Endive is also known as Cichorium. It belongs to the Asteraceae family. There are three types of endive known as frisee endive, curly endive and escarole endive. The leaves of this are wide and spherical and they have a smooth surface.
There is a slight curve on the edge of these leaves. There are many salads in which endive is used as ingredient. It tastes well when it is cooked and combined with other vegetables. Also, the leaves of endive make a nutritious garnish option. You should not overcook the endive leaves because they can lose their nutrition. You should buy organic this because it is free from chemicals and preservatives.
Health benefits of endive
Improves skin condition: Endives are rich in Vitamin E that is a vitamin needed for healthy and glowing skin. When you consume a nutrient – dense diet, then the results of it can be shown on your face. You can eat endive salad if you want to improve your beauty. The Vitamin E will make your skin firm and it will provide a natural glow.
Helps with anorexia: Anorexia is a psychological disorder in which a person thinks he/she is overweight and it ends up starving. This mental state leads to constant weight loss which makes them very thin. When you are not eating properly, then it affects the patient’s health and quality of life. When you eat endive, then it will increase your appetite but also it will give you a sense of eating food with limited or no calories which can help you to overcome the anorexia.
Lowers high cholesterol: We know that processed foods or dishes that have excessive fats can disrupt the cholesterol levels in the body. If the cholesterol levels increase in your bloodstream, then it can lead to hypertension and other cardiovascular problems. Endive is a great food for your diet because it does not have excessive fats and calories. You should add endive to your salads and soups.
Prevents gallstone disease: If you have high calcium levels in your gallbladder or high cholesterol levels in your blood, then it can lead to the onset of gallstone disease. You should add this leaves to different recipes or drink this juice as your home remedy for gallstone disease. It has enzymes and acids which can help to improve the functioning of your gallbladder.
Promotes digestion: It has dietary fiber which it makes it excellent laxative that can help in the treatment of many gastric problems. It can help to prevent the risk of indigestion. You can consume moderate amounts of It on daily basis so in this way you will treat the constipation. You can munch on some raw endives because it can combat appetite problems. If you do not like the slightly bitter taste of It, then you should cook endives to get all of its benefits but never overcook it.
Treats asthma: It has anti – inflammatory components which can help to control the asthma attacks. this works well in every form but usually in a case of asthma is recommended drinking it as a juice form. You should blend equal portion of this leaves, celery leaves and carrot and add ½ teaspoon of honey for flavor. The endive juice is ideal way to reduce your respiratory disorders. You should know that asthma is a serious health condition and you should always consult with your doctor before you start using some home remedy.
Boosts eye health: It is rich in essential nutrients and it can make wonders for your eyes. It can prevent weak eyesight and it will help you to stay away from some risk factors that lead to eye diseases. Older people have increased chances of getting macular degeneration, cataracts or glaucoma so they should eat cooked or raw it to stay away from age – related complications. Also, you can add It to the diet of your children because it can help them to have healthy eyesight.
Maintains psychological health: Free radicals affect the brain and this leads to chronic disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. It has pantothenic acid, folic acid and potassium which can improve your brain health.
