6 good reasons to eat leeks

Leeks could help boost your brain health because they are a good source of iron (which is important for red blood cells) and manganese (a mineral we need to help regulate brain and nerve function). The sulphur compounds found in onions and leeks could als

Memory Enhancing Fight Oxidation

When it comes to heart health, leeks are one of the best vegetables to eat regularly. They’re an excellent source of vitamin K, which is necessary for efficient blood clotting, and the antioxidants, polyphenols and sulphur compounds in leeks help fight oxidation (which damages your cells and contributes to illnesses like diabetes and heart disease). Leeks contain amounts of flavonoid kaempferol, which helps protect blood vessel linings from damage. Often overlooked in leeks is their concentration of B vitamin folate, found in the green leafy section, as well as the white lower leaf and bulb.

Cancer Fighting

Leeks boast an array of cancer-fighting compounds. Test-tube research shows that kaempferol may help f} ight cancer by reducing inflammation, killing cancer cells and preventing the cells from spreading. The allicin in leeks offers similar anti-cancer properties. Human studies demonstrate that those who regularly eat alliums, including leeks, may have up to a 46% lower risk of gastric cancer than those who rarely do. To get maximum allicin from alliums, chop and allow to sit for at least five minutes before cooking.

Great For Immunity

Leeks are a good source of carotenoids, including beta carotene, which your body uses to convert into vitamin A. This vitamin is important for vision, reproduction and cell communication, and also for healthy function of the immune system. Leeks come with the immunity-bolstering bonus of kaempferol, which helps protect against bacterial, viral and yeast infections.

}Good For Digestion

Leeks are a good source of fibre to keep the gut moving, and to steady the peaks and troughs of erratic blood sugar levels. The “good” bacteria which line our gut thrive on a diet of soluble fibre (also known as prebiotic fibre), and that’s something leeks have in abundance, too. Research also suggests that a prebiotic-rich diet may aid your body’s absorption of important nutrients, which can boost your overall health.