Hardly a soup, vegetable, gravy, or sauce would be complete without onions. One of the very few vegetables you'll likely have is an onion, it's often the first vegetable someone learns to cook with. Onions are a common ingredient in kitchens all across the world, particularly in India. The usage of onion in Indian cookery is unavoidable. Indians use onions in a variety of ways, from gravy to dry dishes, salad, soup, meat dishes, and more. Onlymyhealth editorial team talked to Ms. Rubaina Adhikari, nutritionist and the Director at Happii Digital and Broadcasting Network Pvt. Ltd, to know about the health benefits of onions.
Health benefits of onions
Even though onions are tear-inducing, they are one of the multipurpose veggies on the planet. It can be eaten fresh, sauteed, fried, stewed, and over atop almost any other cuisine that is worth eating. Aside from its numerous culinary uses, however, many people are unaware of onions' numerous health benefits. Here expert suggests some health benefits of onions:
1. Improves Digestive Health
Onions are among the few veggies that are high in both prebiotics and fiber. These are necessary components for your gut's optimal health. The good bacteria within your intestine break down the prebiotics in onions to make short-chain fatty acids. As per the studies, these short-chain fatty acids help in gut health, improve digestion, reduce stomach inflammation, and eventually raise immunity. According to experts, meals high in prebiotics improve the digestive system and also aid in the absorption of vital minerals such as calcium and iron, which boost red blood cell production and improve bone health.
Also read: What Are The Uses Of Onion Water? Here's How You Can Make It
2. Boosts Immunity
Onions contain polyphenols, which function as antioxidants to protect the body from free radicals. When your immunity is weak and unhealthy, it protects you from external viruses and bacteria that want to attack your body. This implies that illnesses such as the common cold and flu will be avoided. Whenever we refer to a healthy immune system, though, we're referring to a fully functioning digestive system. The health of your gut and immunity are interlinked. A healthy gut paves the path for strong immunity.
3. Lower Heart Problems and Stroke Risk
Onions have a strong, pungent flavor and odor due to organic sulfur. These chemical compounds lower the risk of heart attack and stroke by decreasing cholesterol levels of the body and also help in breaking down blood clots. Rather than cooking onions, consume them raw to get the most sulfur compounds.
4. Helps in Weight Loss
As onions have been shown to improve the digestive system, experts believe it is beneficial for those who are looking to reduce weight. You will not be constipated if your gut functions properly and your meal is properly digested. Onions include antioxidants that aid in normal digestion. Your body will discharge surplus toxins if you have frequent and healthy bowel motions. Antioxidants also assist in the reduction of body fat. As a result, including onions in your weight-loss diet can assist speed up the process.
Also read: Some Hidden Benefits of Onion That We Bet You Don't Know
5. Reduce Cancer Risk
Onions contain a variety of chemicals that help in the prevention of cancer. This flavorful bulb is one of the best sources of quercetin, a nutrient that has been shown to inhibit the activity or formation of cancer-causing components.
Onions are a good source of all the nutrients and vitamins that our body needs. It is not only flavorsome but also provides a lot of health benefits. Experts advise including onions in your daily diet because of antioxidants, vitamin C, sulfur, and other nutrients. Onions are a superfood that you should include in your daily diet for a variety of reasons, including lowering cancer risk, managing diabetes, improving digestive health, and protecting your heart. Adding more onions to your diet is an easy way to boost your overall health.