Chives Overview

Chives which scientic name is Allium schoenoprasum is a close relative of garlic, shallot, leek, scallion, and Chinese onion.Chives are bulbous plants, but their stems are long and hollow, which is the edible part of the plant. These hollow stems are commonly sliced and added fish, soups, sauces, salads, Mexican cuisine, potato dishes and a wide range of other meals. The unopened flower buds can also be ground into a useful spice, but the most commonly seen chives are freshly chopped stems.

Chives come in two types – onion chives (the common chives) and Chinese chives (also called garlic chives). While onion chives have hollow leaves, garlic chives have flat leaves.

Some of the most important health benefits of chives include their ability to boost heart health, improve the strength of bones, protect against a wide range of cancers, ease the digestive process, boost vision, protect against birth defects, and boost the immune system.

Nutrition Value of Chives

Amount Per 100 grams

• Calories 30
• Total Fat 0.7 g – 1% RDA
• Cholesterol 0 mg
• Sodium 3 mg
• Potassium 296 mg – 8% RDA
• Total Carbohydrate 4.4 g – 1% RDA
• Dietary fiber 2.5 g – 10% RDA
• Sugar 1.9 g
• Protein 3.3 g – 6% RDA
• Vitamin A 87% RDA
• Vitamin C 96% RDA
• Calcium 9% RDA
• Iron 8% RDA
• Vitamin B-6 5% RDA
• Magnesium 10% RDA

Nutrition Health Benefits of Chives

10 Nutrition Health Benefits of Chives

1. Aids in Digestion

Chives contain allyl sulfides and other unique organic compounds which can help ease digestive discomfort. Chives have natural antibacterial qualities that can eliminate a wide range of bacteria particularly those in the salmonella family.Chives can also increase the nutrient uptake efficiency of the gut, ensuring that you get as many of the nutrients from your food as possible.

Chives are a great combination of fiber and other essential nutrients like niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, zinc – all of which are known to ease the digestive process. This phytochemical combination can also soothe an upset stomach.

2. Heart Health

Chives has allicin which reduces levels of “bad” cholesterol in the body and improved heart health. Allicin releases nitric oxide in the bloodstream, which reduces the stiffness of the blood vessels as well as blood pressure. And the quercetin in chives reduces the build-up of plaque in the arteries.

They also contain quercetin which lowers cholesterol levels and plaque in the arteries, effectively preventing atherosclerosis and lowering your risk for stroke and heart attacks.

Chives enhance circulation as well. The vitamin C they contain improves the elasticity of the blood capillaries and iron absorption. And the folic acid in chives prevents the constriction of blood vessels.

3. Boosts Immunity

The numerous phytochemicals in chives can boost your immune system. Chives also contain selenium in trace amounts, which is another important mineral that strengthens immunity. Immune cells deficient in selenium can have difficulty in producing proteins and transporting calcium.

Chives can also give your T-cells a boost. They also offer protection against cold and flu. However, there is limited research on this. Chives contain sulfuric compounds, which, as per research, help boost immunity. And this way, they also heal wounds faster.

4. Strengthens Bones

Chives contain vitamin K, a nutrient quite important for the bones. This vitamin helps maintain bone integrity and density. Vitamin K also assists the regulation of cells that aid the prevention of bone demineralization. This vitamin also supports the production of a protein called osteocalcin, which is important for maintaining bone mineral density.

More importantly, sufficient intake of vitamin K can reduce the urinary excretion of calcium (which is another common cause of bone loss).

5. Reduces Cancer Risk

Chives has quercetin which research shows that its effective in preventing a wide range of cancers, including breast, prostate, colon, lungs, and ovaries. The antioxidant activities of vitamin C and vitamin K contribute to this prevention as well, helping to reduce levels of free radicals in the body that can hasten the spread or appearance of cancerous cells. Zeaxanthin and lutein, two other antioxidant compounds found in chives, have been linked to lower chances of oral cancers.

Various studies have shown that allium vegetables (those containing allicin) possess inhibiting effects on the cancers of the stomach and esophagus. Chives also help your body produce glutathione, which is an agent that enables your body to identify the cancer-causing substances and eliminate them. Studies have shown that chives can help prevent prostate cancer as well

6. Eye Health

The carotenes found in chives, namely lutein and zeaxanthin, are directly responsible for reducing oxidative stress in the ocular system and delaying the appearance of cataracts in the eye. They also help to slow or prevent macular degeneration, keeping your eyes healthy well into your old age.

7. Aids in Foetal Development

Chives has folic acid which is essential healthy foetal development. Folate helps in the brain development of the fetus – it also aids cell division and DNA synthesis.Folic acid also prevents birth defects, especially in the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Chives are also considered a superfood that contributes to a healthy and smarter baby.

for pregnant mothers who want to ensure the health development of their infant. Folic acid prevents neural tube defects in newborn infants, and chives is a rich source of folic acid for conscientious mothers.

8. Acts as a Detox

Chives have mild diuretic properties and combined with the other free-radical scavenging and antibacterial qualities, chives are a wonderful way to detoxify the body. By stimulating urination, chives can help the body get ride of excess toxins, salts, water, and even fat, keeping the organ systems running smoothly and clearing out any dangerous substances that could do us harm.

9. Enhance Sleep And Mood

Chives contain choline which is an important nutrient and aids in proper sleep, folic acid also boosts the production of dopamine and serotonin, which are feel-good hormones that boost your mood.

10. Skin Care

Chives contain Vitamin C which has antioxidant properties that boosts skin radiance and treats acne. Vitamin C also helps in the production of collagen which improves skin elasticity and helps prevent signs of aging liike wrinkles.