Health Benefits Of Leeks

Leeks are a vegetable that is far too often overlooked by those who are going about their fat loss diet, but one that you may want to pay more attention to.

Leeks are a lower calorie food, so like most vegetables, not one that will increase your calorie intake any significant degree and put you at risk for fat gain.

Furthermore, leeks are relatively easy to prepare, so you won’t have to go to any extensive cooking methods to get them ready.

Let’s go over some of the main benefits that leeks have to offer so that you can see why you should start including them in your regular diet plan.

Did You Know?

Leeks contain both flavonoids as well as sulfur, making them an ideal food for promoting optimal health through reduced oxidation and free radical damage.

Leeks are considered to be an allium vegetable, which is a vegetable type that you should be including in your diet every single day if possible. Other allium vegetables include onions, garlic, and shallots.

Finally, another important point to note about leeks is that after you have finished cooking them, you’re best letting them sit for five minutes first before serving to allow their full nutrient potential to come to life.

Star Nutrients Of Leeks

Leeks are going to provide a wealth of nutrients including such ones as vitamin K, vitamin A, manganese, vitamin B6, copper, iron, folate, vitamin C, fiber, magnesium, vitamin E, calcium, and even offer a very small dose of omega fats as well.

It’s especially notable that this vegetable contains iron, providing just over 6% of your total daily needs in a one cup serving. Many women are currently not getting enough iron in their daily diet due to the fact that they aren’t taking in sufficient amounts of red meat, so it will be vital that they focus on other sources to bring their intake of this nutrient upwards.

How Leeks Help You Lose Weight

So how can adding leeks help you lose weight?

First and foremost, note their low calorie content. At 32 calories per one cup serving, there’s no question that you will easily maintain your target calorie intake with these in your diet plan.

Second, since they contain iron as noted, that will help you maintain higher energy levels overall, thus assisting with completing those intense workout sessions.

Then the omega fats that are found in leeks will also help to encourage higher insulin sensitivity, which can help you handle your carbohydrate intake better as well.

Leeks also have a very impressive antioxidant content, which can help you defend against free radical damage, allowing you to feel more energized on a day to day basis and thus more likely to keep up those intense workout sessions.

So there you have the primary facts to know about leeks. Try them sautéed in a little garlic, added raw to salads, or used in broths or stews for enhanced flavor.