Leeks are part of the onion
family, related to the garlic and chive. The leek has a sweet, subtle
flavor, not as harsh as the onion. It has been cultivated for 3,000
years and originated in Asia and the Mediterranean. Welsh soldiers in
640 A.D. wore leeks in their helmets to distinguish each other from the
Saxon enemy. Leeks are still a very popular vegetable in Europe, used in
a variety of dishes.
Increased Immune Function
Leeks
are a rich source of vitamin A. One hundred grams contain approximately
33 percent of your daily recommended total. Vitamin A is also known as
the anti-infective vitamin, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. It
functions by maintaining the integrity and health of the mucosal
linings of your nose, throat, urinary tract and digestive tract. Vitamin
A also plays a key role in the development and activation of white
blood cells.
Anti-Bacterial Properties
The
leek has anti-bacterial properties. Although not as potent as its
cousin garlic, leeks contain a compound called alliinase. When the leeks
are cut, aliinase reacts with oxygen to form a sulphur composite called
allicin. Allicin's anti-bacterial effectiveness was successfully tested
against staphyloccus in a 2004 study in the "British Journal of
Biomedical Science." Another 2004 study in the "International Journal of
Food Microbiology" also found allicin effective against bacterial
strains of coli found in chicken. Allicin is inactivated by heat, so let
a cut leek stand for about 10 minutes before cooking to enjoy its
maximum benefits.
Prebiotic
Leeks
belong to a group of carbohydrates called oligosaccharides, which
include inulins and fructo-oligosaccharides. In the lower bowel, these
carbohydrates promote the growth of healthy bacteria by modifying the
metabolic activity of harmful microflora into bifidobacteria. A 1999
article in the "British Medical Journal" noted several studies in which
subjects were fed prebiotics in the form of fructo-oligosaccharides. The
results showed a tenfold increase of bifidobacteria in the lower
intestine.
Diuretic
Fluid
retention, or edema, is the swelling or accumulation of excess fluids
in the interstitial spaces between your cells or in your circulatory
system. Accumulation is usually most noticeable in the feet, ankles,
fingers or face. Swelling is usually a symptom of an underlying
condition or disease, such as pregnancy, allergies, kidney or liver
disease or exposure to heat. The University of Maryland Medical Center
suggests eating leeks to support medical treatment due to its diuretic
properties. Always consult a physician before using any new treatment.
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