Chives are small, bulbous plants, the smallest members of the onion family. This little vegetable has a wide range of uses and benefits. Chives are a common garnish that adds flavor and a pop of color to soups, nachos, and other tasty dishes. Beyond sprucing up dishes, there are many health benefits of chives.
Improve Heart Health
Chives help prevent calcification of arteries. By consuming the allicin in the herb, the body can reduce bad cholesterol levels. Allicin helps optimize the flow of blood from the heart to other organs in the body. Chives also contain potassium, which aids in preventing problems such as heart failure, heart attacks, and high blood pressure.
Promote Healthy Skin
Chives also contain beta-carotene, which helps ensure skin is spotless and smooth. Beta-carotene also aids in clearing up acne. Furthermore, chives are rich in vitamins C and E, antioxidants that shield against sun damage. Vitamin C also improves the elasticity of the skin, which enhances the blood supply.
Foster Healthy Hair
Chive juice has numerous benefits that encourage healthy hair, including enhancing hair growth and preventing the unnecessary loss of hair. Antioxidants, vitamin C, germanium, and flavonoids help improve blood circulation to the scalp, which not only boosts hair growth but also increases thickness.
Improve Vision
Incorporating chives into your diet can improve your eyesight. Along with vitamins C and E, chives contain vitamin A, which enhances clear and sharp vision. The amount of vitamin A in chives is astronomical compared to other vegetables. The green stalks contain antioxidants that aid in proper vision and preserve the health of the optic nerve.
Contain Detoxifying Agents
Chives aid in the body’s detoxification process thanks to diuretic and antioxidant properties that help purge harmful substances. The herb also helps the liver with detoxification while resetting any elevated enzymes. The removal of removing toxic materials from the body improves performance and efficiency of organ systems.
Help Prevent Cancer
Chives contain very high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Through their anti-carcinogenic phytochemicals, chives are capable of preventing cancer. These protective compounds work to inhibit the growth of cancers throughout the body. The same compounds are helpful in treating diseases such as stomach, esophageal, and prostate cancers.
Stimulate Healthy Bones
While chives themselves are not rich in calcium, they do contain compounds that help the blood and bones retain the calcium gleaned from other sources; this ensures bone integrity. Chives also support the production of osteocalcin, a cofactor in maintaining mineral density and keeping bones structurally resilient. Incorporating chives into your diet can encourage healthy bones and prevent osteoporosis.
Aid With Digestion
Digestion is an essential process, and the body uses the resulting products for growth, energy, and cell repair. Chives contain iron, calcium, niacin, and potassium, all of which aid in proper digestion. Potassium is the key to efficient absorption, employing actions that improve the metabolism of macronutrients. In turn, the metabolism of macronutrients guarantees adequate utilization of nutrients.
Increase Sleep Quality
Along with digestion, chives can improve sleep quality thanks to specific vitamins and phytochemicals such as choline and folate, which help break down homocysteine into the amino acid cysteine. This amino acid plays a vital role in sleep and mood regulation. If you’re having difficulty sleeping, try adding some chives to your salad or baked potato.
Boost Immune System
Vegetables are among the best sources of vitamins and antioxidants. These compounds support the immune system, which protects the body from diseases. When it comes to chives, vitamin A and C stimulate the production of antibodies, an increase in which makes the body more efficient in eliminating illnesses as they occur.