35 Leek Recipes That Are Healthy & Delicious (Low-Carb, GF Options) (2024)

FAQs

What do leeks do for your body? ›

Leeks are also a good source of folate, a B-vitamin that's essential for cell growth and development. In addition to vitamins and minerals, leeks are also high in fibre. This can help to keep your digestive system healthy and may reduce the risk of constipation, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

Leeks (14.5g of carbs per 100g)

Carbohydrate intake is important to a healthy lifestyle, so it's key to find a balance. If you'd like to include these low carb vegetables in your diet and you live in London, check out our fresh vegetables!

Leeks have a variety of biological active effects, such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, anti-obesity, anti-oxidation and anti-bacteria, but the action mechanisms of these biological effects are still unclear.

Leek is richer in some vitamins and minerals compared to onion. In 100 grams of leeks, there are 2.1 g of iron — 10 times more than the amount found in onions. AgroWeb.org data on onions and leeks show that the calcium content of leeks is higher, with the exception of green onions.

Avoid leeks with cuts or bruises. The dark green tops of leeks should look fresh. Avoid leeks with yellowing or wilting tops. Choose smaller, younger leeks when you want to eat them uncooked.

Packed with dietary fibre and prebiotics, leeks play a vital role in supporting a healthy digestive system. The fibre content in leeks promotes regular bowel movements, aiding in the smooth passage of waste and preventing constipation.

Radishes

For a root vegetable, it is low in carb (with a net carb of just 2 grams, one of the lowest carb indeed) and calories, its fiber and vitamin C content is quite impressive. The best way to enjoy radishes is to eat raw – simply slice or dice. One cup of radishes provides: Calories: 18.

With a milder flavour they are incredibly versatile in cooking and add a subtle yet punchy flavour to many dishes. Not only are leeks packed with essential vitamins and minerals they are rich in specific health promoting antioxidants and particular types of fibre known to promote a healthy gut.

Eggplants, peppers, tomatoes and potatoes are all members of the nightshade family. These vegetables contain the chemical solanine, which some people claim aggravates arthritis pain and inflammation.

Are leeks good for arthritis? ›

Studies have shown that people who regularly ate foods from the allium family – such as garlic, onions and leeks – showed fewer signs of early osteoarthritis. Researchers believe the compound diallyl disulphine found in garlic may limit cartilage-damaging enzymes in human cells.

Leeks may improve your digestion. That's in part because they're a source of soluble fiber, including prebiotics, which work to keep your gut healthy ( 31 ). These bacteria then produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate.

Leeks may protect against certain types of cancer

Studies suggest that people who regularly eat leeks and other allium vegetables may have up to a 46 percent lower risk of gastric cancer than people who don't eat them, but further studies are needed to be sure. Leeks may also protect you from colorectal cancer.

Leek is an expensive crop to grow, because it is labor intensive. Hand labor is required for all stages of production including: transplanting, weeding, harvesting, washing and packing.

Leeks are sweeter and milder than onions and can be eaten raw. If cooking, wash before steaming, boiling, or pan-frying. Any recipe that calls for onions can be easily replaced by leeks.

Magical Leek Soup is a broth made from boiling leeks in water. It is a mild diuretic and a secret diet food for French women for generations. The practice, as written by Mireille Guiliano in her book, "French women don't get fat" is to sip the broth throughout the day and eat the boiled leeks as the meal.

Leeks have diuretic and antiseptic properties and eating them in their own broth promotes detoxing and is good for everything from your digestion to your kidneys. Because of their soluble fiber and probiotic content, leeks promote healthy bacteria in the gut, which in turn can reduce inflammation.

A new study suggests prebiotics rich diet contributes to a better night's sleep.