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  • Eat onions - Is the onion good for health?


    Want to know if onion are good for health? Looking out for information regarding the advantage sand disadvantages of consuming onion? On this Ask Expert page find advice for your queries.

    For us Indians, the onion-free eating habits are unimaginable. We have onion along with our traditional foods, whether it is of a vegetarian food or a non-vegetarian food. Is onion contains more nutrients?

    Is it necessary to include more onions in our foods every day. What are the advantages of onion? Is there any disadvantage for onion to include in foods?
  • Answers

    10 Answers found.
  • Onions contain vitamin C, sulphuric compounds, flavonoids and phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are also known as phytonutrients. They are naturally occurring compounds and available in various fruits and vegetables. They start healthy reactions in our body. Flavonoids may help reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke. onions are having a flavonoid called. quercetin, It is an antioxidant. This particular flavonoid will prevent cancer. It will also reduce the symptoms of bladder infections and promoting prostate health. BP will also come down with this material.

    Onions are good for health. You can eat them as it is or even after cooking. Raw onions will have higher levels of organic sulfur compounds and they are very good for health benefits.

    The following are the benefits.

    1. The quercetin in onions will reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
    2. Sulfur that is present in onions will be anti-inflammatory agents
    3. They will help in developing a strong immune system
    4. Onions will reduce gastric cancer risk
    5. They will help in avoiding the risk of colorectal, laryngeal, ovarian cancer, oral and oesophagal cancer.
    6. The fibre in onions is good for digestion.
    7. The phytochemicals in onions will reduce the risk of developing gastric ulcers, they are good for digestion.
    8. The chromium metal available in onions will always help in regulating blood sugar.
    9. Bone density in aged women will get increased.
    10. They will help in reducing BP.

    Problems with Onions:

    1. Some people report. skin irritation following skin contact with onion.
    2. Tearing when the eyes are exposed to onion smell. This can be avoided by keeping the onions in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before you cut the,
    3. stomach distress or pain after eating onion are reported by a few people.

    drrao
    always confident

  • Our traditional fod menu is designed and laid out for us by trials and errors by our ancestrors.
    They are designedbased on easy availability, nutritionfactors in them, geography and yopography of each plce or territory and the various weather seasons. Our traditional food menu is not comprising of just one item. It is a mixture and combination of various items from grains, pulses, spicesand even aphrodisiacs in midl and regulated quantities. As one food alone cannot supply all the required niutriets to our body, the food menu is a combination to satisfy the nutritional requrement, to satisfy our tatsebuds and even our eyes and nose by sight and smell.

    In that regradOnions are also an important ingredient in our food menu. However depending on geography ,topography and weather its use is as an essentail ingredient in some places, a general item in some places and periodical item in someotherplaces.

    However due to their pungent smell and taste, many people do not like them especially as raw. Ayurveda chategorises them as medicines more than food. Hence their use is advised only sparingly and for curative purposes.As they are categorised as 'Taamasic' food items, those who lead a spiritual way of life avoid onions.

    However it is a fact that Onions add to taste and mass to the dishes and hence they are used regualrly in restaurants and mass caterings more. We need Onions as one item for our food preparation among many others too for its taste value an utrition supply like Sulphur and certain other micro nutrients. Onions also have curative effect on ulcers and wounds inside our stomach andintestines.External application reduces pain and inflammation.

  • Dishes prepared with onion along with other combination spices and items are delicious and have a specific flavour which is liked by the people across the continents and that is one main reason of its popularity. This is the taste part of the dishes prepared with onion. At the same time onions are important from dietary point of view as they also provide important nutrients and health-promoting phytochemicals. Another good thing with onions is that they contain vitamin C, dietary fiber, folic acid, calcium and iron.

    There are many factors which make onion a must for inclusion in our foods and some of those are that they contain no fats, high in dietary fibre, have a high protein quality, low in sodium etc. In addition to that onions also contain antioxidants which are the crucial compounds which help in slowing down of oxidative processes in the body. These processes are responsible for the cell damage as well as tissue weakening. Research has shown that onions contain the above mentioned antioxidant compound called quercetin which belongs to the group of flavonoid, a type of antioxidants. There are also some research which indicate the contribution of onion in regeneration of vitamin E in the body, inactivating the harmful effect of metal ions, elimination of free radicals etc.

    One interesting thing to note here is that we can get quercetin from other sources like apples we eat and tea we drink. But the absorption of quercetin in the human body from onions is much more than these other sources.

    One more thing in this context is that though onions have certain health benefits but it does not mean that we have to take them in plenty. No, we should not. We have to take them in a normal way as we are taking them in vegetables and other dishes. Body has a limit to absorb the antioxidants from the natural sources and excess amount of them in the blood may not be of any added benefit. So we have to consume the natural things in moderation only.

    Knowledge is power.

  • Q: Is the onion good for health?
    A: Yes, definitely.

    Q: Is onion contains more nutrients?
    A: Yes. Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Amino acid, Dietary fiber, Folic acid, Less sodium, Quercetin and no fat.

    Q: Is it necessary to include more onions in our foods every day.
    A: Yes, good for all including diabetes and cholesterol people.

    Q: What are the advantages of onion?
    A: Natural food, it is better to have it raw than cooking it with oil or spicy etc. for tasty. No harm if it cooks with less quantity of oil or spicy.

    Q: Is there any disadvantage for onion to include in foods?
    A: Mostly No. But. You may get little bad smell from mouth/tooth if one didn't brush it after it's raw consumption, including Raitha or Salad type. There is no disadvantages much until and unless you don't eat it more than it's limit.

  • Onions are the members of Allium family commonly known as Allium - sativa family, Onions are full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which could promote our health in many ways.
    A few impressive benifits of consuming onions are as follows -
    1) Packed with Nutrients - One medium - sized onion contains around 44 calories but it contains considerable amount of vitamins, minerals and fibres. Such combination of nutrients may boost up our health. The vitamin- C found in the onions may repair the damaged tissues. Onions contain folates and pyridoxine and the combined effects such vitamins help in the proper upkeep of metabolism, healthy blood cell formation and relaxing the the nervous - cells.
    2) Heart - health - It is benificial for the heart - health because it may remove high cholesterol, low LDL and triglycerides loitering in the blood - stream. It would fight with the inflammation and as such it may lower high blood pressure if consumed on regular basis.
    3) Full of antioxidants - Onions are the excellent source of antioxidants. In fact, the red onion contains more than 25 varieties of flavonoids. These antioxidants enhance immunity if consumed one medium - sized onion regularly.
    4) Effective Control of Blood - sugar - Taking salads of onion may help in controlling diabetes and even the people at the pre diabetic level may take the same regularly because of its sugar controlling property. Specific compounds found in onions such as quercetin and sulphur compound posess anti diabetic effect.
    5) May boost Bone - density - This could enhance bone mineral density on its regular consumption. This fact was revealed especially for the pre menopausal and post menopausal ladies taking onion salads containing at least 100 GM of raw onion daily. This is achievable due to the reduction of oxidative stress , boosting antioxidants effects and decrease of bone - loss. This may help the patients suffering from osteoporosis and having less bone - density.
    6) May boost digestive health - Being the rich source of fibre and prebiotic sit will breakdown the benificial gut bacteria. These Bacterias feed on prebiotic sand create short chain fatty acids including propionate and acetate. The resulting formation of fatty acids strengthen the gut healths and enhances digestion.
    7) Presence of Antibacterial- property - Onions can fight effectively with the dangerous Bacterias such as E. Colitis, Bacillus Cereus, S.Aureus etc. Quercetin extracted from onions seem to be a powerful way to fight Bacterias and Quercetin can damage the walls and membrane of E- Colitis and S. Aureus.

  • Welcoming this costliest question. As this worry,at present should come in the minds of rich persons.
    Anyhow, eating onions are normally good to health but as it enhance the sensual interests it is avoid in certain days.
    It is difficult to many to prepare and eat anything without onions.

  • Indians have a slight obsession with onions. We can clearly see the importance of it when we prepare a great lunch at home. How many of us are aware of the benefits of onions other than it brings out the taste of that particular recipe? Let's find out some Onions facts.

    > Onions are very low in sodium level and it contains zero fat or zero cholesterol. It is very low on the calorie level too. 100 gms of onion have 4% of Pottasium, 3% of Carbohydrates and 2% of Protein. It has 12% of Vitamin C, 5% of Vitamin B-6, 2% of Calcium, 2% of Magnesium, and 1% of Iron. Onions are an excellent source of dietary fiber and folic acid.
    > It is said that decades ago the Roman Emperor Nero has consumed onions in order to prevent cold. And they were used in old medicines to prevent coughs and even asthma.
    > Onions are good when it consumed raw than cooked. Because in the raw state, it contains a wide variety of organic sulfur compounds which can provide many health benefits. But it's not in the interest of many to consume it in that form.
    > Onion improves heart health by lowering blood pressure. Consuming onions increase the oxylipins which will result in low cholesterol levels.
    > Since onion contains organic sulfur components, it will be slightly good as any anti-inflammatory agent. And onion contains polyphenols which will act as anti-oxidants.

    Even it has many health benefits, it might cause issues in some cases. Onion contains Carbohydrates and it may cause an acidic issue in some people which might result in serious gastric heartburns when it consumed raw.

    “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends."
    – Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 17

  • 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.

  • Our traditional food menu is designed and laid out for us by trials and errors by our ancestors.
    They are designed based on easy availability, nutrition factors in them, geography and topography of each place or territory and the various weather seasons. Our traditional food menu is not comprising of just one item. It is a mixture and combination of various items from grains, pulses, spices and even aphrodisiacs in mild and regulated quantities. As one food alone cannot supply all the required nutrients to our body, the food menu is a combination to satisfy the nutritional requirements, to satisfy our taste buds and even our eyes and nose by sight and smell.

    In that regard Onions are also an important ingredient in our food menu. However, depending on geography, topography, and weather, its use is an essential ingredient in some places, a general item in some places and periodical items in some other places.

    However, due to their pungent smell and taste, many people do not like them especially as raw. Ayurveda categorizes them as medicines more than food. Hence their use is advised only sparingly and for curative purposes. As they are categorized as 'Taamasic' food items, those who lead a spiritual way of life avoid onions.

    However, it is a fact that Onions add to taste and mass to the dishes and hence they are used regularly in restaurants and mass caterings more. We need Onions as one item for our food preparation among many others too for its taste value and nutrition supply like Sulphur and certain other micronutrients. Onions also have a curative effect on ulcers and wounds inside our stomach and intestines. The external application reduces pain and inflammation.

  • Onion is also a vegetable but due to sharp smell some people avoid it. It belong to the Allium family of plants in which different vegetable like chives, garlic, and leeks are also included. Onion have different medicinal properties. It contain various vitamins, minerals and sulpher compound which has been good for health. In mythology, It is considered as tamsic food so, many religious people avoid to take it. But, onion has many advantages which are as follows:-
    1. Helps in curing Heart problem- It contain antioxidants that decrease triglycerides and reduce cholesterol levels which may lower heart disease risk. Onion having anti-inflammatory properties may also help reduce high blood pressure and protect against blood clots. It having Quercetin which is a flavonoid antioxidant, Since it's a potent anti-inflammatory, it may help in decreasing high blood pressure.
    2. Help Control Blood Sugar - It is considered very good nutrient for controlling blood sugar level. It is very significant for diabetic people. A study found that eating 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of fresh red onion reduced fasting blood sugar levels by about 40 mg/dl after four hours.
    3.Contain Cancer-Fighting property- Eating onions helps in lowering risk of certain cancers, including stomach and colorectal. A study have shown that people who consumed the highest amount of onion vegetables were 22% less affected with stomach cancer compare to those who consumed least.
    4. Improve digestive Health -Onions are a rich source of fibre and prebiotics. Since diet rich in prebiotics may help improve the absorption of important minerals like calcium, which may improve bone health as well as improve immune system. Along with it may help in improving digestive problem.
    Apart from these, there are many health benefit from having onion in daily diet such as protect from bacterial infection, helps in increasing bone density, good for weight loss etc.


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