The round purple vegetable is one of my favorites. Although most people do not enjoy eating it, it is almost indispensable in meal preparation.
You won’t be eating it grudgingly if you are aware of the potential you have on your plate. Let me help you feel happy about your onion.
Table of Contents
Vitamin and mineral content
Like all vegetables, onion is packed with vitamins and minerals. It is less calory-densed. Although its vitamin C content is quite high.
We all know the implication of this. Vitamin C helps in boosting the immune system. When one’s immune system is strong, he/she is less susceptible to sickness. Am I speaking English? Simply put, you will be healthier when you consume foods high in vitamin C.
Vitamin C also helps in the absorption of iron and repair of tissues. Onions are also high in potassium and folate (Vit B9) which is very good for women especially pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Antioxidant properties
Onions are rich in antioxidants (more than 25 varieties of flavonoids). Antioxidants are compounds that hinder or reduce oxidation. Oxidation is the breakdown of cells, when this happens, cells damage leading to cancer, heart disease, and so on.
Blood sugar levels
Onions have been discovered to affect blood sugar favorably.
Compounds such as quercetin and sulfur found in onions are known to be antidiabetic. Quercetin interacts with the small intestine, pancreas, skeletal muscle, fat tissue, and liver to regulate blood sugar levels.
Antibacterial properties
This vegetable contains properties that fight bacteria. Research has shown that the compound quercetin is very useful in fighting bacteria. Bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Bacillus cereus, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), that are major causes of cancers, ulcers and other diseases.
Digestion
Onions, like most vegetables, are rich in fiber. The high fiber content aids digestion and improves gut health. It also lowers the chances of constipation and adds to the bulk of feces.
These are just but a few. There are so many health benefits of eating onion, whether raw or cooked. You can add this natural goodness to any meal. It adds taste and flavor to meals.
It’s healthy. So what’s more? Cheer up and eat your onion with a smile!
Read also: Avocados: Green Fruit of Goodness
