Onions contain various Vitamins, Minerals and plant compounds that prove beneficial in promoting the health in many ways. The medicinal properties of Onions have been recognized since ancient times when they were used to treat ailments like headaches, heart disease and mouth sores. Even Ayurveda which does not suggest excessive usage of Onions as the vegetable is Tamasic in nature which makes people irritable and also produces excess heat in the body.  However, Ayurveda recognizes Onions as Blood Purifiers and removes toxins from the body.  It has Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal and Anti-viral properties, Onion is known to reduce inflammation and lower high blood pressure. It also helps to lose weight. Onions help to stabilize digestion and are excellent to treat cold and cough.

 

ONIONS - NUTRITIONAL VALUE:

      Onions are rich in nutrients, low in calories but high in Vitamins, Minerals and Fiber.  Onion is a good source of Vitamin C, which helps in regulating immune health, collagen production, tissue repair and iron absorption. Vitamin C also acts as a powerful antioxidant in your body, protecting your cells against damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. Onions are also rich in Vitamins B - Folate (B9) & Pyridoxine (B6). These Vitamins play key roles in increasing Metabolism, Red Blood Cell production and Nerve function. Onions are also a good source of Potassium.

 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF ONIONS

     The health benefits related to onions are quite impressive. Onions contain powerful compounds that may decrease the risk of heart disease and type of certain Cancers. Onions have antibacterial properties and promote digestive health and also helps to improve immunity. Adding Onions into your daily diet will benefit overall health and the vegetable is so versatile that it adds flavour to the dish it is added into.

Healthy Heart

Onions contain antioxidants and compounds that fight inflammation, decrease triglycerides and reduce cholesterol levels.  All of which may help to lower the risk of heart diseases. Onions have a high concentration of a potent Antioxidant flavonoid called Quercetin which facilitates anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to reduce High Blood Pressure & also protect against Blood Clots. Onions have also been shown to decrease cholesterol levels.

Loaded With Antioxidants

     Onions are an excellent source of antioxidants. that inhibits oxidation which leads to cellular damage. Red Onions contain Anthocyanin a flavonoid which gives the red colour. Antioxidants and Anthocyanins present in Onions help fight against diseases like Cancer, Diabetes and Heart Diseases.

Prevents Cancer

     Eating Onions lower the risk of certain Cancers like Stomach & Colorectal Cancers.  Onion is a vegetable which belongs to the Allium genus, the Sulfur compounds, flavonoids & antioxidants found in Onions is believed to decrease tumour development and slow the spread of ovarian and lung cancer.

Control Blood Sugar

     Quercitin & Sulfur compounds present in Onions has Antidiabetic effects.  This has proven beneficial for people with Diabetes. Quercetin also interacts with cells in the small intestine, pancreas, skeletal muscle, fat tissue and liver which help to regulate the overall Blood Sugar level in the body.

Boost Bone Density

     Onions help reduce oxidative stress, boost antioxidant levels and decrease bone loss, which may prevent osteoporosis and boost bone density.  Adding Onions in your daily diet is believed to boost bone health.

Antibacterial Properties

     Quercetin present in Onions has the ability to fight against Bacterial growth. Onions can fight potentially dangerous bacteria, such as Escherichia Coli(E.Coli), Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Staphylococcus Aureus & Bacillus Cereus. Onions also help to inhibit the growth of Vibrio Cholerae.

Boost Digestive Health

Onions are a rich source of fibre and prebiotics, which are necessary for optimal gut health. Prebiotics are non-digestible types of fibre that are broken down by beneficial gut bacteria. Gut bacteria feed on prebiotics and create short-chain fatty acids. Onions are particularly rich in the Prebiotics -  Inulin and Fructooligosaccharides. These help increase the number of friendly bacteria in your gut, help boost digestive health and also benefit your immune system.

 

Healthy Skin & Hair

Onions are a good source of Vitamin C, onions may support the building and maintenance of Collagen which provides structure to skin and hair. Applying freshly squeezed Onions Juice promotes hair growth and also helps to get rid of any scalp infections.  Adding Onions while making Hair Oil is a common practice in Indian households. Rubbing a slice of an Onion on the balding area is believed to induce hair growth.

 

HOW TO USE ONIONS IN DAILY COOKING:

     Onion is one common ingredient in most of the Cuisine around the World. A staple in most of the kitchens around the world.  It can be easily added into your diet and it can be enjoyed Raw or Cooked.  Onions give a wonderful flavour to savoury dishes.  Regular intake of Onions can boost Vitamins, Minerals & Fiber.

• Raw Onions can be added to kick the flavour in Salads & Raithas.
• Can blend raw Onions with fresh herbs, vinegar and olive oil for a tasty homemade salad dressing.
• Serve slices of Raw Onions along with deep-fried Non-Vegetarian dishes like Chicken 65, Beef 65 or along with Gobi 65, Vegetable or Chicken Cutlets etc.,
• Use raw onions to add a kick of flavour in Indian Street foods & Chaat items like Bhel Puri, Pani Puri, Pav Bhaji etc.,
• Add finely chopped Onions to Egg Dishes such as Omelettes, Scrambled Eggs, Frittatas or Quiches.
• Top Crispy Dosas or Uthappam, Adai etc., with finely chopped raw Onions for a flavourful Dosa variety like Onion Dosa, Onion Uthappam.
• Add Onions into Indian snacks like Vadais, Pakodas, Bhajjis, Samosas, Kachoris etc.,
• Onions can be used as a base for Stocks & Soups.
• Can prepare a hearty French Onion Soup or a Vegetable Soup with Onions.
• Can make Pickled Onions.
• Make homemade Salsa with Onions, Tomatoes and Cilantro.
• Onions are commonly used while stir-frying Vegetables.
• Onions are commonly used in most of the Indian Curries and Gravies.
• Caramelized Onions add a wonderful taste to Baked Goods.
• Caramelized Onions are served along with Rice Dishes like Biriyani, Ghee Rice, Mujadara etc.,

HOW TO BUY & STORE:

• When selecting onions, make sure the Onions are dry and firm.
• Onions shouldn't be wet and smelly.
• Store Onions at room temperature in a clean, dry place.
• Keep Onions in an open container in a well-ventilated room.
• Store them whole with the peels.
• Peeled onions can be stored in the refrigerator for 10–14 days. 
• Sliced or cut Onions can be refrigerated for not more than 7–10 days.

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TRIVIA - A SMALL FACT

Why does chopping Onions cause tears?

     Recently I saw a video... A teacher asking the students to name a vegetable which would make you cry.  Most of them answered Onions, some Peppers and so on.  One student out of blues answered Coconuts and then came the hilarious part of the Video.  Anyway...   
     Onions have a reputation for making people cry during the cutting or chopping process. This is due to the presence of a gas called syn-Propanethial-S-oxide. This chemical is a compound liquid that acts as a lachrymatory agent, meaning that it causes tears or stings the eyes.
     There are even weird suggestions like chewing a Bubble Gum or holding your tongue on the roof of your mouth or holding a piece of bread in your mouth while chopping Onions. But to my experience, none works.
      To reduce tears during chopping, chill the Onions for about 30 minutes, then cut off its top. First, peel the outer layer of the onion and leave the root intact, as this part has the highest concentration of lachrymatory agents. And using a very-very sharp knife and cutting the Onions fastly(so that the work(shedding tears) gets over soon), also can reduce tears while chopping Onions.
      Place Onions in Cold Water can help you to an extent in reducing tears while cutting Onions.
      Overall I feel that we have all got used to the fact that Cutting Onions can make you CRY. Slowly & in due course, I feel that I have left all these ideas behind and got adapted!!!