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Most of us have used chives to flavor various dishes or as a tasty addition to a bowl of salad greens, but we rarely think about the health benefits they offer. Though we may not add chives for any reason other than taste, the good news is that they are packed with health benefits. Of course, the fact that they have zero calories is an added bonus.
Many cultures use chives in several home remedies to treat a variety of ailments. Their most common use is to relieve the symptoms of colds and flu.
Some of the medicinal benefits of chives are similar to that of garlic. The big difference between the two is that chives don’t have the same strong taste and smell as garlic.
Chives Contain Multiple Vitamins and Minerals
From vitamins A and C to iron, calcium, potassium, riboflavin, and thiamin, nutrients abound in the slender green leaves of the chive plant.
Vitamin K for Bone Health
Another of the vitamins found in chives is Vitamin K – a valuable resource for bone health. Vitamin K helps produce osteocalcin, a protein that helps to maintain bone density.
There is increasing awareness that in the absence of essential trace elements such as vitamin K, the macro minerals calcium and magnesium do not perform their bone-building functions properly.
Chives for Heart Health – Reduces Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Chives give garlic a run for their money when it comes to reducing blood pressure and also contain valuable antioxidants which fight the free radicals which can trigger the onset of cancer.
Allicin, an ingredient found in chives, has been shown to help lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol. When Allicin combines with potassium (also found in chives), they work together to produce a formidable impact on reducing the chance of a heart attack and other circulatory problems.
Quercetin is another beneficial element in chives which helps lower the risk of plaque accumulation in arteries and lowering cholesterol levels. This prevents the onset of atherosclerosis and greatly reduces the chance of a stroke or a heart attack.
Assists in the Production of New Cells and Boosts Immunity
One of the main benefits of adding chives to your diet plan is the boost it provides the immune system. Chives stimulate white blood cell production and also help in the production of collagen, which is necessary to create new cells, tissues, muscles and blood vessels.
Aids Digestion
Research on the health benefits of chives has shown its efficiency in calming an upset stomach, aiding in digestion and helping prevent iron deficiency disorders such as anemia.
How to Enjoy the Taste & Health Benefits of Chives
Chives have a relatively mild taste compared to other herbs in the same family, and that’s what makes it a great addition to many dishes. When added to a dish it influences the texture and flavor of the dish just a little bit so that the original flavor is not lost completely.
Although chives are bulbous plants, the stems are the most commonly eaten portion of the plant, although many people eat the whole plant. The long, green stems are hollow and can be easily sliced and added to many dishes, for both health and taste.
Chives are most commonly used today as a flavorful addition to baked potatoes, but you can also try sprinkling cut chives on seafood and soups to add zest and flavor.
Use the X-Chef 5 Blade Herb Scissors to cut chives right over your dish. It cuts the chive stalks evenly and without any fuss or mess. No need to use a cutting board and transfer the chopped chives. Read my Review of the X-Chef Multipurpose 5 Blade Herb Scissors or click the link below to buy directly from Amazon.
Chives are a powerhouse of nutrients and easy to grow in containers or herb gardens. Harvesting is a simple snip with scissors and preparation is minimal.
You get 400 Non-GMO Chive Seeds in this pack – enough to start growing chives in your own garden. When you grow your own herbs, you can pluck only as much as you need at a time, which gives you the maximum health benefits of that particular herbs.
Need a few chive stalks to garnish your salad bowl? Get a few stalks from your garden and snip them directly over your dish using your X-Check Herb Scissors.
Want to sprinkle a few chopped chives to add crunch to a clear soup? There’s nothing crunchier than freshly plucked chive stems cut directly over the soup.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.
