The flora of our planet is so diverse that even very similar cultures can have completely different qualities and have different effects on the human body.
Beets and chard have the same “roots”. They are descended from the wild beet that once grew in the Mediterranean. Now these are actually two antipodes, beets are grown to obtain a root crop, and chard to collect the aerial part.
Chard is a herbaceous plant that does not tolerate frost well. At its core, this is a kind of beet, only the leaves of the plant are eaten. There are two varieties of this plant:
chives chard (Roman cabbage);
stem variety, used with stems.
In our country, this plant appeared not so long ago, but it is becoming more and more popular among adherents of a healthy lifestyle and nutrition.
Chard, composition , calories, vitamins and minerals
The plant contains a complete set of nutrients needed by the human body. It has a lot of ash, dietary fiber, carbohydrates and proteins, and, most importantly, very little fat.
The leaves of the plant contain unsaturated acids, manganese, iron, potassium, selenium, calcium and copper. Chard is rich in carotene, vitamin PP and K. It contains a lot of retinol, ascorbic acid and tocopherol. The calorie content of the product does not exceed 19 units.
What is useful chard
Even the Ancient Greeks knew that the plant is an effective blood purifier. It was he who was advised to use in the presence of fever and blood diseases.
Chard is useful for teeth, as it contains the optimal amount of calcium and magnesium. It is an effective remedy for the prevention of anemia, helps to normalize blood glucose levels. This is due to the presence of syringic acid and iron.
B vitamins can improve brain activity, and antioxidants cleanse the body of toxins.
The plant is very beneficial for the human organs of vision. It contains large amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin .
Chard helps the heart muscle to work normally and has a beneficial effect on the activity of the pancreas.
The benefits of chard for women and men
For both sexes of mankind, chard is useful in that it is an effective remedy for the development of cancer. It effectively copes with the cleansing of the body and has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system.
Good results can be achieved at the initial stage of diabetes and anemia if the leaves of the plant are regularly consumed.
Vitamin K has a positive effect on the brain, prevents degenerative processes during the development of cataracts.
Regular use of chard leaves will help preserve the beauty of the hair and prevent rapid hair loss.
Chard during pregnancy and breastfeeding
During pregnancy and after childbirth, the plant allows you to gently cleanse the blood and normalize blood sugar levels. Plant pigments have a positive effect on the metabolic process and cleanse the body of the mother and child.
Is it possible for children to have chard
In childhood, chard will be useful as a mild laxative and diuretic. Leaves are recommended in the presence of diseases of the kidneys and thyroid gland.
For children, the plant is also useful as a tonic for the teeth and organs of vision.
Is chard good for weight loss
The main benefit of the plant is that it effectively cleanses the body. In European countries, the plant has long been used in dietary nutrition. Chard is low-calorie and rich in nutrients that are so necessary during dietary nutrition. And most importantly, there is no cholesterol in chard.
chard for diabetes
The plant, in the presence of diabetes, can be consumed only in limited quantities. Although this rule also applies to healthy people. The fact is that vitamin K contained in chard, if there is an overabundance in the body, will cause blood thickening. This condition is a risk of blockage of blood vessels.
How to take chard medicinally
The leaves of the plant are used in folk medicine to relieve headaches. The sheet is simply applied to the head.
From the leaves and petioles of the plant, a decoction is prepared and used for sore throats.
If you squeeze the juice from the plant, it will help stop the bleeding. For external use, a hand or other injured part of the body is wrapped with a bandage soaked in the juice of the plant. Juice can be used for compresses.
A decoction of the leaves of the plant allows you to cope with beriberi and prevent it, relieve the symptoms of anemia. Such a drink will be useful in the presence of tumors.
Chard is recommended for use with increased excitability and if insomnia is present.
The leaves are also used as a diuretic. Recipe for decoction: 50 g of leaves are mixed with 500 ml of water. The mixture is boiled for about 12 minutes on a steam bath.
Chard, harm and contraindications
As mentioned earlier, vitamin K in large quantities can cause blood to thicken. Therefore, you should not abuse chard. It can also cause an aggravation of the disease, due to the large amount of oxalic acid.
Due to beta-carotene, the plant increases blood viscosity, which should also be taken into account in the presence of thrombophlebitis or varicose veins.
Naturally, you should never forget about the possibility of an allergic reaction. Chard, like any other product, may not be perceived by the human body.
How to eat chard and what can be cooked
Most of the benefits come from eating fresh leaves. They are put in salads. They go great with kale, spinach and salad.
Chard is suitable for adding to vegetable stews, soups and casseroles. The plant can even replace asparagus in a dish. The leaves are suitable for making cabbage rolls.
If you suspect a large amount of nitrates in the leaves, it is recommended to boil them a little first.
Chard is suitable for preservation, it is added to jars with cucumbers or tomatoes.
As a side dish, the leaves are suitable for meat and fish dishes. They are added to pizza and casseroles.
How to choose and store
Leaves of good quality should have a bright color. They should shine, there should be no brown spots. The best chard should be crispy and juicy.
It is recommended to wash the leaves only before use. You can not soak them, they quickly lose useful substances. Many eminent culinary experts recommend giving preference to young leaves, small in size.
Chard can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They must be placed in a plastic bag, which is tightly closed so that air does not get there. Leaves can be frozen.
Chard is not only a beautiful decoration for a dish, but also a real source of vitamins. It can be grown in the backyard. Moreover, the more often you cut off the leaves, the faster new ones will appear.