Health Benefits of Chives

If you think chives are only meant as a garnish on foods, then here is a dose of nutrition facts and health benefits of chives that can make you think different. Chives are used as toppings on food. They impart a distinct flavor and render a fresh greenness to the food. But the benefits of chives do not stop there. Listed here are some health benefits of chives that you must learn about.
1. Assist in weight loss
Extremely low in calories, chives make a wonderful diet food. 100g of fresh chives account for 30 calories but are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, calcium and minerals that are each responsible for the upkeep of multiple body parts.
2. Help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol
Just like garlic, chives contain allicin. Allicin is responsible for minimizing blood pressure and bringing down cholesterol production in the body. Further, they also have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties in them. Eliminating bacteria and fungi in the intestinal tract ensures that your digestive system functions well.
3. Prevent constipation
Chives are rich in dietary fiber and this means they aid digestion perfectly. Fiber builds roughage in the colon and intestines and therefore eliminates chances of constipation greatly.
4. Helps to prevent cancer
Chives are a natural source of flavonoids and sulfur that prevents certain kinds of cancers effectively. They fight against the free radicals and prevent their development. Therefore, cancers of the colon, breast, prostate, lung and stomach are prevented/treated with the consumption of chives.
5. Fight skin problems
Since chives have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties in them, they are exceptionally good for your skin and skin related infections. Use them in the place of lotions to treat scabs and open wounds. It kills the bacteria and fungus that can develop on these open bruises.
6. Promote healthy bones
There is an abundance of Vitamin K in chives. This vitamin is responsible for the health of your bones. Bone demineralization is considerably prevented with regular consumption of chives. Women especially derive a world of benefits since they are more vulnerable to osteoporosis than men. Increasing bone density is what fresh chives do best and periodic consumption is helpful for the same.

7. Prevent problems in pregnancy
Fresh chives are storehouses of folates. Folic acid plays an important role in cell division. This is one of the primary reasons why folic acid is suggested during pregnancy for all women. When adequate level of folic acid is consumed by a pregnant woman; neural tube defects in newborns are substantially prevented.
8. Are rich in nutrients
Chives are also filled with B-complex vitamins and significant minerals like copper, pyridoxine, iron, niacin, manganese, thiamin, calcium and riboflavin besides several others in good proportions. These nutrients support bodily functions.
9. Prevent blood clotting
Flavonoids in chives balance blood pressure and bring down hypertension. Chives are also rich in vitamin C which is responsible for enhancing elasticity of blood capillaries and promoting iron absorption in the body. Clotting of blood is also prevented with regular consumption of chives.
10. Help to prevent acne and breakouts
The presence of Beta-carotene in chives enables to clear up skin making it free of breakouts and acne. Periodic intake of chives promotes radiant skin.
11. Are an excellent home remedy for dry skin
If you have dry skin, fresh chives have an answer for you. Apply chives puree on your face and let it dry for 30 minutes before rinsing it off. When you do this regularly, you will find remarkable difference in the texture of your skin.
12. Promote healthy hair
Dullness of hair is also considerably improved by chives. The leaves help in strengthening hair follicles and increases flow of blood from scalp to roots. Chives are used in several hair treatment products since they are known to stop hair fall and promote new growth.
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