiency anemia. It is also rich in Vitamin C, which can help in better absorption of iron in the body.
Leeks are available all time long, and heyday in the precipitate and winter. When buying leeks, look for those with fresh, luminous dark-green foliages, and avoid any with defects, shrivelling or yellowing foliages. Choose smaller leeks as they tend to be more tender.
