LEEK And GARLIC The Little Wonders of Nature! A Brief History and Its Medicinal Uses

Here is a short summary of  ‘leek’ the wonderful vegetable and its medicinal uses.   Leeks are closely connected to onions and garlics but have a milder taste.

They are mainly used in soups, they can be steamed, boiled or braised, and roasted with meat or chicken.

However, more care should be taken while using it in cooking.  Before using for cooking it should be cleaned thoroughly. 

To do this you should make a slit on one side of the trimmed leek, and cut off the root, then clean the dirt and grit from insides by placing the cut under running water and letting it flow through the leek.

Though it can be eaten raw, it is usually used for vegetable stock in making mainly soups.  

It is very interesting to note that this plant and its root/bulb has been used for medicinal purposes by more cultures than any other plant product or substance.

The history says that its first use was by the Sumerians of Mesopotamia, in the regions of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.  Archeologists have discovered paintings of garlic, dating back to 3200 B.C, in Egyptian tombs, including the Great Pyramid of Cheops. Egyptians worshiped garlic and placed clay models. 

Its protective powers have been famous for centuries. To protect his vocal sound, Emperor Nero used to eat leek every day. 

The medical journal says that the contents of flavonoid, kaempferol in Leeks can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, and it also protects blood vessels from further damages.

Leeks also contain omega-3 and -6 fatty acids which we need and it has vitamin B6 (folate) This helps reduce the risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases.

The antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin (beta-carotenoids) prevent from aging and other health problems.

It is also proved that leeks can help in atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, obesity and rheumatoid arthritis.

Since It is high in Vitamin C and potassium and also contains zinc, copper, phosphorus, Vitamins A and K, iron, manganese, and traces of selenium. The zinc and potassium content in leek have a positive influence on our sexual health, and it can boost our immune system too.

Its high content of the mineral manganese helps to defend against osteoporosis asthma. 
Iron deficiency leads to many diseases especially to the female, sufficient leek intake and other iron-rich foods can reduce the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. 

If you have type 2 diabetics your required insulin can be obtained naturally from leeks consumption. Leeks are a good source of this soluble fiber which may also help protect against colon cancer, breast cancer, diarrhea, infectious bowel diseases, and even high cholesterol.

Garlic yet another miracle food from nature.