Onions are one of the most ancient vegetable crops. About 5 thousand years ago, the first specimens appeared, which even then were distinguished by their healing properties.
To date, the beneficial and harmful qualities of onions have been studied thoroughly. Nevertheless, culture to this day surprises scientists with its effectiveness in the fight against many ailments.
Everyone knows how useful onion is, because it is a unique vegetable that has antiviral and antiseptic effects, therefore it is often used as a prophylaxis for viral and respiratory diseases. Onions are often used in cooking and cosmetology, but traditional medicine also offers many recipes for the treatment of diseases using the active ingredients that make up the vegetable. Onion is one of the most accessible vegetables, without which almost no dish can do, despite this, its strong smell makes many people disgust and dislike the vegetable.
In fact, only onions have a strong and pronounced smell, and there are about 500 species of this vegetable in total. The most famous are varieties of onions, leeks, shallots, batun, but there is a difference not only in the form of onions, but also in their taste, therefore, in cooking, all types of onions are in demand in cooking. Onions, despite their specific taste and sharpness, are used most often, because they are a storehouse of useful substances and sources of interesting taste for dishes. Since ancient times, the onion has been used in self-treatment, because its rich composition has a beneficial effect on the entire body and is allowed to cope with various ailments.
The classification of bulbs divides the plant into spicy, slightly spicy, delicacy, salad and sweet varieties, so for some species the bulb itself is of particular value, while others are valued for their shoots. In our latitudes, onions are most famous and in great demand, which are not whimsical in cultivation and are valued due to their pronounced taste. However, there are many more types of this plant that are no less useful, but much tastier. They are used to prepare salads, meat and fish dishes and as a condiment in cooking. Varieties of particular value are:
The main types of onions
Each variety is further divided into many varieties, so from the whole variety of species, everyone can find a species for themselves. If all types of onions are used in cooking, then in folk medicine, onions are especially valued, which have many useful substances that are indispensable in the treatment of respiratory and viral diseases.
Currently, more than 400 varieties of onions are known. Being completely unpretentious, it is grown everywhere and is actively used not only to create various dishes, but also in alternative medicine for the treatment of many diseases. Consider how onion is useful for the human body, and how it is used for recreational purposes.
Any varieties of onions are rich in microelements such as vitamins A, B, C, E, as well as folic and ascorbic acid. These substances are needed by the body in order to function normally. At the same time, the calorie content of onions, depending on the variety, ranges from 45 to 60 kcal for every hundred grams of the product.
Consider the beneficial properties of onions, depending on the type.
In addition to internal use, onions are also used externally. The juice of this healthy vegetable has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, hair and nails.
The main benefit of green onions is that it enriches the body with vitamins A, C and PP, as well as essential compounds and phytoncides.
And also the use of green onion feathers helps to cope with insomnia and improve the quality of sleep.
Shallot is an artificially bred variety of onion, the distinctive feature of which are small onions and abundant greens.
On a note. Shallot is not able to restore vision or cure any eye disease, but the active substances present in it have a positive effect on the cells of the organ, and for this reason this vegetable is recommended for use in ophthalmic problems.
Red onions are also called blue or purple, due to the rich color of the husk.
Onion peel contains antioxidant compounds, vitamins and minerals.
Attention! Decoctions and tinctures of onion peel increase blood clotting, so they should not be taken by people prone to thromboembolism.
Onions are present in many traditional medicine recipes.
Attention! In no case should onion-based products be instilled into the eyes, this will cause a severe burn of the mucous membrane.
If you abuse onions in the presence of these problems, this can lead to a worsening of the condition.
Given these warnings when using onions in their pure form or health products based on it, you can only benefit the body without fear of harming your health.
Bulb onion is a common vegetable crop and a valuable food product. It is widely known throughout the world and is most often used in cooking. But, in addition to the main application, it is known in cosmetology and traditional medicine. Find out exactly what properties onions have, about its benefits and harms to the human body.
Onion is a plant belonging to the lily family. It is grown commercially and in private gardens. Many varieties bred by breeders have both table and universal purposes, while onions can be with yellow, white and red-violet husks, according to taste they are divided into sweet, spicy and semi-sharp. Not only turnips are eaten, but also young green feathers of the plant.
The chemical composition of onions is quite diverse. 100 g of vegetable contains:
In addition to these basic substances, the product contains essential oils (phytoncides), which give it a specific aroma and taste. It contains enzymes, organic acids, flavonoids (including anthocyanins contained in red onions and quercetin, which has an antioxidant, anti-ulcer and antitumor effect), glycosides, mucus, pectins and saponins. Vitamins in onions are presented:
Onions are also rich in mineral salts, especially potassium (175 mg) and calcium (31 mg), phosphorus (58 mg) and magnesium (14 mg). It also contains iron (0.8 mg), iodine (3 mcg), manganese (0.230 mg). Onions are rich in copper (90 mcg), zinc (0.85 mg) and sodium (108 mg). Data are also given for 100 g of fresh product.
The nutritional value of onion lies in the easily digestible carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, fiber and essential oils contained in it. This makes it an extremely useful product for the human body. Due to the low content of carbohydrates and fats, the calorie content of onions is insignificant - only 41 Kcal per 100 g of product, so it can be eaten by all people, even those who are afraid to gain weight.
Onion due to its rich composition has a versatile effect on the human body. The most prized are the red varieties, but the more common yellows and sweet whites are also healthy. Most often, the product is used for food, but it is also an excellent medicine and an unsurpassed cosmetic product. Doctors and nutritionists advise eating raw onions, if possible, in order to preserve all the useful components of the vegetable as much as possible, but even after heat treatment it does not lose many of its qualities. Some folk recipes contain instructions for using the product in this form.
Onion has long been known as a simple and affordable vitamin and mineral complex in the cold season. With its help, you can easily strengthen the immune system, thereby increasing the body's resistance to diseases. For preventive purposes, simply eating onions every day is enough to prevent catching a cold, but this vegetable is also great for fighting ailments.
The bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties of onions are used to treat the common cold, sore throat, flu, cough, and otitis media. For ingestion, gruel with honey or onion juice is suitable, it is also used in a diluted form for instillation of the ear and nose. Known in folk medicine and onion compresses. Bulbs and juice are also used to treat hemorrhoids, improve vision, and deworm. You can also chew onions to maintain oral hygiene and prevent dental diseases.
The benefits of onions for the human body do not end there. It contributes to the normalization of metabolic processes, accelerates metabolism, increases appetite. With the regular use of this vegetable in food, the body is cleansed of harmful substances and toxins. It has a beneficial effect on blood vessels, improves memory, and prevents the development of atherosclerosis. For people suffering from hypertension, this is an excellent remedy for reducing pressure.
Eating onions is useful for the stable functioning of the liver, cardiovascular and nervous systems, and slowing down the aging process. The diuretic properties of the product are useful for removing excess fluid from the body, and the small hypnotic effect that it has can be successfully used for problems with falling asleep.
The benefits of onions for the treatment and prevention of tuberculosis, osteoporosis, gout and cancer have also been proven. This product is also shown in diabetes, as it also has an insulin-like effect. As an external agent, it is used to treat wounds and treat skin diseases. Onion peel has antihistamine properties.
The beneficial properties of onions have long been known to ladies who take care of themselves and their appearance. More often, it is necessary to include it in your menu for everyone who has difficulty conceiving a child, because this vegetable contains a lot of zinc, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the reproductive system.
The presence in the vegetable of a large amount of such a trace element as iron is also important for maintaining women's health. If you use the product regularly, it will help to avoid anemia.
But onions for women are not only a useful food product. It is also a well-known home remedy. For its main, for example, nourishing masks are prepared. To do this, use a fresh vegetable or its juice, and also combine them with other ingredients. Pure onion juice helps to even out and brighten the complexion, get rid of age spots and freckles.
To improve the condition of the hair, there are also many simple and effective recipes. So, a decoction of onion peel is used to strengthen strands, masks - to stimulate growth and revitalize dull and lifeless curls. Regular use of these products guarantees excellent results. The only drawback of such care cosmetics is a persistent smell, but this can be neglected for the sake of a positive effect.
Useful properties of onions are noted by all children's nutritionists. It enhances appetite and stimulates digestion, promotes bone growth, strengthens the walls of blood vessels. It is a source of vitamins necessary for normal development and maintenance of health, especially C and E. Onion juice with milk helps children fall asleep, makes sleep stronger and more productive. Raw vegetable dishes are a simple anthelmintic without side effects.
They begin to introduce babies to onions from the age of 7 months, but at the same time they give only boiled onions in a puree state, and only after they have tried other vegetables. Given the fact that a raw product can adversely affect a fragile children's stomach, it can only be included in a child's diet from the age of 3, and then in moderation.
Speaking about the benefits of onions for men, it is worth noting the following aspects. Regular consumption of this product in food has a positive effect on overall health, strengthens the body, increases vitality. In addition, onion increases potency, enhances attraction, promotes high-quality seed formation.
But, most of all, doctors recommend men to use onions for a completely different reason. This product is considered a highly effective prophylactic in the fight against prostate adenoma, but is also successfully used in the treatment of this disease.
Onion is included in the diet of patients due to its disinfectant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and diuretic properties. This product not only stops the development of adenoma, but also improves immunity, which has the most positive effect on the well-being of men.
Onion peel has also proven itself well, which also helps fight some of the symptoms of BPH. Its decoction can reduce pain, but only with prolonged use. The medicine should always be fresh, so it will have to be prepared every day.
In addition, onion gruel in combination with honey and other bee products gives an excellent effect. However, self-medication with this product is not worth it; it is better to coordinate its use with your doctor. Onions can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications, as well as temporarily excluded from the diet at different stages of the disease.
For those women who are carrying a child, turnip is useful, first of all, for folic acid, which has a great influence on the normal development of the fetus, especially at the initial stage of pregnancy. B9 is involved in many processes that occur in the body of the mother and child: cell growth and division, DNA replication, the formation of red blood cells, etc. But the vitamin is especially necessary for the future baby when laying the neural tube in him, and then for the normal development of the brain and spinal cord.
A deficiency of this substance in the body of a pregnant woman can lead to anemia, problems with the formation of the placenta or its abruption, miscarriage, premature birth, and the child can be threatened with serious congenital pathologies and defects of the nervous system and its organs.
Phosphorus and magnesium contained in onions stimulate the absorption of calcium - the most important building material for cartilage and bone tissues, thus affecting their normal formation in the child's body.
No less important for the fetus are iron and zinc, which are also found in onions. These microelements are necessary for the normal course of metabolic processes, the formation of the immune system, the regulation of nervous activity, and the prevention of anemia.
Onions are useful for pregnant women and as an excellent prophylactic for colds. Thanks to phytoncides, which have a strong bactericidal and antiviral effect, the vegetable helps prevent infection or fight an already onset disease. It is quite possible for them to replace medicines that are contraindicated for women during the period of bearing a baby.
The benefit of onions also lies in the fact that it increases appetite, normalizes digestion, accelerates the digestibility of food, removes excess fluid, preventing swelling, improves sleep, which is very important for the health of expectant mothers. Moreover, this effect is exerted not only by bulbs, but also by a green feather, in which there are no less vitamins, but there is chlorophyll, which is also useful during pregnancy.
Fat women will need onions if they want to lose those extra pounds. The expediency of using this vegetable in the diet of those who seek to lose weight is explained by its low calorie content and the ability to stimulate metabolism. The use of onions for weight loss is also due to the fact that it prevents the formation of fat and its deposition in the subcutaneous tissue and organs.
For a diet based on this product, vegetables of any variety and color are suitable, it all depends on personal preferences. You can eat onions raw or cook light lean meals from them, as long as they form the basis of the diet.
This diet should be followed throughout the entire period of weight loss, then the diet will give results. To remove bad breath that may appear, it is enough to eat a sprig of parsley or chew on a roasted coffee bean.
Despite a lot of useful qualities, fresh onions have their limitations and contraindications.
The vegetable should be used with caution during pregnancy, breastfeeding, problems with the kidneys, liver. Onion is also harmful for asthma, as it can provoke an attack. Contraindications to its use are gastritis and stomach ulcers, acute pancreatitis, allergic reactions.
Expert opinion
Maria Vlasova
gardener
Ask an expertOnions are undoubtedly a healthy food product, an excellent cure for many diseases and a good home cosmetic product. However, in order not to harm your health, you must use it in reasonable quantities and take into account possible limitations. After all, as you know, the harmfulness and usefulness of any substance is determined by its dose.
This most common vegetable can be found in the kitchen of any housewife. Everyone knows that it can be consumed raw, fried, stewed and boiled, and without it, many dishes lose their basic taste. But how often do you think about whether it can harm human health?
One of the reasons this product is more effective raw than cooked is because the sulfur compounds found in the essential oil provide maximum health benefits. But when heated, they are partially destroyed. On the other hand, not all people can feel for themselves , eating it raw, due to the fact that it is poorly digested, and fresh onion juice can irritate the digestive system. Therefore, there is a need to use these thermally processed products, for example, baked onions in their skins. This method of cooking will preserve the maximum amount of nutrients in the vegetable and at the same time make it more fragrant and tasty.
Onions, like garlic, belong to the onion family and are also characterized by a high content of sulfur compounds, allyl sulfides that can prevent excessive blood clotting, and a wide variety of sulfoxides. This product is also rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, which have a huge impact on the health of the human body.
It turns out that this product can reduce the likelihood of developing certain cancers even when a person consumes it in fairly moderate amounts - 1-2 times a week, although some researchers claim that the "moderate amount" is 5-6 times in seven days. The use of onions in your diet helps to reduce the risk of developing malignant tumors of the colon and rectum, ovaries and larynx. As for other types of cancer, including cancer of the esophagus and oral cavity, it is necessary to consume this medicinal vegetable daily to reduce the likelihood of their occurrence.
According to some studies in this area, they appear to a greater extent when this product is combined with turmeric. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology proves that the combination of these two products creates a so-called synergistic effect (increased efficiency) and reduces the size and number of precancerous polyps in the intestine, thereby reducing the risk of developing colon cancer. intestines. What's more, some scientists suggest that regular consumption of onions can help detoxify potential carcinogens.
Human studies show that this vegetable helps increase bone density and is ideal for women during menopause, when bone density is significantly reduced. Also, with the daily use of onions in the fairer sex during menopause, the likelihood of fractures of the bones of the hip joint decreases.
Consuming large amounts of this product may reduce blood glucose levels due to the essential oil it contains, allyl propyl disulfide, which increases free insulin levels. This is because allyl propyl disulfide competes with insulin, another disulfide, to “occupy” the liver, and this in turn leads to an increase in insulin levels and, consequently, a decrease in blood sugar.
This vegetable is an excellent source, and. It also contains calcium and high quality protein. Useful properties of onions due to vitamins, micro and macro elements that make up its composition. Let us consider in more detail how the use of this product can affect the state of human health.
Useful properties of onions
In addition to the above properties, onions can be used to treat asthma (due to the antioxidant quercetin they contain), relieve pain after insect bites and toothache, and treat anemia and other diseases.
According to materials: