Chives are small onions to put it very simply. Actually, they belong to the onion family and are its smallest species. They are called chives as they always grow in clumps. They are native to North America, Europe and Asia. It is mainly used for culinary purposes for example in potatoes, fish and soups (specially asparagus soups).
Health Benefits Of Chives
The use of chives as medicine is similar to that of garlic but is a little weaker. Its uses are:
- Circulatory System: It helps improve circulation of blood and lowers blood pressure.
- Source of Vitamins: It is a good source of Vitamins A and C.
- Essential Minerals: It is a source of calcium, potassium and folic acid.
- Cancer: Reduces the growth of tumors and cancer. This is the best known benefit of chives. It is helpful in stomach and esophageal cancers as well as prostrate cancer.
Other Benefits
Apart from health benefits chives have two more uses:
- Gardening: The plant has pretty lavendar colored flowers that beautify your garden and spices up your salads.
- Insect Repellent: They are good insect repellents.
- Help Grow Roses: The odor emitted by this plant helps terminate growth of aphids which in turn means better rose cultivation.
- In Cooking: It is used in a number of dips , sauces, soy mayonese, sour cream. It is also used for garnishing purposes on cottage cheese and potato dishes.
Warning: Over consumption of chives can disrupt digestive system a little.
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