Are you looking for an easy way to lose weight? You are obviously not alone! There are so many complicated weight loss methods and diets that lead people to give up quite quickly! It is often suggested to eat more vegetables and fewer carbohydrates to lose weight. That is true! But did you know that leek has particular properties helping to lose fat and weight. Let's see a few of them!
The scientific name for leek is Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum. It belongs to the family of the Alliaceae along with onion, shallots and garlic.
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Energetic Value
How many calories are in leeks? Boiled leeks energetic value per 100 g (3.5 oz) is 70 Kcal. It is a vegetable very low in calories and low in saturated fat.
Nutritional Value
Leek provides a lot of dietary fiber. It supplies a great amount of calcium, potassium, iron, vitamins A, B9 (folic acid), and C. This vegetable contains also vitamins E, B6, K, manganese, magnesium, and beta-carotene (in the green stems).
Properties
Leek reduces cholesterol levels and may offer protection against cancer thanks to its sulfur compounds. It helps maintaining a healthy heart too. Because it is low in sodium and high in potassium, leek can help to fight water retention. Fructosans (polysaccharides of fructose) in leeks have diuretic properties. Fibers in leek promote intestine's motility and reduce fat absorption. So it helps to lose weight. Additionally, leeks have antiseptic and anti-arthritic properties.
Diet suggestions
Leek soup is a great idea for anybody who wants to lose weight easily. But you need to respect these two following rules:
1) Eat leeks the way you want (salads or soups) avoiding to include a lot of vegetal or animal fat (a few drops of olive oil and lemon juice would be enough).
2) Eat leeks, others vegetables, fruits and drink a lot of fluid (0% calories) for two or three days. After this short period of time, eat as usual but healthy food such as low fat protein (fish or skinless chicken), wholegrain carbohydrates and good fat (avoid Saturated and Trans Fats). After a reasonable period (1 week for example), go back on leek diet.
Is There an Easy Way to Lose Weight Naturally? - Leek Properties Help to Lose Weight Safely
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Alexis Roger is a French biochemist who loves investigating and teaching. He has studied various fields of science such as pharmacology, physiology, endocrinology, chemistry, bacteriology, anatomy and botanic. He displays a great interest in international alternative medicine therapies.