This lesser-known chive herb is packed with nutrients that can improve your health in several ways.For example, chives are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. They also contain antioxidants that can help protect your body from harmful toxins.Fresh chives are also packed with antioxidants, which protect the body from free radicals that can cause disease and aging. They are closely related to the common onion family, shallots, garlic, leek, scallion, and Chinese onions. It’s a perennial plant that is hugely found across Asia, North America, and most of Europe. Garlic chives contribute to several culinary uses.There are many health uses of this little herb plant which is why it is widely cultivated and consumed. They are popularly used as a herb and thus are sold in grocery shops and are grown commonly in house gardens. Various minor parts of violet flowers are used for different purposes. The edible flowers of chives are also added to salads. Through surveys, it has been one of the top ten nectar-producing plants and produces excellent nectar.Chives are scientifically named Allium schoenoprasum and belong to the Amaryllidaceae family. They require fertile and well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight to grow ultimately. They are mainly grown for food purposes and ornamental needs. They are hallowed, thin, and tubular stems that could grow 12-20 in (30.4-50.8 cm) in height. They produce slender, long, green grass-like leaves that seem round on their cross-section. Their flowers are star-shaped and are arranged in dense clusters with 10-30 individual flowers. These flowers consist of both male and female reproductive organs and are thus perfect flowers.Classification Of ChivesChives are mainly classified as a herb. They are the only species of Allium that are native to both the old and new world.The species found in North America are sometimes classified as A. schoenoprasum. However, this is disputed for various reasons.Differences found between different species are very significant and thus are under research.One of the many examples of their species was found in northern Maine, which grew solitary instead growing in clumps and exhibited dingy gray flowers rather than purple ones.Some species of chives have been proposed and presented but are not accepted by Plants of the World Online. Their subspecies include gredense and latiorifolium.Health Benefits Of ChivesThe ability of chives to benefit our health would suggest their addition to the diet more often.Some people believe that compounds like sulfur found in chives are known to deter cancer cells from growing and help prevent their spread throughout the body.It also helps prevent osteoporosis with the help of vitamin K that is present in it. They are also used to increase bone density.The choline and folate present in them help improve memory functions. It is believed that it eventually reduces the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s in later years.Chives are rich in folic acid, which is extremely important for the healthy growth of new cells. They also contain vitamins A, C, and K and several essential minerals.Folic acid in chives supplies the body’s folic acid requirement and is suitable for pregnant women, children, older adults, and people dealing with folic acid deficiency.It is also essential for pregnant women to consume folic acid-rich food because folic acid helps prevent the risk of neural tube defects in unborn babies.Vitamins In ChivesChives are rich in vitamin servings and we have discussed the vitamin benefits of chives below.Nutrients that are present in chives are beneficial for health. It contains vitamin K, which helps in blood clotting.Chives also have vitamin C and vitamin A.Minerals In ChivesAlong with vitamins, several minerals are present in chives that make up an essential constituent of their nutrient value.Most of the necessary minerals beneficial for the human body can be gained in a single tablespoon of chives.It constitutes 0.9 calories of energy. Also, folate is found in chives. Chives contain calcium and potassium.They are nutrient-rich food and thus are low in calories. They provide high nutrients of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.Did You Know…Chives, along with chervil, parsley, and tarragon, belong to a delicate combination of summer herbs, collectively named fines herbes. These flowering tiny bulbs are one of the 300 species of Allium (the lily family).As beautiful as these herbs look in the garden, they could also be a great addition to food items.Chopped chives add to the mild onion flavor and fresh chives are always best for soups, mashed potatoes, dips, seafood items, and so on. Well, who would not want to have cream cheese with chives and capers?Since these herbs provide a mild onion taste, people use them to garnish a prepared dish. However, they are used only to garnish and cannot act as a substitute for onions.The next time you intend to grow chives in your garden, we hope you remember how these herbs can contribute.
This lesser-known chive herb is packed with nutrients that can improve your health in several ways.
