Chives

Chives, common name of Allium schoenoprasum, are an aromatic plant of the Liliaceae family. The herb contains mineral salts such as potassium , magnesium, iron, calcium, selenium, zinc, and vitamins, vitamin A, group B, C, E, K, that prevents bone demineralization, and J. Chives contain also antioxidant substances such as lutein and zeaxanthin and its sulphur compounds are able to induce the apoptosis, that means the death, of cancer cells, as reported in the book “Anti-Cancer” written by dr. David Servan-Schreiber. This herb has also detox, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and digestive properties, it helps against abdominal bloating and flatulence . Chives play a role in controlling the cholesterol levels as well as making more flexible the walls of the blood vessels and regularizing blood pressure. Cut into pieces some chives and add to your dishes, soups or salads, in order to give taste and health to the recipes. It is very simple to grow chives, in the garden or on the balcony, for this reason try to avoid using the dried herb because it loses most of its healthful substances. In the ground or in the pot chives don’t need too much care, in addition to this, the plant is resistant to diseases and pests and can also be helpful to protect other plants. Try to place chives around the base of your roses: this will keep plant lice and scale insects away, but also fruit trees can benefit because chives help also keep other types of plant diseases such as powdery mildew away.