Description

Chives are small perennial herbs growing in clumps, probably originated in Siberian highlands. The herb grows best in full sun and a well-drained soil. Its saplings can be grown from seed or divisions of 2 to 3 bulbs. Completely grown plant reaches about 8-12 inches in height.

Health benefits of Chives

-Chives are very low in calories; 100 g of fresh leaves provide just 30 calories. Nonetheless, they contain many noteworthy flavonoid anti-oxidants, plant fiber, minerals, and vitamins that have proven health benefits. -As in scallions, they too contain more plant-derived dietary fiber than fellow allium members such as onions,shallots, leeks...etc. 100 g fresh leaves provide 2.5 g or 7% of daily- recommended levels of fiber.-Just like in other allium members, chives too possess thio-sulfinites anti-oxidants. Thio-sufinites such as diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide and allyl propyl disulfide convert to allicin by enzymatic reaction when its leaves disrupted (crushing, cutting, etc.).

Laboratory studies show that allicin reduces cholesterol production by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme in the liver cells. Further, it also found to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal activities.-Additionally, allicin also decreases blood vessel stiffness by releasing vasodilator compound, nitric oxide (NO); and, thereby, help reduce total blood pressure.

Also, it blocks platelet clot formation, besides having fibrinolytic (clot-removal) action in the blood vessels. All in all, allicin helps decrease overall risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral vascular diseases (PVD), and stroke.