Like other vegetables onion is also having many health benefits. Definitely Onion is very having more nutrients like vitamins and minerals and it is being used to treat various health issues like headaches, gastric diseases, heart disease and mouth sores etc. the Charaka Sanhita, also considered the onion as a diuretic and digestive medicine. Its inclusion in dishes increases the flavor. But still some of the people avoid onion.
Onion is a vegetable and obtained from the plants of Allium Genus. But some people considered it as non-vegetarian. It may be due to its use in non-vegetarian food as a main component. Further, while all the vegetables are having sattvik qualities, onion is also considered as having tamsik qualities and it is supposed to be originated from the mouth of Asuras according to mythology.
It is not necessary to include onion in everyday food. There are many people who have never eaten onion in their life. But due to its medicinal properties and health benefits it is highly recommended to include in your everyday diet.
Several health benefits or advantages of onions are given as below:
1. Full of Nutrients:
Onions are very rich in nutrient i.e. having high quantity of vitamins and minerals. It contains high quantity of vitamin C. This vitamin is having antioxidant properties and important for immune health, tissue repair, collagen production and iron absorption. Onion is also having Vitamin B in good amount, which is required for proper metabolic function of the body.
Onions are a good source of important minerals like potassium. Potassium is necessary for several body functions like kidney, muscle contraction, nerve transmission etc.
2. Low in calories:
Onions are low in calorie hence good for weight loss. One medium onion has about 44 calories.
3. Fibers rich:
Onions are rich in dietary fibers hence good for digestion. Onions are having insulin fiber which is very helpful in lowering cholesterol level.
4. Contains antioxidants:
Onions contains good amount of antioxidants which helps fighting some alarming diseases like heart disease, diabetes and even cancer etc. Antioxidants inhibit oxidation and prevent cellular damage in the body. Anthocynin antioxidant of onion gives protection against certain types of cancer and diabetes. People who consume onion regularly experience lower risk of heart attack.
5. Improves Heart Health:
Antioxidants present in onion reduce inflammation, decrease triglycerides and cholesterol hence are helpful in lowering risk of heart disease. Onion contains anthocyanins, a plant pigments belong to the flavonoid family, also reduces risk of heart disease. Quercetin, another flavonoid antioxidant present in onions, is also having anti-inflammatory properties and help in reducing high blood pressure in turn decrease risk of heart disease.
6. Reduces bad cholesterol:
Onions have also been shown to decrease bad cholesterol levels (LDL).
7. Loaded with Cancer Fighting Substances:
Onion s fully loaded with antioxidants that have cancer fighting properties. Onion is very useful in certain cancers like stomach and colorectal cancers. Onion have onionin A ( a sulfur congaing compound). It decrease tumor growth and also reduces spread of lung and ovarian cancer. Fisetin and Quercetin antioxidants also have inhibitory effect on tumor growth and helps in fighting cancers.
8. Improves Digestion:
Onions are fibres rich hence promotes good digestion and regularize stomach. It is also containing some special fibers like oligofructose, which promotes good bacteria growth in your intestines and helps in preventing diarrhea and gastric ulcers.
9. Helps to control blood sugar:
Onions ingestion may help control blood sugar and good for diabetic or prediabetic patients. Quercetin and sulfur compounds of onions triggers insulin production, thus, have antidiabetic effects and regulate blood sugar in whole body by interacting with cells in the small intestine, pancreas, liver, fat tissue and skeletal muscle. The chromium content found in onions helps in regulating blood sugar.
10. Boost Bone Density:
Daily onion consumption may also improve bone health in womens, especially perieno[ausal and postmenopausal women who eat onions at least once a day. They have more than 20% lower risk of bone fracture.
11. Contain Antibacterial Properties:
Quercetin and some other compounds present in Onions are having powerful anti bacterial properties. They can fight bacteria viz. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Vibrio cholera. It is also effective in infection of Helicobacter pylori which is associated with many stomach ulcers and digestive cancers.
Disadvantages of Use of Onions:
1. Skin irritation
2. Some people are sensitive to smell of onion.
3. Stomach distress after consumption of onion.
4. Onion consumption may slow down blood clotting and may increase risk of bleeding.