Health Benefits of Leeks

Leeks are part of the onion family, related to the garlic and chive. The leek has a sweet, subtle flavor, not as harsh as the onion. It has been cultivated for 3,000 years and originated in Asia and the Mediterranean. Welsh soldiers in 640 A.D. wore leeks in their helmets to distinguish each other from the Saxon enemy. Leeks are still a very popular vegetable in Europe, used in a variety of dishes.

Increased Immune Function

Leeks are a rich source of vitamin A. One hundred grams contain approximately 33 percent of your daily recommended total. Vitamin A is also known as the anti-infective vitamin, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. It functions by maintaining the integrity and health of the mucosal linings of your nose, throat, urinary tract and digestive tract. Vitamin A also plays a key role in the development and activation of white blood cells. 

Anti-Bacterial Properties

The leek has anti-bacterial properties. Although not as potent as its cousin garlic, leeks contain a compound called alliinase. When the leeks are cut, aliinase reacts with oxygen to form a sulphur composite called allicin. Allicin's anti-bacterial effectiveness was successfully tested against staphyloccus in a 2004 study in the "British Journal of Biomedical Science." Another 2004 study in the "International Journal of Food Microbiology" also found allicin effective against bacterial strains of coli found in chicken. Allicin is inactivated by heat, so let a cut leek stand for about 10 minutes before cooking to enjoy its maximum benefits.

Prebiotic

Leeks belong to a group of carbohydrates called oligosaccharides, which include inulins and fructo-oligosaccharides. In the lower bowel, these carbohydrates promote the growth of healthy bacteria by modifying the metabolic activity of harmful microflora into bifidobacteria. A 1999 article in the "British Medical Journal" noted several studies in which subjects were fed prebiotics in the form of fructo-oligosaccharides. The results showed a tenfold increase of bifidobacteria in the lower intestine.

Diuretic

Fluid retention, or edema, is the swelling or accumulation of excess fluids in the interstitial spaces between your cells or in your circulatory system. Accumulation is usually most noticeable in the feet, ankles, fingers or face. Swelling is usually a symptom of an underlying condition or disease, such as pregnancy, allergies, kidney or liver disease or exposure to heat. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests eating leeks to support medical treatment due to its diuretic properties. Always consult a physician before using any new treatment.