Endive and Escarole: Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
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Show more translationsShow less translationsGreen vegetables are interwoven with healthy nutrition and lifestyle and not unfairly. The majority of green vegetables offer a wide variety of nutrients when consumed mainly raw, providing many beneficial properties to our overall health. Endive and escarole have various health benefits for humans.
More specifically, endive is an excellent source of nutrients, providing slightly zero calories. Thus, it is an excellent option for those who need to lose weight.
Endive Nutritional Value
According to USDA 100 gr (2 cups of chopped leaves) of raw endive provide:
- Water: 93.79g
- Selenium(Se):0.2μg
- Energy: 17 Kcal
- Protein: 1.25g
- Vitamin B6: 0.02mg
- Total lipid (fat): 0.2 g
- Vitamin A (IU): 2167 or 108 mcg
- Vitamin C: 6.5 mg
- Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol):0.44mg
- Vitamin K: 231μg
- Ash: 1.41g
- Folate (total): 142μg
- Carbohydrate 3.35g
- Pantothenic acid: 0.9mg
- Sugars: 0.25g
- Ca: 52mg
- Carotene beta: 1300μg
- K: 314mg
- P: 28mg
- Mg: 15mg
- Na: 22mg
- Zn:0.79mg
- Fe: 0.83mg
Amazing endive and escarole health benefits
Endive and escarole contain many compounds with significant benefits for human health, such as plant sterols and sesquiterpene lactones. As a result, according to scientific evidence, the consumption of such vegetables may:
- Boost Bone Health
- Fight against Cancer
- Protect the Heart, Eyes, and Skin
- Boost the Immune System
- Fight against Alzheimer’s Disease
- Help during Pregnancy
Boost Bone Health
Endive is a source of calcium known to play a crucial role in bones and teeth. According to studies, a diet rich in Ca could lower the risk of osteoporosis and other bone diseases.
Fight against Cancer and Boost the Immune system.
More specifically, lactones are responsible for the bitter taste of endive, and escarole leaves have been found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Moreover, endive is an excellent source of antioxidants, such as beta carotene (Vitamin A). Antioxidants and beta carotene are major cancer fighters, and there is evidence of reducing the risk of bladder and melanoma. The relatively high amount of vitamin C can also help reinforce the immune system.
Protect the Heart
Endive has a significant potassium content combined with low sodium content. According to studies, a diet low in sodium and rich in potassium could decrease blood pressure levels and lower cardiovascular disease risk.
Boost Eye and Skin Health
Vitamin A, beta carotene, and other antioxidants protect the eyes and the skin from damage.
Fight against Alzheimer’s Disease
Endive high content of vitamin E could have a positive effect on Alzheimer’s disease. According to studies, vitamin E may help prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Help during Pregnancy
Endive is an excellent source of folate. Folate is prescribed during pregnancy because it is proven vital in preventing babies from being born with congenital anomalies.
Further Reading
10 Interesting Facts about Endive and Escarole
Endive and Escarole: Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
Endive & Escarole Plant Information and Environmental Requirements
How to Grow Endive (and Escarole) at Home
How to Grow Endive -Escarole for Profit
Endive (and Escarole) Soil Requirements, Preparation and Planting
Endive and Escarole Water Requirements & Irrigation Systems
Endive and Escarole Fertilization Requirements
Endive and Escarole Blanching, Yield, Harvest and Storage
Endive and Escarole Pests and Diseases
References
Rana, M.K. (Ed.). (2017). Vegetable Crop Science (1st ed.). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781315116204