Chives
Chives: Health Benefits & Cooking Tips
What nutrients are found in chives, and why should you incorporate this plant into your meals? Our dedicated chive guide covers the key health benefits chives provide and how to incorporate them into your diet.
As part of the Allium family of plants, chives are cousins with onions and leeks. Traditional folk remedies used chives treat anaemia, stimulate digestion and ease up an upset stomach. This week Dietitian Dr. Linia Patel summarises the health benefits of chives.
Chives are a key ingredient in many of our low FODMAP meals to add flavour in the absence of onions and garlic (as they are low in fructans).
Rich in
- Vitamin C
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Vitamin K
- Quercetin
- Allicins
Key health benefits
May improves heart health. Allicins, the powerful antioxidants found in chives are linked to lower levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol as well as improved blood vessel function. Chives also contain quercetin another antioxidant found to reduce inflammation. All these benefits cut the risk of plaque build-up in your arteries (1).
Supports immune health. The high levels of vitamin C found in chives may help the immune system work better by stimulating the production of white blood cells which help fight infection (2).
May improve bone strength. Both calcium and vitamin K found in chives are vital for long-term bone health. Vitamin K helps produce osteocalcin which is important for maintaining bone mineral density in bones which is of value particularly as we age (3).
May help lower your risk of cancer. Chives are rich in antioxidants like quercetin and lutein which help protect against cancers such as breast, colon, prostate and uterus (4).
Chef's tips
Chives are commonly eaten as garnish however they also make a great substitute for spring onions and garlic in recipes. Other ways to include them in your diet are:
- Tossing them in a fresh salad or in an omelette
- Adding them to a sandwich or a baked potato
related content
April is IBS Awareness Month, and we want people with IBS to fall in love with food again. We understand how frustrating mealtimes can be for those with IBS, and in this article offer 10 top tips to help manage IBS and enjoy food again.
Food Fix by Dr. Mark Hyman sets out a powerful solution-based manifesto of how we can improve our health, and that of our planet, through the food choices we make. Read the team's thoughts on the book, alongside a summary and key takeaways.
more content: Hero Ingredients
Brazil Nuts are one of Field Doctor's hero ingredients, being packed full of essential nutrients and providing many key health benefits. Check out our guide to Brazil Nuts, alongside how to incorporate more of this nut into your diet.
Quinoa, a pseudo-grain with many health benefits, is an important hero ingredient, forming the backbone of many meals as they are a complete protein. Learn more about quinoa and how to best incorporate this superfood into your diet.
Not only is butternut squash delicious, but it is also packed full of nutrients to contribute to your health. Learn more in our dedicated butternut squash guide, and explore why we feature this hero ingredient in so many of our healthy ready meals.
browse our ranges.
choose from one of our ranges or personalise your own menu from 60+ meals.
- low FODMAP
- eat well, live well programme
- gluten free
- high protein
- weight management
- ibs
- lowest calorie
- lower carbs
- mediterranean
- smaller range
- pcos
- lean + lighter
- menopause
- heart healthy
- plans
- full menu
- gift cards
- take the quiz