Last updated on August 30th, 2022
Allium Cepa, also known as onion, is a common kitchen ingredient used to add flavor to delectable dishes. It belongs to the same Liliaceae family as garlic, leeks, and chives. But did you know that this flavorful vegetable is also high in nutrients? Yes! The onion is a vitamin and nutrient powerhouse.
These are underground and compressed roots that are grown all over the world. However, it is primarily grown in China. Every country uses these savory vegetables in their different dishes to give them a unique and mouth-watering taste. Onions are high in vitamins and minerals while low in calories.
Apart from several health benefits, onions are good for hair and skin health.
Nutrition Value of Onion
Onions are high in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, as well as minerals and antioxidants. As per Onion nutritional value is concerned, its 80-gram quantity consists:
This table represents several nutrients and their amounts present in 80 g of Onion:
Nutritional Value of Onion | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Nutrients (in 80 grams of Onion) | Its amount | |||
Calories | 28kcal | |||
Carbohydrates | 6.4 grams | |||
Sugars | 5.0 grams | |||
Fiber | 1.8 grams | |||
Vitamin C | 2.0 gram |
In addition to these nutrients, onions contain manganese, magnesium, folate, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and antioxidants. These nutrients are responsible for the onion’s health benefits.
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Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load of Onion
You will be amazed that the glycemic index and glycemic load of onions are very low. It does not impact blood sugar levels at all and is considered safe as a diabetic-friendly vegetable. The glycemic index of onion is 10 and the glycemic load is just 1 (of 1 onion). It is undeniably acceptable for a diabetes diet food.
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Health Benefits of Onion
Raw onion is a low-calorie, low-sugar food that is high in vitamins and minerals. There are numerous raw onion benefits, including heart health, bone health, skin and hair health, anti-cancer properties, and blood sugar reduction. Onions have antibacterial properties that aid in the treatment of bacterial infections. The following are some of the advantages of eating raw onions:
Antibacterial Properties
In traditional medicine, onions are used as an antibacterial agent. It aids in the fight against bacterial infections that cause coughs, colds, and gut infections. The bacterial infections of E. coli and S. aureus are inhibited by onion. It is thought to help prevent stomach ulcers and colic cancer.
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Good for Heart
Onions have anti-inflammatory properties that aid in the treatment of heart disease. It is also high in antioxidants, which help to maintain heart health. These antioxidants, particularly Quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant, control blood pressure, which is a major cause of stroke and heart disease. Raw onions also help to lower triglycerides and cholesterol, which improves blood flow and lowers the risk of heart disease.
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Antioxidant Properties
With the presence of Vitamin C, onions are filled with many antioxidants like flavonoids and anthocyanin along with 25 other powerful antioxidants. Anthocyanin is abundant in red onions and is responsible for its red color. These antioxidants provide a variety of health benefits by inhibiting or killing free radicals. These free radicals cause chronic diseases like cancer, heart conditions, and diabetes.
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Anti Cancer Properties
Onions are allium vegetables like garlic and chives. These vegetables help fight against various cancers. Onions contain certain compounds like sulfur-loaded flavonoids, onions antioxidants, fisetin, quercetin, and other antioxidants. These antioxidants reduce carcinogens in the body and thus reduce the risks of cancers. It lowers the risk of stomach and colorectal cancer.
Good for Bone Health
Onions are a great source of antioxidants that prevent bone density loss and strengthen bones. According to some studies, people who consume onions on a daily basis have a lower risk of bone problems. It boosts bone mineral density while decreasing bone density loss.
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Good for Digestive Health
Onions are a high-fiber and high prebiotic diet. With its non-digestible fiber, it feeds gut bacteria. Gut bacteria break this prebiotics and create SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids). SCFAs improve the digestive system, boost immunity and promote gut health.
Good for Diabetes
It is a food for diabetics. Onion significantly lowers the body’s blood sugar levels. It contains anti-diabetic substances such as quercetin and sulfur compounds. These aid in the reduction of blood sugar levels. It is also a low-calorie, low-carb, low GI, and low GL food, making it diabetic-friendly.
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Boosts Immunity
Onion is a good source of Vitamin C and other antioxidants that helps in boosting immunity. These nutrients promote the immune system’s health to fight against various infections and diseases.
Skin & Hair Health
As onions are a rich source of Vitamin C, it helps in the production of collagen which is essential for skin and hair health. Collagen provides firmness and anti-wrinkle qualities to the skin and also prevents hair loss. Onion extracts are used in many shampoos and hair oil as a hair loss protective remedy. Sulfur in the onions promotes collagen formation on the scalp thus preventing hair fall.
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Absorbs Heat
Onion is considered a heat repellent in every Indian household. In the summer, eating or carrying onions is essential for preventing heat stroke. It is also used to treat heat stroke and is applied to the palms and soles. It is one of the most famous Dadi ka Nuskha to use in scorching summers.
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Way to Consume Onion
The onion is a versatile ingredient in Indian cuisine. It has a distinct flavor due to its strong taste and smell. It is used in a variety of contexts:
- Use raw onions as Salad with other vegetables
- Onion gravy tadka in vegetables, non-veg cuisines, and recipes for adding flavor
- Mix it in vegetable soups
- Add in curd to make onion raita
- Onion paratha as breakfast
- Add onion slices to various snacks like sandwiches, burgers, etc.
- Cook it with other vegetables
- Use in some bakery products like onion garlic bread
- Can be added to various savory dishes, meat
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Side-Effects of Onion
Although onions have numerous health benefits, there are some disadvantages to eating them. They are:
- Even though onion allergies are uncommon, they do exist. These people may exhibit symptoms such as stomach ache, upset stomach, gastritis, heartburn, and so on. Touching them can cause allergic reactions in rare cases.
- It gives a foul odor and bad breath
- Some people show specific carb and fiber allergies in onions known as FODMAP.
- Onions, as we all know, make us cry. This is due to a gas known as the lachrymatory factor. It comes out while cutting onions. Although this is common in everyone, some people may experience excessive eye and mouth irritation as a result.
- Onion has fewer side effects in humans but it is threatening to animals. It is lethal for pets like dogs, cats, and other animals including monkeys and horses.
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Can a Diabetic Eat Onion?
Onion has antidiabetic compounds that help in reducing blood sugar levels in the body. Quercetin and sulfur compounds are anti-diabetic compounds. They aid in the regulation of blood sugar levels. Aside from these compounds, onions benefit diabetics due to their low GI and GL. It does not cause a spike in blood sugar levels after consumption, making it the safest option for diabetics.
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Conclusion
Onions enhance the flavor of any dish, earning them the moniker “jack of all trades.” It is used as a gravy, whole in salads, and in soups and stocks. With its strong odor and savory taste, this root vegetable elevates the appetite.
It is not only a tasty appetizer, but it also has a number of health benefits. Onion juice, raw onion, and onion gravy all have health benefits for our heart, bones, digestive system, skin, and hair. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties lower the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and so on. This also benefits hair and skin health and is found in a variety of cosmetic and beauty products.
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FAQs:
Does onion make you sleep?
Onions have an amino acid called L-tryptophan which is sedative in nature. This is beneficial for people who have trouble sleeping. Eating onions can make you feel sleepy. It is suggested that having onion with curd can give you a good sleep. It eases your anxiety and stress levels and allows you to sleep peacefully.
Can I eat onion every day?
Onions are a rich source of antioxidants, sulfur compounds, minerals, and anti-inflammatory compounds. These properties make it a healthy food diet to consume every day. These nutrients help in improving heart health, digestive health, blood sugar levels, and skin and hair health, reducing the risks of cancer and chronic diseases. It also lowers the risk of stroke and blood clotting by improving cholesterol and maintaining blood pressure.
Is onion good for blood glucose levels?
Onion has antidiabetic compounds that help in reducing blood sugar levels in the body. These antidiabetic compounds are quercetin and sulfur compounds. They aid in the regulation of blood sugar levels. Aside from these compounds, onions benefit diabetics due to their low GI and GL. It does not cause a spike in blood sugar levels after consumption, making it the safest option for diabetics.
Can onions stop hair fall?
Onion is rich in sulfur which helps to improve scalp health. Applying onion juice to the scalp nourishes the scalp and reduces hair fall. Sulfur is important for collagen production which is an essential nutrient to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. As a result, it can prevent hair loss.
Reference
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/onion-benefits
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/276714
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/ingredient-focus-onionsLast Updated on by Dr. Damanjit Duggal
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