Is chives healthy? – Overview of ingredients and health effects!
Fresh chives are one of the most popular herbs in Germany and are often used to refine and flavor different dishes. But it not only convinces with its mild taste, it also contains very large amounts of healthy minerals, vitamins and essential oils. When freshly used, it is very rich in vitamins A, C and K, folic acid and iron in a form that is quickly absorbed by our body. Whether chives are healthy and lots of storage and preparation tips can be found in our article!
Scientifically chives are called Allium schoenoprasum and belong to the same family as spring onions, shallots and garlic. According to many research and scientific studies, it can lower high blood pressure or cholesterol and even help treat various types of cancer. The healthy herb is available all year round in most supermarkets and grocery stores. There are two types of chives on the market – onion chives, which we all know, and Chinese chives, also known as garlic chives. The difference between the two varieties is mainly in the leaves. The common chives have tall leaves and the Chinese ones – rather flat and shorter.
Is chives healthy? – Overview of ingredients
Fresh chives are mostly used to refine dishes, including salads, baked potatoes, Russian eggs, herb butter, etc. But even if you only consume the herb in small quantities, you can still benefit from its positive health effects by regular consumption . Already 1 tbsp of fresh, chopped chives provides our body with the following nutrients:
- Energy: 0.9 calories
- Dietary fiber: 0.6 grams
- Vitamin K: 6.38 micrograms or 6% of the recommended daily amount
- Vitamin C: 1.76 milligrams or 4.7% of the recommended daily amount
- Vitamin A: 6.45 µg or 2% of the daily dose
- Folic acid: 3.15 µg
- Calcium: 13 milligrams
- Potassium: 43.4 milligrams
- Iron: 0.5 milligrams
What are the benefits of the herb for our health?
- Fresh chives not only contain a variety of vitamins, but also flavonoid antioxidants that improve heart health, have an anti-inflammatory effect and help fight cancer. In addition, the ingredients it contains, such as sulfur, have a cleaning effect and stimulate cell metabolism.
- In folk medicine and natural medicine, the herb has been used for years to treat worms and parasites in the body.
- Against high blood pressure – A study conducted by Punjaby University in India found that fresh chives are healthy and have a diuretic, expectorant and blood purifying effect. Regular intake can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Chives are an excellent vegetable source for Vitamin K.. Vitamin K is an essential, vital vitamin that is involved in many processes in the body. It is particularly important for bone health and blood clotting.
- The herb is rich in folic acid – Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin that is involved in a number of important growth and metabolism processes in the body. Folic acid plays a big role in diseases like dementia, cardiovascular diseases and depression. Since the body cannot produce the vitamin itself, we have to make sure that it is supplied regularly and adequately through food.
- Chives healthy for digestion – Just like garlic, fresh chives contain many essential nutrients and fiber, including zinc, phosphorus, pantothenic acid and thiamine. These help to relieve stomach ailments such as bloating and stomach cramps and stimulate digestion.
- Against cancer – Various scientific studies have shown that regular consumption of chives and other allium vegetables containing allicin can help prevent prostate and stomach cancer. Fresh chives also stimulate the production of glutathione in the body – a means by which the body can identify and successfully eliminate carcinogenic substances.
- Improves eye health – Chives are very rich in the carotenoids lutein, quercetin and zeaxathine. According to some scientific studies, these cortionoids can reduce oxidative stress in the eyes, improve eyesight and prevent macular degeneration in advanced age.
Ensures radiant and healthy skin
Fresh chives not only help fight various ailments and diseases, but also ensure radiant and healthy skin. This property of the herb is mainly due to its high content of beta-carotene. A homemade facial mask can help treat acne, while the vitamin C it contains tightens the skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. And this is how it works: Mix 2 tablespoons of chopped, fresh chives with 1 tablespoon of honey, low-fat curd cheese and olive oil and apply the mask to your face. Leave on for 30 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Freeze chives and other tips for storage and preparation
Chives are a year-round plant and are therefore available in the supermarket all year round. When buying, you should pay particular attention to light green, evenly colored and full stems. The herb can also be found dried, but we would advise you against it. As a result of drying out, many of the nutrients and vitamins are lost.
- Wrapped in a paper towel and stored in the vegetable compartment, chives stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- If there is still too much left over, you can freeze all fresh herbs including chives. To do this, chop the cabbage and, for example, freeze it in ice cubes with a little water or portion it into a freezer bag or airtight container.
- A little cooking tip from us – chives are sensitive to high temperatures and therefore must not be cooked. So it is best if you use it to refine cooked dishes just before serving. Some of the most popular ways to enjoy chives are baked potatoes, salads, herb butter, or different egg dishes.
Are there any known side effects?
Although chives are healthy and very rich in vitamins and nutrients, excessive consumption can lead to stomach problems such as gas, gas or diarrhea. People who are allergic to onions or garlic should also avoid chives.
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