Chives are good for your health and that’s no” jive
talkin”. Chives were listed as a medieval
herb that both enhance food and treat us medicinally. Most medieval herbal
medicine date back to Greece and to two authors on herbal medicine; Galena and
Dioscorides. After the crusades, discoveries from the Arabic physicians came to
Europe. Salerno Italy spread the word throughout Europe. The non-medicinal use
of herbs was documented and printed in the ‘housewives advice’ book from the
1500’s and 1600s’. Chives, as a culinary herb, appears in this book.
The health benefits of chives, like most herbs is
found within its oil. It is the oil that releases the aromatic flavor. Chives
are part of the genus allium which include, garlic, onions, scallions and
leeks. These strong smelling herbs have been cultivated since earliest of times
as important vegetables, flavorings and medicinal plants.
The strong odor so typical of these plants is due to
a variety of sulfur compounds. They are reported to have beneficial effects on
the circulatory, digestive and respiratory systems.
Studies have shown that populations who have higher
intakes of allium in their diet show a lower risk for cancers, such as
esophageal, stomach and prostate. Further the leaves of the chive plant are
rich in flavonoids which are antioxidants.
Chives are a good source of vitamin K. The most
important role of vitamin K is to coagulate blood. Although vitamin K is found
in food it is also created by the bacteria in our intestines which technically
make it not a vitamin.
When chives are consumed with foods they aid
indigestion. Chives help the body digest fatty foods, such as cheese. So if you
are eating a heavy cheese meal it would be a good idea to add a little chopped
chive.
Chives are also a good diuretic. They help with
fluid retention, as well as circulation and act as an anti-inflammatory food.
So when it comes to chives; remember there is no
jive about it; a little chopped chives added to your meal keeps things movin’
and groovin’!
When it comes to your health keep “chive talkin!”
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