Leeks are in the same family as garlic and onions.. This vegetable has a pleasant flavor, a delicate aroma and always goes well with a vinaigrette or as an ingredient in stews and salads.
Leeks in summer are smaller and more tender but, to tell the truth, they are not as tasty as those that can be found in autumn and winter. So the winter season is a great time to eat leeks and enjoy the properties and benefits of this vegetable.
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Learn about the properties and benefits of leeks.
Leeks can be eaten raw or cooked, but it is important to know how to choose them.. Whether they are small or thick, leeks must be firm and not have yellow spots, you have to check that they are fresh and in good condition to be consumed.
There are an infinite number of recipes that include leeks. They even work very well as a garnish, or in creams and stews of all kinds. The important thing is to add them to our daily diet to obtain their benefits and enjoy their properties.
1. Antibiotic
Leeks work as a natural antibiotic.. As mentioned, leeks are from the garlic and onion family, all of them have 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 measure 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 not to retain liquids. This in turn prevents bloating caused by an accumulation of sodium that leads to fluid retention.
A leek soup is an excellent way to enjoy this healthy benefit. If there is swelling in the legs or hands, a natural diuretic can help prevent fluid retention and reduce swelling in these extremities.
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3. Against coughs and bronchitis
A benefit of the leek is that it helps fight coughs.. Leeks contain an essential oil that acts as an expectorant. It helps directly on the respiratory tract, relieving cough or bronchitis and facilitating the expulsion of phlegm.
When there is a 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 taste, it can be mixed with honey and bougainvillea.
4. Source of zinc
The leek is a vegetable with an important 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 is that people who have tingling and tiredness in the veins, it is recommended to increase their consumption of leeks and benefit from the zinc it contains.
5. Reduces cholesterol
One of the most important properties and benefits of leeks is that they reduce cholesterol.. It has antioxidant action, thanks to which it fights free radicals that alter the arterial walls.
In addition, it contains vitamin C, E and B6, which helps blood circulation. These two properties have a direct influence on cholesterol control. It is undoubtedly one of the foods to include if you want to reduce bad cholesterol levels.
6. Helps to lose weight
Leeks are an excellent ally in weight loss diets.. This is due to its high amount of fiber and its low caloric content. In addition, it is important to highlight its important contribution of vitamins and minerals, so it is very nutritious.
On the one hand, the amount of fiber it contains helps to increase satiety. And, on the other hand, the low calorie content means that this feeling of satiety and the nutrients they provide to the body do not carry with them any calorie intake, which is excellent for a diet focused on weight loss.
7. Ideal for pregnant women
Pregnant women are recommended to include leeks in their diet.. This recommendation is due to the fact that leeks are an important source of folic acid and vitamin B9, and these two compounds are ideal for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Although they are minerals that everyone should consume, the specific recommendation for pregnant women is due to the fact that folic acid helps prevent spina bifida and other congenital malformations in the fetus.
8. Relieves constipation
Leeks can work as a light and natural laxative.. When there is an episode of mild constipation, eating foods rich in fiber and natural water help to solve the problem quickly. Leek contains fiber and water, so it is ideal to help in these cases and that the intestinal transit is more fluid.
Leeks and their fiber help to improve intestinal transit, improve intestinal flora and relieve constipation. This is yet another reason to recommend pregnant women to consume leeks on a regular basis.
9. To clean wounds
An infusion of leek 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, cut a leek and boil it in a liter of water. Just let it steep for another 5 minutes and then strain. 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 leek, it is recommended for people with cardiovascular diseases.. Because of its antibiotic compounds, antioxidants, fiber, potassium and low sodium content, it is a food that is recommended for this type of conditions.
It is one of the foods that can be included in the daily diet of people suffering from any disease related to heart or blood problems. Leeks can be included in different ways and preparations to enjoy its benefits.