Endive is a leafy salad vegetable belonging to the genus Cichorium. Scientific name of endive is Cichorium endivia and it belongs to the family Asteraceae, the Daisy family. There is a wild variety of endive called ‘wild endive’ which is Cichorium pumilum. Endive is mainly grown for its edible leaves which may be consumed in its raw or cooked form. Raw leaves are used in salads. It can be cooked by stir-frying, boiling, steaming and many other ways like cooking any other leafy vegetable. Endives are an excellent source of Folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin K and Potassium. It also contains vitamin E in fair amounts.

Folate: According to U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration), daily value (DV) of folate for an adult is 400mcg. Folic acid or Folate is essential for energy production from food. It helps in synthesis of nucleic acids and proper functioning of immune system and blood production by facilitating functioning of iron and increasing production of RBCs. It also helps in controlling amino acid metabolism. Major deficiency symptoms include birth defects in new born babies, diarrhoea, hearing loss due to ageing, improper functioning of immune system, weakness, fatigue and headaches. Regular consumption of folic acid helps in slowing down progression of hearing loss with ageing; to prevent birth related defects in new born babies; for protection from cancer, heart diseases, depression and degeneration of body due to ageing; and to prevent memory loss and osteoporosis.

Vitamin A: It is essential for eye health and also for strengthening body’s natural immune system. Vitamin A is also essential for tissue building, and skin health. Vitamin A Deficiency results in night blindness, and drying of skin and eyes.

Vitamin K: According to U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration), daily value (DV) of Vitamin K for an adult  is 80mcg(micrograms).Vitamin K is essential for the formation of strong bones, for blood clotting, and for preventing heart diseases, cancer, and osteoporosis. Vitamin K deficiency results in bleeding gums and bleeding nose.

Vitamin E: According to U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration), daily value (DV) of Vitamin E for an adult is 30 IU. Broccoli contains good amounts of Vitamin E. It is a powerful antioxidant vitamin which helps in formation of new blood vessels and it also increases body’s natural immunity.

Potassium: According to U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration), daily value (DV) of Potassium for an adult is 3500mg (milligrams). Potassium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in lowering blood pressure. It is also needed by our body for carbohydrate  metabolism, fluid balance, growth and development, heart function, muscle contraction, nervous system function and protein formation.

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