Benefits Of Onions , Nutrition And Its Uses
About Onion
Scientifically known as Allium cepa; onion belongs to the genus allium. It is also known as bulb onion or common onion. These underground bulbs are a popular vegetable in world cuisine. This vegetable is known to be existing since the advent of bronze stage according to the evidence and traces found during those times. They were found along side with dates and figs that date back to 5000 B.C; a millennia back. It is to be believed that cultivation of onion began much later in Egyptian civilization and their workers or slaves who engaged in making the pyramid were fed radish and onions. Ra messes IV is known to have onions in the eye sockets of his mummified body as the Egyptians considered onion to be holy and a sign of ‘circle of eternal life’ symbolized by the shape of the vegetable. The athletes in ancient Greece ate a lot of onion as it lightened the blood of their body giving a lighter body mass. Onions were even used in exchange of currency in Greece as it was used in for paying rents. The gladiators would rub onion on their arms to tighten up their muscles. Prescribed as a medicine; onion was used to increase fertility of women in olden days. The bulbs should be planted in full sun without any shade of any trees, they grow the best in loose well drained soil. The plantation faces threats against thrips and onion maggots; these pests can ruin the plantation if not taken proper care of.
Onion Nutrition Values
- 100 grams carry just 40 calories.
- Have anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal activities.
- Helps decrease in overall risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral vascular diseases (PVD), and stroke.
- Onions are Rich Source Of Chromium.
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Onion Benefits
- Provide relief from cold and flu by exerting anti-inflammatory actions.
- Cardiovascular Benefits.
- Support for Bone and Connective Tissue.
- Provides structure to skin and hair.
- Got bitten by a honeybee? Apply onion juice on the area for immediate relief from the pain and burning sensation.
- Reducing the risk of developing gastric ulcers.
Interesting Facts
It is an interesting fact that Onions are very distinctive as they have an unusual and very strong, distinct smell. This smell is caused by pungent acids beneath the plants’ skin!
Onions Variety
There are approximately 325 different varieties of onions if the wild varieties are included!
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 40 Kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 9.34 g | 7% |
| Protein | 1.10 g | 2% |
| Total Fat | 0.10 g | 0.5% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | 4.5% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 19 µg | 5% |
| Niacin | 0.116 mg | 1% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.123 mg | 2.5% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.120 mg | 9% |
| Riboflavin | 0.027 mg | 2% |
| Thiamin | 0.046 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 2 IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 7.4 mg | 12% |
| Vitamin E | 0.02 mg | 0% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 4 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 146 mg | 3% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 23 mg | 2% |
| Copper | 0.039 mg | 4% |
| Iron | 0.0.21 mg | 3% |
| Magnesium | 10 mg | 2.5% |
| Manganese | 0.129 mg | 5.5% |
| Phosphorus | 29 mg | 4% |
| Zinc | 0.17 mg | 1.5% |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Carotene-beta | 1 µg | — |
| Cryptoxanthin- beta | 0 µg | — |
| Lutein- zeaxanthin | 4 µg | — |
Onions
Onion belonging to the genus allium has similar related vegetables like leeks that are highly nutritious in nature and onion is not less either. A cup of chopped onions 210 gms consists of 92 calories which is remarkably low and is qualified as a low energy dense food. Just like garlic even onion comes with its set of cardiovascular benefits. Studies have proven that onion have flavnoids and sulphur content that enhances the mechanism of the heart also aids in lowering cholesterol and keeping the blood sugar levels under control. Onion to a major extent prevents cardiovascular diseases. Women reaching menopause often complain of reduction in bone density; onions have compounds that aids in increase bone density and strengthen the connective tissues.
Sulphur content of onions
The irritation caused in our eyes while chopping onions is mainly because of sulphur present in the onion. This sulphur when spreads to the air and enters our eyes leave us irritated and tearing for some time. One hack to get rid of these teary experiences is to soak onions in water for sometime before chopping it. The water will drain out the sulphur off the onions.
How to Enjoy onions
Onion is a vegetable that needs no recipe. It can found in many forms in the super market like pickled, caramelized, chopped, seasoned, the whole vegetable or even soaked in vinegar. The French onion soup is a delicacy that one needs to enjoy on a cold winter night. Onion is mainly consumed with other vegetables and not as whole; people should try incorporating more of onions to their diet for a healthy heart body and mind.
Benefits Of Onions
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