Yıldırım Beyazıt University Faculty of Medicine Lecturer Prof. Dr. Aysun Mr. Karabulut listed the unknown benefits of leeks, which are consumed abundantly, especially in the winter months, on human health.
Stating that leeks come from the allium family, that is, actually from the onion-garlic family, and grow especially in the Central and Eastern Mediterranean region, Prof. Dr. Karabulut stated that the origin and cultivation of leek dates back to ancient times.
Pointing out that leek, which has a culinary history of thousands of years, was also grown by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Mesopotamians, Karabulut said, “Over time, it spread to various parts of Europe and gained an important place in various regional cuisines. Today, leeks are grown in many parts of the world and are preferred for their mild onion taste and variety in cooking. It is known that it is grown on the Mediterranean coast, and there is evidence that it grows especially in moist soil. It also grows easily in the desert climate. In pharmacology and pharmaceutical science, leeks were eaten at the end of meals to facilitate sleep, especially during the Roman period, which claimed that it contained a substance similar to opiates with sedative properties. “They reported that they fell asleep easily this way,” he said.
Stating that leeks, which are widely grown as spices and condiments around the world, also contain secondary metabolites such as essential oils for health purposes, Karabulut said, “Polysaccharides, phenols and other sulfur-containing compounds. These active ingredients not only give bulbous plants a unique scent, but also provide fragrance. The unique scent of different bulb plants mainly contains different cysteine precursors, mainly alliin and isoalliin.
Organic sulphites are one of the main bioactive components found in plants, and consumption of sulfur-containing vegetables has a positive effect on human health. “It is known for its rich organic sulphides,” he said.
THERE ARE MANY HEALTH BENEFITS
Stating that Leek, which is low in calories, is an excellent source of sulfite-containing antioxidants such as vitamins C, K and beta-carotene, Professor of Plants Aysun Bay Karabulut said, “Leek has anti-aging properties due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is thought that its ability to protect eye health is mediated by vitamin K, especially the zeaxanthin it contains among the carotenoids. It protects against the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Scientific studies show that it protects healthy bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Leeks are healthy for your heart and contribute to reducing your heart rate. They are a good source of folate and B6. Let’s also note that it reduces the risk of stroke. It prevents narrowing of the arteries by trying to keep homocysteine levels balanced, reducing vascular damage and the formation of blood clots.