Chives are a green vegetable with a mild onion-like flavor. Locally, they are grown in Eastern parts of the country mainly by family growers. This is a herb with a similar flavor to scallion and garlic, and it’s mostly used to flavor food. Those who are familiar with the herb say that it’s the main ingredient of a chicken dish that locals refer to as peri peri. It can also be added to numerous dishes for added flavor. Nutrients The use of chives in meals guarantees almost an equal recommended daily value of vitamin C for disease control, at 96 per cent margins. With zero cholesterol and no fat, studies show that chives are a good option for any person battling cardiac ailments. Rene Tabaro, a nutritionist at King Faisal Hospital says chives are a nutrient-dense food, meaning that they are low in calories but high in beneficial nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. He says that they contain a range of beneficial nutrients that may offer some health benefits, including anticancer effects. Also, chives contain nutrients that are important for sleep and bone health. In fact, some researchers have also linked the chemicals in chives and other allium vegetables with anticancer effects. According to Tabaro, it’s believed that one tablespoon of fresh, raw chive provides less than 3 calories, most of which come from carbohydrate (fiber) and protein. To get a significant amount of these nutrients, he says it’s recommended that a person would have to eat a large quantity of chives. When it comes to vitamins, Tabaro says chives contain vitamin K, which is important for bone health and blood clotting. Other sources of vitamin K include leafy green vegetables, vegetable oils, and fruits including blueberries. Meanwhile, minerals in chives include calcium (3 mg), phosphorus (1.7 mg), and potassium (8.9 mg). But eating a serving of chives will not significantly contribute to your vitamins for the day. Studies show that vitamins in chives include vitamin A (3 percent of your recommended daily intake), vitamin C (3 percent), vitamin K (8percent), and folate (1percent). Also, research has linked vegetable-rich diets with a reduced risk of many types of cancer. Aside from this, chives are also known to contain a small amount of choline, which is an important nutrient that helps maintain the structure of cellular membranes. Choline also helps with mood, memory, muscle control, and other brain and nervous system functions. Still, on vitamin K, Tabaro notes that this is an important vitamin for long-term bone health. “Vitamin K assists the regulation of cells that help to prevent bone demineralization. It also helps with the production of a bone protein called osteocalcin, which is vital for maintaining bone mineral density,” he says. The high levels of vitamins C in this herb help boost the efficacy of the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells and stimulating the production of collagen. Tabaro says collagen is an essential component in the creation of new blood vessels, cells, tissues, and muscles.
