Never mind the tears onions bring on – they help to fight against disease. Studies after studies have confirmed that onions indeed possess many active compounds that have been proven beneficial for all sorts of conditions.
Apart from its medicinal properties the onion is simply delicious. It forms the basis of so many dishes – whether raw, baked, sautéed, steamed or boiled, that it would be difficult to imagine the cuisine of any country without it.
Nutritional Facts
More than just a tasty culinary plant, the onion contains natural sugar, vitamins A, B6, C and E, minerals such as sodium, potassium, iron anddietry fibre.
A 100 gram serving provides 44 calories, mostly as complex carbohydrate, with 1.4 grams of fibre.
They also contain flavonoids, which are pigments that give vegetables their colour. These compounds act as antioxidants, have a direct antitumor effect and have immune-enhancing properties.
Health Benefits
- Onions contain chromium which aids in the regulation of blood sugar
- Onions also contain a powerful compound called quercetin. This compound helps prevent plaque buildup in the arteries, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke and also plays a significant role in the prevention of cancer.
- Raw onion encourages the production of good cholesterol (HDL) therby, keeping your heart healthy.
- The fiber in onions promotes good digestion and helps keep you regular. The phytochemicals in onions may also reduce your risk of developing gastric ulcers.
- Rich in sulphur, this food promotes hair growth. A study has shown that applying onion juice on scalp twice a week for 2 months will stimulates hair regrowth.
- Recent research shows that onions kills bacteria that cause tooth decay and other dental problems. Chewing a raw onion for two to three minutes could kill all the germs in the mouth.
- Onions aids in promoting good eye sight.
- Onions are considered as natural anti-clotting agents. The sulfur present in onions can suppress clumping of platelets thereby help in preventing blood clot.
- Onion aids in treating urinary disorders. It has diuretic properties which are useful in treating these disorders.
