The crown of veggies

health

Onion is one of the common vegetables used in hundreds of dishes all over the world to enhance the taste. Sprinkle it generously on a crisp dosa or add it to the pizza, there is no denying the fact that all we need is one onion for that extra flavour and taste. Crunchy onion pakoras and onions rings are some of our favourite snacks, especially in Ramazan.

Onion is a staple ingredient in many household kitchens. It is one of the principle ingredients of the basic home salad along with cucumber and tomato. The word onion has come from the Latin word ‘unio’, which means single or one. It’s because the onion is producing only a single bulb and isn’t it strange? When we cut the onion, it consist a union of many separate and ordered layers. We cannot imagine most of our cuisine without onion. It gives a strong pungent flavour and forms an important base for many curries.

Onions are cultivated and consumed across the world. You can cut the onions in various different ways to make the variety of recipes, they can be chopped, sliced, shredded, powdered, etc. There are so many ways to enjoy onions as part of your diet – whether you're adding them to a salad, using them as the base for a soup or stir-frying them with a yummy sauce. They can also be eaten raw and are used in pickles and chutneys. Though it is a temperate crop, it can be grown under a wide range of climatic conditions (temperate, tropical, and subtropical).

The veggie has long been held in high regard: archaeologists have uncovered traces of onions dating back to 5000 B.C. It’s said that in ancient Egypt, onions were worshipped because their shape and concentric circles symbolised eternity. And in the Middle Ages, onions were used to pay for goods and services, and given as gifts. Onions may be one of the earliest cultivated crops because they were less perishable than other foods of the time, were transportable, were easy to grow, and could be grown in a variety of soils and climates.

Chopping onions can be a teary process, thanks to its sulphuric, alliinase properties, but this amazing vegetable is loaded with unparalleled amounts of nutrition. Onions have antibiotic, antimicrobial, antiseptic and carminative properties to help you stay away from infections. Onions are rich in vitamin B, sulphur, potassium, fibres, vitamin C and they are low in fat, cholesterol and sodium. Onions are also rich in manganese that offers protection against cold and flu. The humble onion is found in every kitchen, but its curative powers make it an important medicinal plant too. The next time you peel onions and start crying, just think of all the great health benefits you are getting. Let’s take a look at some of the health benefits of onions…

Rich with antioxidants: Onions are chock-full of antioxidants. The antioxidants in onions influence the normal operations of the pancreas, regulating insulin synthesis and keeping blood glucose levels in check.

Great substitute for salty sauces: The veggies can also add a lot of flavour to dishes without greatly increasing calories, sodium, or cholesterol, meaning they're a great substitute for salty sauces or marinades when you're looking for some extra zip.

Regulating blood sugar: Wanting to regulate your blood sugar? Eat an onion. Research on one particular polyphenol in onions — quercetin — has linked it with lowering blood pressure.

Helps in lowering cholesterol: The presence of alliinase compound in onions helps in lowering cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart diseases. Alliinase is released when onions are sliced and this what makes you cry when you are cutting the vegetable.

The naturally occurring compounds within the bulbs' layers can help fight inflammation and lower cholesterol levels, thereby protecting against heart disease.

Induces digestion: The dietary fibre in onions can help your digestive system stay tip-top. These prebiotic compounds promote the growth of good gut bacteria, a.k.a. probiotics. In turn, these living organisms prevent or manage GI issues and help out your immune system at the same time.

Calm you down: This strong-smelling root vegetable that is ubiquitous in kitchens and cuisines across the world, comprises ample amounts of L-tryptophan, an amino acid that holds powerful sedative traits, which induce deep sleep. Additionally, onions exhibit useful calming qualities, which help to instantly relieve stress, tension from the mind and promote healthy sleeping patterns.

Slow-down ageing: The goodness of powerful flavonoids and antioxidants in onion juice combats free radical damage of skin cells, reduce wrinkles and slow down signs of ageing. The sulphur compounds boost the synthesis of collagen and battle premature ageing.

Keeps your skin glow: The chock full of nutrients in onions that include vitamin C, B6, and allicin the Sulphur compound works as an amazing component in enhancing good and healthy skin. It is a powerful antiseptic that shields the skin and treats acne. As a good source of vitamin C, onions may support the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin.

Good for hair: Rich in antibacterial and antifungal properties, onions help to nurture hair and proliferates its growth. The rich sulphur content and antioxidants prevent thinning and breakage and premature greying. They fight dandruff and assist in blood circulation that helps in hair growth.