Leeks
Leeks (Allium porrum) aka: puerros, are long tube shaped vegetables with firm folded green leaves at their tops and small thread like roots at their base. The flesh of leeks consists of many thin layers stacked on top of each other.
Health benefits of Leeks
- Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Regulation of Blood Sugar and Insulin Dependence
- Slowing the progression of AIDS
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke Prevention
- Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
- Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
- Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Alleviation of the Common Cold
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
- Alleviation of Inflammation
Some of these health benefits come from nutrients concentrated in this food, and may not be effects of the food itself.
How to choose Leeks
Look for vibrantly colored leeks with few cracks or signs of wilting. The thinner the leeks are the more tender they will be, so avoid thick leeks unless you plan on slow cooking them in a stew.
How to store Leeks
Leeks can be stored in a plastic bag in the fridge and will last one to two weeks.
Climate and origin
Leeks are thought to have originated from central Asia and are now grown in warm temperate to tropical climates around the world. (Zones 5-10 in the U.S.)
Taste
Leeks have a mildly pungent taste that is a bit sharp. They are crisp when raw and soften when cooked.
Miscellaneous information
Leeks were considered sacred plants in Egypt where swearing by the Leek was the same as swearing by the Gods.
Similar tasting produce
Nutrition facts
| Nutrition Facts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | |||
| 100 grams (100g) | |||
| Calories | 61 | ||
| % Daily Value * | |||
| Total Fat 0.3g | 0% | ||
| Saturated Fat 0.04g | 0% | ||
| Trans Fat 0g | |||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 20mg | 1% | ||
| Total Carbohydrate 14.2g | 5% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 1.8g | 6% | ||
| Total Sugars 3.9g | 8% | ||
| Includes --g Added Sugars | --% | ||
| Protein 1.5g | 3% | ||
| Vitamin C 12mg | 13% | ||
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | ||
| Iron 2.1mg | 12% | ||
| Calcium 59mg | 5% | ||
| Potassium 180mg | 4% | ||
| Phosphorus 35mg | 3% | ||
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |||