Leeks are highly nutritious root vegetables that are similar in taste to garlic, shallots, and onions. Although they pair well with a variety of foods, they are frequently used as a complement to potato, with potato and leek soup being one of the most popular soup dishes. Apart from being delicious and flavourful, leeks also comprise several basic building blocks of the body, including protein, fibre, carbs, as well as minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Owing to their nutritional content, leeks boast various health benefits, such as the maintenance of heart and bone health.
Before diving into the health benefits of leeks, it is crucial to highlight a few side effects associated with them. Medical journal Klarity Health Library recommends that leeks should be consumed in moderation as overindulging in this fibre-rich vegetable could lead to the development of abdominal bloating and intestinal gas. Similarly, to reduce the risk of food poisoning and diarrhea, it is strongly recommended to wash leeks thoroughly before cooking or consuming them to ensure they are free of parasites and bacteria, such as E.Coli.
Now, check out some health benefits of leeks.
Boost Immunity
According to the National Health Service (NHS), leeks are loaded Vitamin A and Vitamin B6, both of which are immunity boosters. Vitamin A is an excellent source of antioxidants, which are known to protect the cells from cancer-causing free radicals, thus, boosting immunity. Vitamin B6, on the other hand, is strongly linked to the healthy functioning of the nervous and immune systems, as well as cognitive health. Vitamin B-deficient people are more prone to conditions, such as depression; therefore, consuming Vitamin B-rich leeks helps reduce the threat of such conditions.
Support Blood Clotting and Bone Health
Klarity Health Library states that leeks are powerful sources of Vitamin K and manganese, both of which aid in the speedy healing of wounds as they encourage blood clotting. These compounds also help in the quick repair and development of bones, significantly lowering the risk of bones and muscles-related conditions, such as fractures and osteoporosis. Women, particularly, are encouraged to eat leeks frequently to guard against the occurrence of osteoporosis as this condition is known to plague women significantly.
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Provide Protection to the Heart
According to the National Library of Medicine, leeks are composed of an antioxidant known as flavonoid kaempferol, which is thought to protect the cardiovascular system. This antioxidant helps control blood pressure by inhibiting the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, known popularly as “bad cholesterol.” Cholesterol and blood pressure are closely connected to heart health, therefore, it is vital that their levels stay within the normal ranges. In this way, consuming leeks lowers the risk of heart attacks and heart disease as well as other chronic cardiovascular conditions.
Reduce the Risk of Cancer
This benefit of eating leeks has already been touched on above. The antioxidants present in the vegetable, specifically flavonoid kaempferol, protect the body from cancer-causing free radicals by preventing the growth of cancer cells. This same antioxidant is also found in other nutritious foods, including broccoli and strawberry. Although it cannot be guaranteed that these foods definitively have the capacity to prevent cancer, they have been found to reduce cancer-related risks. Nevertheless, make it a point to include leeks in your daily diet for your overall health and fitness.
Help Treat Infectious Diseases
According to the National Library of Medicine, leeks are teeming with a sulfur-based compound known as “Allicin.” This compound is a strong antimicrobial; thus, it imbues leeks with strong antimicrobial properties that enable them to effectively treat infectious diseases. These diseases typically tend to be bacteria-based, such as typhoid, pneumonia, and tetanus. The compound acts by limiting the biofilm formation of bacteria, thus, reducing the bacteria’s resistance to antibiotics, and allowing for the treatment of the given diseases.