My Chive blooms did really good this year ~
They produced the prettiest purple blooms I've ever seen them produce and I think they are so pretty in the herb garden. I really love the mild onion like flavor, and I think I use it the most in salads, in bread dough, soups and in cream cheese cracker spreads & on my potato dishes and in all my egg dishes for sure.
Now the reason I wanted to post about chives today was because I want everyone to know about their benefits to human health. "The medicinal properties of chives are similar to those of Garlic, but weaker; the faint effects in comparison with garlic are probably the main reason for their limited use as a medicinal herb."
Health Benefits and uses of Chives
- Detoxify the Body: 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.
- Cancer Prevention: One of the most exciting areas of research for all members of the Allium genus is the role of quercetin in preventing certain types of cancers. Although research is still ongoing, early results show that quercetin can effectively prevent 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.
- Vision 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.
- Immune System: The high levels of vitamin C found in chives help to boost the efficacy of the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells and stimulating the production of collagen, which is an essential component in the creation of new blood vessels, cells, tissues, and muscles.
- Bone Health: There is a wide range of vitamins and minerals found in chives, but one of the most important is certainly vitamin K, an essential nutrient that isn’t widely found in many common foods. Vitamin K is very important in the maintenance of bone mineral density and bone integrity. As we age, our bone mineral density begins to drop, leading to conditions like osteoporosis and exacerbating inflammatory conditions like arthritis. High levels of vitamin K, like those found in chives, can help to produce osteocalcin, which is a key part of maintaining mineral density in the bones.
- Digestive Issues: The allyl sulfides and other unique organic compounds found in chives deliver similar benefits to the body as garlic, and as such, can effectively ease digestive discomfort. Furthermore, chives have natural antibacterial qualities that can eliminate a wide range of bacteria, particularly those in the salmonella family, which can wreak havoc on your gastrointestinal system. More specifically, chives can increase the nutrient uptake efficiency of your gut, ensuring that you get as many of the nutrients from your food as possible.
- Heart Health: One of the most important organic compounds found in chives is allicin, which has recently been linked to reduced levels of “bad” cholesterol in the body and improved heart health. Allicin is also connected to lowering blood pressure; when combined with the vasodilatory effects of the potassium found in chives, this unassuming herb can have a major impact on reducing cardiovascular strain. Furthermore, another organic compound found in chives, quercetin, has been directly connected to lowering cholesterol levels and plaque in the arteries, effectively preventing atherosclerosis and lowering your risk for stroke and heart attacks.
- Cardiovascular Strain: Allicin is also connected to lowering blood pressure; when combined with the vasodilatory effects of the potassium found in chives, this unassuming herb can have a major impact on reducing cardiovascular strain.
Closing Thoughts ~
😁Just so you know guys, I work with herbs a lot so I will be sharing more posts about herbs in the future. If that interests you then keep an eye out. I will also be placing this post in the "Herb" section and the new "Herbal Healing" section if you ever want to find it again. Also I have a section called "Healing Foods" that has some great information in it too. Check it out before you go! Thanks for visiting everyone. Now go buy you a chive plant and grow it. They grow great in flower pots if you don't have a spot to plant in the ground.
I hope this was helpful - "Live everyday like a holiday." Pam
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