Chive

Why You Need It

• Immune Support: Chives are rich in Vitamin C, which acts as a major antioxidant to protect your cells from damage.
• Bone Health: They are one of the best natural sources of Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and strong bones.
• Eye Health: The carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) in chives help filter harmful blue light and protect against age-related macular degeneration.

Deep Dive

Chives work by delivering high concentrations of micronutrients in a low-calorie package. The Vitamin K activates proteins that help mineralize your bones, while the Vitamin C boosts collagen production for healthy skin and joints. Furthermore, chives contain quercetin, a flavonoid that helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease. Because they are closely related to garlic, they also contain small amounts of sulfur compounds that support detoxification pathways in the liver.

Natural Food Sources

The best way to consume chives is fresh, as heat destroys some of their Vitamin C content. They are versatile and can be added to almost any savory dish.

Supplementation

Chives are rarely sold as a standalone supplement (pill). However, they are often found in:

• Green Superfood Powders: Dried and powdered for smoothies.
• Allium Complex Supplements: Often combined with garlic and onion extracts for heart health.
• Usage: There is no official Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for chives specifically. Eating 1-2 tablespoons daily is sufficient to gain antioxidant benefits.

⚠️ Interactions: Because chives are high in Vitamin K, they can interact with blood thinners like Warfarin (Coumadin). Consistency is key here—do not drastically increase or decrease your intake if you are on these meds.