10 Impressive Health Benefits of Onions

Unveiling the Health Benefits of Onions: Top 10 Reasons

Onion

Onion (Allium cepa) is an herbaceous biennial plant of the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae) that is grown for its edible bulb. The onion is probably indigenous to southwestern Asia but is now cultivated throughout the world, chiefly in the temperate regions. Onions are comparatively poor in nutritive value but are prized for their flavour and are widely used in cookery. They flavour such dishes as stews, roasts, soups, and salads and may be served as a cooked vegetable.

Types of onion

• Scallions 
• White Onion
• Sweet Onion
• Shallots
• Yellow Onion
• Red onion

Nutritional Value of Onion

Onions are low in calories but high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, which makes them nutrient-rich. One medium onion (110 grams [g]) contains:

• Carbs: 10.3 g
• Potassium: 3.4% of Daily Value .)
• Sugar: 4.7 g
• Calories: 44
• Fiber: 1.9 g
• Vitamin C: 9% of the DV
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Protein: 1.2 g

Benefits of Onion

Better Bone Health

Whenever one thinks of better bone health, he or she thinks about dairy products. However, it is also observed that onions and other vegetables might have the same effect on health. Onions can reduce oxidative stress, increase the level of antioxidants, and minimize bone loss. Therefore, to a large extent, osteoporosis- a very common health trouble of postmenopausal women-can be prevented by a healthy diet.

Regularize Blood Sugar
Blood sugar level control: Onions are an important element in controlling blood sugar levels for those suffering from diabetes and prediabetes. In a study conducted in 2020, it was shown that in diabetic rats that were given food containing 5% dried onion powder for eight weeks continuously, the level of fasting blood sugar was reduced compared to the level noted in the control group. Quercetin has demonstrated the ability to regulate overall blood sugar balance by interacting with cells in various parts of the body, such as the small intestine, pancreas, skeletal muscle, fat tissue, and liver.

May Improve Heart Health
Onions are rich in organic sulphur compounds, which are responsible for the pungency and flavour of it. The compounds in onions can help lower cholesterol and dissolve blood clots responsible for heart disease and stroke. Onions must be consumed raw to ingest the maximum amount of sulphur compounds.

Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are a class of compounds that inhibit or delay the oxidation process, an injury-inducing chain reaction in cells that can lead to different kinds of diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Reserve onions rank highest in terms of their antioxidant content, possessing at least 17 known varieties of flavonoids.
Red onions are rich in anthocyanins and flavonoid pigments that give them their characteristic bright red colour. These compounds have been known to have the ability to protect an individual from diabetes and other types of cancer.

Hair Health
Onion juice is used by many people as an organic remedy for several hair problems like loss of hair, dandruff, and itchy scalps. There is, however, very little research conducted on the claimed benefits of this remedy. In one small study, a potential benefit was found for people with hair loss from an autoimmune disease called alopecia areata. That study found that those massaged with onion juice into their scalp showed more hair regrowth than those massaged only with water.

Improvement in digestion
Onions are rich in fructooligosaccharides, which are prebiotics that assist your gut digestion by serving to feed good bacteria. As explained, these compounds go undigested through the small intestine and into the large intestine, where they feed healthy gut flora.

It is believed that diseases such as diabetes, colon cancer, and depression are partly due to a lack of good gut flora.

Conclusion

Onions are a vegetable belonging to the genus Allium, a genus closely related to garlic, shallots, and leeks. They found chocks full of chemicals that not only protect the heart but may also help prevent some cancers and insulin production in the body. In addition, onions are a top vegetable source of quercetin, a plant chemical that provides various health benefits.