Why You Should Add Chives To Your Diet

The little green leaves that come on your fries or baked potatoes may be doing more good for your body than you think. Chives taste similar to onions, but are actually a vegetable themselves — as such, they're a part of the allium genus, which includes garlic, leeks, and onions, as explained by Medical News Today.

Nutrient-dense and loaded with vitamins and minerals, chives may be beneficial in fighting cancer cells, as well. According to the outlet, a 2015 study found that those who ate allium vegetables — like chives — frequently had a lower risk of certain cancers, including gastrointestinal cancer. Essentially, chives' high levels of "sulfur-containing compounds and antimicrobial benefits" make them a useful ally in staying healthy. 

Packed with Vitamin K, chives may also aid in bone strength for this same reason by increasing bone mineral density, per Dr. Axe. So you might consider adding chives to other Vitamin K-dense foods, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and scallions, for a bone-strengthening boost. And if you suffer from chronic inflammation, the publication notes that chives can offer valuable antioxidants to fight off diseases associated with this common issue, as well.

Choline is a nutrient found in chives, which proves valuable in countless bodily functions — like "maintain[ing] the structure of cellular membranes," according to Medical News Today. It also aids in mood, muscle control, memory, and various other central nervous system functions. 

While it's not enough to meet your full daily supply of choline, adding chives to your meals can boost this vital nutrient in your diet. Plus, if you're low on Vitamin B, chives also contain folate, which is just a water-soluble version of the vitamin. Folate may also be beneficial those with conditions like depression, dementia, cancer, and more — so getting enough of it is important for a variety of other functions.

If all of this isn't enough for you to run to the store to stock up on chives, these little green onions also contain the powerful carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for your eyesight, as noted by the outlet. So you can top your omelets, potatoes, eggs, pastas, casseroles, and more meals with these green gems for a flavorful, healthy addition.