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Leek: properties and benefits of this vegetable

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Leeks are from the same family as garlic and onions. This vegetable has a pleasant taste, a delicate aroma and is always well accompanied by a vinaigrette or as an ingredient in stews and salads.

The leek in summer is smaller and more tender but, to tell the truth, it is not as tasty as those that can be found in autumn and winter. So the winter season is a great time to eat leek and enjoy the properties and benefits of this vegetable.

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Learn about the properties and benefits of leek

Leeks can be eaten raw or cooked, but yes, you have to know how to choose them. Whether they are small or thick, the leeks must be firm and not have yellow spots, it is necessary to check that they are fresh and in good condition to be able to be consumed.

There are countless recipes that include leeks. They even work great as a garnish, or in cream and stews of all kinds. The important thing is to add them to our daily diet to obtain their benefits and enjoy their properties.

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1. Antibiotic

Leeks work as a natural antibiotic. As mentioned, leeks are from the garlic and onion family, all of which coincide in a compound called allicin. This compound works as an antibiotic that fights some bacteria.

For this reason it is important to consume leeks frequently. It works as a preventive way to fight, above all, bacteria that cause skin infections or damage the digestive system.

2. Diuretic

Leek has diuretic properties. Because it contains potassium and is low in sodium, it is efficient in helping you not retain fluids. This in turn prevents bloating caused by a build-up of sodium that causes fluid retention.

A soup of leeks is excellent to enjoy this very healthy benefit. If there is swelling in the legs or hands, a natural diuretic can help prevent fluid retention and reduce inflammation in these extremities.

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3. Against coughs and bronchitis

A benefit of leek is that it helps fight a cough. Leek contains an essential oil that acts as an expectorant. Helps directly on the respiratory tract, relieving cough or bronchitis and facilitating the expulsion of phlegm.

When there is a picture of respiratory disease, it is recommended to eat a leek soup or even bet on an infusion made with leek and onion. To reduce the intensity of the flavor, it can be mixed with honey and bougainvillea.

4. Source of zinc

Leek is a vegetable with a significant contribution of zinc. This directly benefits the correct blood flow, since zinc helps to thin the blood and thus alleviate diseases such as hemorrhoids.

It can also be an excellent ally to reduce varicose veins. For this reason, it is recommended that people who have tingling and fatigue in the veins increase their consumption of leek and benefit from the zinc it contains.

5. Reduce the cholesterol

One of the most important properties and benefits of leek is that it reduces cholesterol. It has antioxidant action, thanks to which it fights free radicals that alter arterial walls.

In addition, it contains vitamin C, E and B6, which helps blood circulation. These two properties directly influence cholesterol control. Without a doubt, it is one of the foods to include if you want to reduce bad cholesterol levels.

6. Weight loss aid

Leek is an excellent ally in weight loss diets. This due to its large amount of fiber and its low calorie content. In addition, we must highlight its important contribution of vitamins and minerals, which is why it turns out to be very nutritious.

On the one hand, the amount of fiber it contains helps increase satiety. And, on the other hand, the low calorie content makes this feeling of satiety and the nutrients that they provide to the body do not carry any calorie intake, which is excellent for a diet focused on losing weight.

7. Ideal for pregnant women

Pregnant women are recommended to include leeks in their diet. This recommendation is because leek is an important source of folic acid and vitamin B9, and these two compounds are ideal for pregnant and lactating women.

Although they are minerals that everyone should consume, the specific recommendation for pregnant women is because folic acid helps prevent spina bifida and other congenital malformations in the fetus.

8. Relieves constipation

Leek can work as a light, natural laxative. When there is an episode of mild constipation, eating foods rich in fiber and natural water help to quickly solve the problem. The leek contains fiber and water, so it is ideal to help in these cases and that the intestinal transit is more fluid.

The leek and its fiber help a better intestinal transit, improve intestinal flora and relieve constipation. This is yet another reason to recommend that pregnant women consume leeks on a regular basis.

9. To clean wounds

A leek infusion can be used to clean wounds. Thanks to its antibiotic properties, an infusion of this vegetable is used in traditional medicine to clean superficial wounds and prevent infections.

To prepare this infusion you have to cut a leek and put it to boil in a liter of water. You just have to let it rest for another 5 minutes and then strain. You have to moisten a compress in this infusion and then press lightly on the wound.

10. Auxiliary in the fight against cardiovascular diseases

Due to the properties of the leek, it is recommended for people with cardiovascular diseases. Due to its antibiotic compounds, antioxidants, fiber, potassium and the low sodium they contain, it is a food that is recommended for these types of conditions.

It is one of the foods that can be included in the daily diet of people who suffer from a disease related to heart or blood problems. Leek can be included in various forms and preparations to enjoy its benefits.

Bibliographic references

  • Mathew, B. (1996). "A review of Allium" sect. Allium. (Rev. sect. Allium)
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