Onions, popularly known as the vegetable that makes you cry as you slice it, is very popular in Nigerian dishes. It forms the basis of a wide variety of dishes, whether eaten raw, baked, steamed or boiled. They vary in size, shape, colour, and flavour. The most common types are red, yellow, and white onions. Beyond being used to spice food, onions are highly nutritious and have been associated with several benefits, including improved heart health, better blood sugar control, and increased bone density.
Loaded with Nutrients
Onions are high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They are a good source of vitamin C, Vitamin B, and Manganese. They also contain the following in small amounts: Calcium, iron, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Spring onions contain more plant-derived antioxidants than bulb onions as the leafy green part of the plant is more extensive. The leafy green part of the plant is a good source of folic acid.
Loaded with Antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals in your body. Free radicals are compounds that can cause harm if their levels become too high in your body. They’re linked to multiple illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Onions are loaded with plant chemicals including flavonoids, which have both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. When consumed regularly and in sufficient quantity, these compounds may help protect against chronic conditions.
Good for your Bones
Onions are a top crop when it comes to supporting bone density. They could help ward off osteoporosis, the thinning of the bones that often comes with age. The high sulfur content of onions has a direct effect on the formation of connective tissue such as tendons and cartilage. Experts say many of the phytonutrients in onions are found in the outer layers, so try not to peel off extra layers when you remove the onion skin. It is important to note that other factors that keep the body healthy are in your control. They include eating healthfully, not smoking or drinking too much alcohol, and getting weight-bearing exercise, like walking.
Could help men Sexually
According to some studies, Onions’ anti-inflammatory properties and certain B vitamins can help produce red blood cells, decrease blood clots and increase blood flow — which may help with erectile dysfunction. Eating onions might also boost testosterone levels, the primary sex hormone responsible for sperm production, as well as sexual characteristics during puberty.
Could help fight Cancer
Eating vegetables of the Allium genus like garlic and onions has been linked to a lower risk of certain types of cancer, including stomach and colorectal cancer. Onions contain quercetin, a type of plant chemical called a flavonoid. Some flavonoids have antiproliferative properties—that is, the ability to block the growth of cells. Recent research has also discovered that chemicals from onions killed colon and breast cancer cells, by stimulating the pathways that lead to cell death. Therefore, a diet rich in allium vegetables like onions may have a protective effect against certain cancers.
Could benefit the Heart
Research shows that eating onions may help reduce heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, elevated triglyceride levels, and inflammation. They are a rich source of flavonoids which help in reducing bad cholesterol and keep the consistency of the blood right and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Easy to add to your Diet
Onions are rich in soluble fibre and that helps in keeping your gut healthy, which is important for effective weight loss. They are a strong probiotic food that can aid in losing fat quickly if eaten raw. Adding red onions to your diet is a great way to get more chromium into your system and help keep your blood sugar levels in check. Besides,it is a low-glycemic food, which means it won’t cause spikes in your blood sugar levels.
Summary
Please note that while onions could be good for your health, they could also give you bad breath and body odour depending on your health status or body makeup. Rarely, some have an allergic reaction to them, particularly onion seeds, in which symptoms include itching, watering of the eyes, and skin rashes. Onions could cause heartburn, bloating, nausea, and vomiting in certain individuals. These symptoms are relatively more common when eating them raw rather than cooked. Anyone who experiences a reaction after eating onions should be sure to seek medical attention.
