Leek is a long, green vegetable which belong to the same family as garlic, onions, chives and shallots. Unlike the other family members, it don’t form a bulb. Leeks can be prepared and consumed in the same way as onions. They can be cooked in a variety of ways and commonly enjoyed raw as part of a salad. They are a delicious and diverse vegetable. They are also enormously healthy and have various health benefits. The bulk of the vegetable contain water content and also contain several important nutrients. These include vitamins A, C, E and B6 as well as calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese. Due to their antioxidant properties in the form of polyphenols, these help protect the body from cellular damage and help reduces the risk of numerous illnesses. Many of the health benefits of leeks are due to the presence of a compound called allicin. Researches have indicated that allicin has antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. It also produces a compound called sulfenic acid which help neutralize harmful free radicals faster than any other known compound. Leeks also contain a natural antioxidant flavonoid called kaemferol. The potential health benefits of kaempferol include reduce risk of various chronic diseases including cancer and has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardio-protective and anti-diabetic properties. Several studies have indicated that vegetables belonging to the allium family have a positive effect on blood pressure. These vegetables help reduces blood pressure and thus lower the risk of stroke, heart disease, heart attack and atherosclerosis. Leeks protect heart from future complications as they reduces blood cholesterol level. They are also a great source of the allyl sulphides that are known to combat various types of cancer including prostate, colon and stomach cancer. Like garlic and onions, leeks are known best due to antibacterial properties. These contain the same compounds which make them so effective in fighting different bacterial infections. Leeks are a natural source of prebiotics. Prebiotics are the good type of bacteria that flourish in the digestive tract and contribute to a healthy digestive system. They play vital role in the absorption of nutrients. Consuming leeks maintain the balance in the stomach’s bacterial environment and help to eliminate toxins and stimulate digestive fluids. All of these aspects contribute to a healthy digestive system and thus improve overall health. Leeks being source of calcium as well as magnesium help keep bones healthy and strong and reduces the risk of developing conditions like osteoporosis. They contain a good amount of iron which help prevent anaemia and similar conditions. They are also a good source of vitamin C and thus help the body to absorb iron better. Child bearing women and their unborn child can benefit a lot from consuming leeks. It contains a high level of folate as well as many other compounds like niacin and thiamine that help women during pregnancy as folate present in them reduces neural defects. Leeks are absolutely delightful, easy to prepare and can be cooked in a variety of ways. When buying fresh leeks from the market, people always look for dark green leaves and a white neck. Unfortunately leeks available in different markets don’t fulfil buyers demand. But now with Farm to Home people can get the farm fresh leeks with the required features at very reasonable price. For more information visit: www.bakhaberkissan.com/category/production/vegetables/
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March 2018
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