It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effect, strengthens capillaries, increases immunity.
Most of us can’t do without onions in the kitchen. It occupies a special place among vegetables. We almost always use it for all kinds of dishes. The benefits of onions for the body are irreplaceable, it is a universal product.
List of the most important substances contained in onions:
Quercetin. A substance from the flavonoid family that has strong antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory action.
Anthocyanins. A subgroup of flavonoids (antioxidants) that give some types of onions a purple or red color. The more flavinoids, the brighter and darker the color of the bulb. Therefore, our usual yellow onion is good, but purple – better.
Organic sulfur compounds, such as allicin. It gives it a sharp smell and taste, has antibacterial and antifungal action.
Fructans are polymers of fructose that are not digested by our enzymes and become a nutrient medium for the beneficial intestinal microflora (especially bifidobacteria and lactobacilli).
Saponins are plant glycosides. They have anti-inflammatory properties and lower cholesterol.
These substances make it an important medicinal plant. Onions are one of the means of preventing many diseases. Used to relieve a sore throat during a cold. In addition, onions help lower blood cholesterol and prevent atherosclerosis.
It increases appetite, promotes the production of digestive juices and bile, stimulates the intestines. But it should be remembered that in its raw form it is not recommended for people with gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, gastric ulcer), because it can irritate the mucous membranes.
The side effect of eating onions is an unpleasant odor of the skin and breath, but in moderation it should not be a big problem, and the health benefits are quite significant.
Thus, onions have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects, strengthen capillaries, increase immunity. Due to its invaluable medicinal properties, it is an excellent ingredient for many dishes.
If you eat one medium-sized onion a day in any form (raw or cooked) it will benefit you.