Superfood - Leeks

Leeks owe many of their superpowers to their organosulfur compounds, phytochemicals that may carry immune-boosting benefits. Those compounds have been credited with everything from boosting immunity to kicking cancer and can be found in other allium family vegetables too, including garlic, onions, and shallots. Studies have shown leeks could help protect the digestive system from stomach and gastric cancers— though researchers believe garlic may be more powerful than other allium veggies— but further studies are needed to be sure . Getting a healthy dose of allium veggies could also protect against prostate cancer. Researchers are still uncertain exactly why leeks may help prevent cancer, but it’s been suggested they could stop the spread of cancer cells, foil carcinogens’ evil plots, and beat up damaging free radicals . These veggies know how to get down to business!

But leeks have more than just cancer-fighting skills. They’re low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals, too— just one cup packs more than 30 percent of the daily value of vitamins A and K, and about 15 percent of the daily recommended folate and manganese intakes. The vitamin A helps maintain healthy skin, teeth, and eyes, while upping folate may decrease the risk for heart disease (not to mention pregnancy complications). Manganese, meanwhile, could help alleviate symptoms of PMS