Health benefits and harms of leeks: what is good for them and how to use them correctly

Leeks are not a very popular vegetable in Russia. However, in the West this crop is grown and consumed everywhere and in large quantities. And it’s not just the delicate and sweet taste of leek.

It has the widest range beneficial properties for the body, used in dietetics, cosmetology and traditional medicine.

Composition and properties

The highest concentration of beneficial vitamins and microelements is concentrated in the upper parts of the onion stem, so you should not get rid of it during cooking.

Some components of leeks:

• B vitamins (B1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9);
• vitamin A, C, PP, H, K, E;
• trace elements - iron, copper, manganese, zinc, boron, chromium, iodine;
• macroelements - calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, silicon;
• linolenic and oleic acids;
• mono- and disaccharides;
• polyunsaturated Omega-3 and Omega-6;
• phytoncides;
• essential oils.

The nutritional value

The nutritional value of leeks per 100 g is 33 kcal. Content of substances necessary for the functioning of the body (per 100 g of product):

• proteins – 1.5 g;
• fats – 0.3 g;
• carbohydrates – 6.3 g;
• sucrose – 3.9 g;
• fiber – 1.8 g.

The effect of leeks on the human body

The medicinal properties of the vegetable are extensive and widely known.

Leeks have a pronounced therapeutic effect on the entire body, in particular:

• improves liver function;
• fights anemia;
• saturates the body with magnesium, thereby improving the protection of the nervous system from stress factors;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• increases sexual desire, being a strong aphrodisiac;
• improves memory and concentration;
• strengthens teeth and bones;
• restores strength and gives a charge of vigor;
• lowers blood cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of developing atherosclerosis;
• maintains visual acuity and eye health.

Leek is an effective remedy for losing weight: it significantly speeds up metabolism and normalizes metabolic processes.

Leek for various diseases

Regular consumption of vegetables is recommended for the treatment and prevention of the following diseases:

• pancreatitis, because onions actively fight inflammatory processes;
• gastrointestinal problems, bloating, indigestion;
• gout and arthritis;
• rheumatism;
• hypertension;
• diabetes mellitus;
• tuberculosis;
• prostatitis;
• insomnia and depression;
• neoplasms.

How is it useful?

Leeks have a beneficial effect on the body:

• strengthens the immune system;
• stimulates wound healing and skin cell regeneration;
• protects against infections;
• relieves stress and irritation.

For men

The vegetable provides significant assistance to representatives of the stronger sex, maintaining a high level of performance and maintaining energy. Onions will be especially useful for athletes and manual workers. The product allows men to remain strong, vigorous and not feel tired for a long time.

The vegetable is used for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, prostatitis and adenoma, and prostate cancer. Regular consumption of leek will reduce the risk of developing these pathologies to a minimum. In addition, it increases libido and has a positive effect on the reproductive system.

For women

For women, leeks will help improve overall health, maintain beauty and youth.The rich vitamin and mineral composition of the product helps restore strength and energy. The antioxidant properties of onions keep the skin youthful and elastic. With regular use, the appearance of the hair improves - it becomes shiny, healthy and strong.

Leeks are especially recommended for women when planning pregnancy or while bearing a child. The substances it is rich in, namely phosphorus, iron, magnesium, zinc and folic acid, are equally necessary for the health of mother and baby. In addition, the vegetable effectively protects against viruses and bacteria.

For children

Leeks are one of the healthy foods for a growing body. It is well absorbed and does not irritate the intestines. Boiled or chopped vegetables are allowed to be introduced into children's diets from 7-8 months.

Leek contains macro- and microelements necessary for the proper development and growth of the baby. The vegetable improves memory and concentration, so it is recommended to include it in the diet of schoolchildren. It prevents colds, treats flu, runny nose and other diseases in children.

Consumption norms per day

Leeks are a product that is good for human health. But overuse of vegetables will have a detrimental effect on the condition of the body or individual organs. Therefore, it is important to follow the daily norm: 100-200 g of raw vegetables for an adult. In processed form, the dose is allowed to be slightly increased, since during heat treatment some of the beneficial substances are lost.

In what form is there, what to combine with

Any part of the vegetable is suitable for consumption, except the roots. If the onion leaves are too hard, they are sent for cooking soup or roast.

How to use leeks:

1. It is great for fresh consumption. It is eaten separately or as a snack with any dish. The best option is to add fresh vegetables to salads.
2. Boiled onion Leeks are prepared as simply as possible. Place it in boiling and lightly salted water to cover the product (you don't need a lot of liquid). Cut the onion into slices and cook for no more than 5-7 minutes. Then drain the water and dry it for 2-3 minutes in a frying pan.
3. To prepare steamed leek, wash, cut it and place in a steamer container or colander for no more than 15-29 minutes. Salt the vegetable only after removing it from the steam.
4. Fried or grilled leek. The second option is more useful than the first. When frying, do not exceed the optimal temperature - +90-130°C. For grilling, brush all stems with oil - melted or vegetable oil.
5. Add the vegetable to stews or soups 5-7 minutes before removing from heat. Leeks can be combined with any food - pasta, rice, potatoes, buckwheat.

Use in cooking

In cooking, the white part of the leek is more often used, since it is much softer and more delicate in structure. The green part is also involved in cooking, but it is tougher and therefore takes longer to cook.

The green feathers of the vegetable are usually added to soups and purees. They are also used if you want to dry onions.

A large number of different dishes are prepared using vegetables. Eg:

• lecho;
• cream soup or onion soup;
• vegetable salad of onions, tomatoes, cucumber and sweet pepper;
• pickled onions with mushrooms for the winter;
• side dish for meat or fish.

In folk medicine

Rich medicinal properties make it possible to use leek to treat various diseases. The most common problems that vegetables effectively cope with:

1. Runny nose and colds. To do this, plant juice is instilled 3 times a day into each nostril.
2. Sore throat and sore throat. Juice or fresh juice based on leeks perfectly cope with painful sensations in the throat and eliminate suppuration.
3. Pulmonary diseases. To speed up recovery from pneumonia or restore affected tissues during the rehabilitation stage, traditional healers advise breathing over a boiled vegetable.
4. Constipation. To eliminate this delicate problem, add at least one dish based on the pulp of the white part of the leek to the diet.

Read also:

Is it possible to eat buckwheat if you have constipation?

Will beets help with constipation and how to use them correctly to normalize stool for adults and children.

In cosmetology

Based on this miracle product, cosmetic products are prepared that improve the condition of skin and hair, prolong youth and fight the first signs of aging:

• moisturizing and nourishing creams;
• face masks;
• hair balms and shampoos, and much more.

Leek products are especially effective in cleansing the skin. Based on it, harmless peelings are made that remove a layer of keratinized cells from the epidermis.

It is recommended to rub onion pulp into the hair roots to make them silky and get rid of dandruff, or into the nails to strengthen them and prevent brittleness.

Spot treatment of affected areas of the skin with leaves will relieve acne, and grated fresh onion will eliminate age spots and freckles.

For weight loss

Most nutritionists recommend including the vegetable in your diet due to its low calorie content. Onions normalize digestive and metabolic processes in the body, remove excess fluid, harmful substances, waste and toxins.

Leek perfectly saturates and satisfies the feeling of hunger, which is especially important for people on strict diets.Moreover, chromium in the vegetable reduces cravings for sweets.

Contraindicated for whom

Sometimes leeks bring not only benefits, but also harm. The main contraindication to its use is inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract. It is not recommended to eat leek for people with high stomach acidity.

Avoid eating leeks if:

• individual intolerance;
• exacerbation of urolithiasis - the pronounced diuretic effect of the product will harm the body if the kidneys are inflamed or cannot cope with their functions;
• diarrhea - onions aggravate the problem and further irritate the intestinal mucosa;
• breastfeeding - the milk will acquire a special taste.

Reviews

Reviews about the use of leeks in the field of cosmetology and dietetics are positive.

Varvara, 29 years old: “It’s leeks that help me lose weight. Its incredible taste captivated my family, and its low calorie content made it a favorite product. I often eat dietary leek soups, leek stews, and so on. The dishes turn out delicious, and most importantly, they help you get rid of extra pounds and maintain your weight at the desired level.”

Christina, 24 years old: “To be honest, at first I was afraid to make masks with onions for the face. But when you constantly suffer from skin problems, you have to make compromises. As a result, I got rid of acne and age spots in a month!”

Conclusion

Leeks have a positive effect on both individual systems and organs and the entire body. The range of its applications is not limited to cooking: it is used to treat diseases, in cosmetology and dietetics.

Leek is especially useful to include in the diet during respiratory viral infections. It is also suitable for use by pregnant women.However, in all cases, remember that exceeding the daily norm will have a detrimental effect on your health.