Health Benefits of Onions

Onions are one of the spices mostly used for cooking across the world however have we stopped to think about the profound health benefits of this yet small but vitamin filled bulb.

The onion, also known as the bulb onion or common onion, is a vegetable that is the most widely cultivated species and its close relatives include the garlic. They are cultivated and used around the world a food item, they are usually served cooked, as a vegetable or part of a prepared savoury dish, but can also be eaten raw or used to make pickles or chutneys. They contain certain chemical substances which irritate the eyes when cut open during use.

Sulfides in onions contain necessary amino acids(basic building block for protein, and protein is used in virtually every vital function in the body.) fiber and folic acid, and B vitamin that helps the body make healthy new cells.



Onions are healthy whether they're raw or cooked, though raw onions have higher levels of organic sulfur compounds that provide many benefits. They are also excellent sources of vitamin C, flavonoids and phytochemicals. Flavonoids are responsible for pigments that may help reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke. These flavonoid also contain quercetin, which acts as an antioxidant that may be linked to preventing cancer.  According to according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, these quercetin helps reducing the symptoms of bladder infections, promoting prostate health and lowering blood pressure.

Other important phytochemicals in onions are disulfides, trisulfides, cepaene and vinyldithiins. They all are helpful in maintaining good health and have anticancer and antimicrobial properties, according to the National Onion Association.

Onions are low in calories (45 per serving), very low in sodium, and contain no fat or cholesterol. They are also anti inflammatory agents, they are antioxidants and provide a healthy heart.

Although despite these facts there are people who prefer little or no onion in their dishes. I suggest you think again and consider more onions for the gain of the nutrients present to provide you healthy benefits. Further more, you can eat it raw at regular intervals or at the end of your day's activities so you don't miss out on the potent nutrients of this vitamins filled bulb as it is recommended to be consumed daily whether cooked or raw.

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