What Are Chives? Nutritional Value, Benefits and Claims

What Are Chives?

Chives, scientifically known as Allium schoenoprasum and also called leaf onion in our country, are a green vegetable with a mild onion-like taste. They are the smallest species in the onion family. Native to Europe, Asia and North America, they are classified in the Allium family with garlic, onions and leeks.

Chives are perennial plants that can grow to around 30–50 cm. They are rich in vitamins A and C and contain trace amounts of sulfur and iron. People have used vegetables in this group for centuries for their health benefits and the pungent flavor they add to food.

Chives are said to contain nutrients that benefit sleep and bone health. Some studies suggest that certain chemicals in chives and other allium vegetables have anticancer effects.

What Is the Nutritional Value of Chives?

Chives are nutrient-dense: low in calories but rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients beneficial to health (see how much dietary fiber should we consume?)

People mostly use chives as a garnish, generally serving 1 tablespoon.

What Does 1 Tablespoon of Chives Contain?

• Energy: 0.9 calories
• Vitamin K: 6.38 micrograms, or 5% of daily needs
• Vitamin C: 1.74 milligrams, or 2% of daily needs
• Folate: 3.15 micrograms, or 1% of daily needs
• Vitamin A: 6.43 micrograms, or 1% of daily needs
• Calcium: 2.76 milligrams, or less than 1% of daily needs
• Potassium: 8.88 milligrams, or less than 1% of daily needs

Claims and Facts About Chives and Cancer

Vegetables are ideal foods because of their healthy nutrient content. Research shows that a diet rich in vegetables has risk-reducing —rather than therapeutic—properties for many cancers. Some studies particularly recommend green vegetables in the Allium group, which includes chives.

A 2019 study suggested that 16 Allium vegetables might reduce the risk of cancer developing. It is unclear whether this protective effect comes from certain substances in these vegetables or their high fiber content and low calorie content.

Compounds in these vegetables thought to have anticancer properties include S‐allyl mercaptocysteine, quercetin, flavonoids and ajoene.

A study involving 285 women found that garlic and leeks reduced breast cancer risk. However, the authors suggested that consuming excessive amounts of cooked onion might increase breast cancer risk (for the risks of consuming excessive garlic, we recommend our article here ).

The authors of this review explain that Allium vegetables may help prevent cancer. Garlic and onions have been studied extensively, but there is insufficient research on chives. More research is therefore needed to establish how much should be consumed daily to produce an effect.

In conclusion, these studies do not allow us to say that "chives prevent cancer." However, many epidemiological studies based on population observations have shown that a diet emphasizing green vegetables modestly reduces the risk of gastrointestinal cancers in particular.

How Do Chives Affect Sleep and Mood?

Chives contain small amounts of choline, an important nutrient in cell membranes. Choline is thought to have beneficial effects on the nervous system.

Adequate choline intake is 550 mg daily for men and 425 mg for women.

Chives provide only 0.16 mg of choline per 1 tablespoon. To obtain enough, people are advised to eat chives along with other choline-containing foods.

Other Health Benefits of Chives and Other Allium Vegetables:

A Source of Vitamin K

Chives are important for bone health and blood clotting because they contain vitamin K. Other sources of vitamin K include green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils and fruits such as blueberries and figs.

- Related Topic: What Is Vitamin K2? Is Taking Vitamin D Without K2 Wrong?

A Source of Folate

Chives contain folate. Water-soluble B vitamins play a role in the following conditions:

• Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• Cancer
• Congenital heart defects
• Cognitive function
• Cardiovascular diseases and stroke
• Depression
• Premature birth
• Eye Health

- Related Topic: Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: What Doctors and Users Should Know

Chives also contain the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. Some research suggests that they accumulate in the retina and help protect against age-related macular degeneration. A diet rich in these substances is therefore beneficial for vision.

Inflammation

There is no research examining a link between chives and inflammation. A 2015 study reported that Allium vegetables might reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is associated with various health problems, including heart disease and some cancers.

Dietary Considerations

Food allergies to chives are uncommon, but people with intolerance or allergy to onions or other Allium vegetables should avoid them. They are advised to seek medical advice before adding chives to their diet.

Consuming too many chives may also cause stomach problems in some people. Most, however, can safely include chives in their diet.

Chives add a mild onion-like flavor to food. People generally use them as a garnish on main dishes or in salads. They can also replace onions in other recipes.

Some Dishes Using Chives:

• Omelets
• Chicken dishes
• Pasta
• Casseroles

Conclusion

Chives are a green vegetable in the onion family whose name has only recently become familiar in our country. Their onion-like flavor is milder, and their structure resembles the green onions familiar to us. Relatively little scientific research has examined them, and their potential health benefits appear similar to those of many leafy green vegetables.