The leek (Allium porrum) grows as an herb. It belongs to the Alliaceae family. This family also includes garlic and onion. People have known about the health perks of leeks for hundreds of years. These days most folks just think of leeks as food. When we eat leeks, we stick to the light green leaves and white stems. We tend to skip the dark green leaves because they’re too tough and stringy.
Yet eating the darker green leaves, cut into small pieces or juiced, is worth considering because they pack more vitamins and minerals. Even though leeks have a strong flavor, they offer subtler notes than onions.
Leeks show up in many dishes, whether raw or cooked, but you can also squeeze out a tasty juice from them.
Health benefits of leek juice
People have known about the healing powers of leeks for a very long time.
If you’re okay with how leeks taste, drinking their juice can help you tackle many health issues and enjoy their many good qualities.
1. How leek juice helps with anemia
Leeks contain plenty of iron, which your body needs to make hemoglobin. This protein allows red blood cells to carry oxygen all over your body. Because of this leek juice can help fight different kinds of anemia, including the type caused by not having enough iron in your diet.
The vitamin C in leeks boosts its absorption. Leek juice helps people with arthritis, gout, or urinary tract inflammation because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities.
2. Works as an aphrodisiac
Leeks, onions, garlic, and celery have been known to increase desire for centuries. Try leek and celery juice to spice up your love life!
3. Leek juice aids digestion
Leeks can help your digestive system work better and improve gut movement because they’re high in fiber. They also help good bacteria grow in your colon, which can make your digestion better and reduce bloating if you drink the juice.
4. Leek juice helps blood pressure
Leeks are rich in potassium, a key mineral that makes you pee more and helps lower and control blood pressure. This makes leek juice good for people with high blood pressure.
5. Helps control cholesterol
Leeks cut down on how much cholesterol your gut absorbs and how much LDL oxidizes in your blood. This helps stop plaque from building up in your arteries.
6. Boosts brain function
Magnesium, phosphorus, and folate are crucial for your nervous system to work well. They help improve focus, memory, and how your brain handles information. Folate is key to stopping brain problems in babies.
7. Cleans out your body
Perhaps the biggest perk of leeks is how they clean out your whole body. They help get rid of toxins by making your colon cleanse itself.
My advice:
You can juice both the stem and all the leaves of a leek. Keep in mind that the darker leaves have more vitamins and minerals.
Leek juice tastes great with carrot and celery juice.
Side effects of leek juice
We don’t know much about the side effects of leek juice.