Onion is a common vegetable in daily life with high nutritional value and outstanding effects, comparable to the "all-powerful hero" in the vegetable world. Follow the editor to explore the amazing benefits of onions.
Nutritional components of onion
Per 100 grams of onion, it contains 1.4g of protein, 0.2g of fat, 6.1g of carbohydrates, 0.9g of crude fiber, 0.5g of ash, 147mg of potassium, 24mg of calcium, 39mg of phosphorus, 0.8mg of iron, 0.23mg of zinc, 4.4mg of sodium, 15mg of magnesium, 0.14mg of manganese, 0.05mg of copper, 0.92μg of selenium, 0.02mg of carotene, 5mg of Vitamin C, 0.03mg of Vitamin B1, 0.03mg of Vitamin B2, 0.3mg of niacin, 8mg of Vitamin C, and 1356 kilojoules of energy.
N reasons to love eating onions
Reason 1: Sterilization and anti-cold
Onions contain phytoncides such as allicin, which have strong sterilizing abilities and can effectively resist influenza viruses and prevent colds. When these phytoncides are excreted through the respiratory tract, urinary tract, and sweat glands, they can stimulate the secretions of the cell walls in these areas, thus also acting as an expectorant, diuretic, sweat-inducer, and having antibacterial and preservative effects.
Reason 2: Promotes gastrointestinal motility, aids digestion
Onions contain allyl propyl disulfide, which has a rich aroma. The pungent smell often makes people cry when processed. This special aroma can stimulate gastric acid secretion and increase appetite. Animal experiments have also shown that onions can improve gastrointestinal tension, promote gastrointestinal motility, thereby acting as an appetizer, and have a significant effect on loss of appetite caused by atrophic gastritis, insufficient gastric motility, and indigestion.
Reason 3: Cancer prevention
The anti-cancer effect of onions comes from its rich selenium and quercetin. Selenium is an antioxidant that can stimulate the human immune response, thereby inhibiting the division and growth of cancer cells, and at the same time reducing the toxicity of carcinogens. Quercetin, on the other hand, can inhibit the activity of cancer cells and stop their growth. A survey shows that people who eat onions regularly have a 25% lower chance of developing stomach cancer and a 30% lower chance of dying from stomach cancer compared to those who don't.
Reason 4: Lowers blood pressure
Onion is the only plant that contains prostaglandin A. It is the only known food source of prostaglandin A and a natural blood thinner. Prostaglandin A can dilate blood vessels and reduce blood viscosity, thereby lowering blood pressure, reducing peripheral vascular resistance, and increasing coronary blood flow, preventing thrombosis. It also counteracts the blood pressure-raising effects of substances like catecholamines in the body and promotes the excretion of sodium, thus lowering blood pressure. Regular consumption has health benefits for patients with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases.
Reason 5: Lowers blood sugar
Onion also has the effect of lowering blood sugar because it contains organic compounds similar to the blood sugar-lowering drug tolbutamide, and it can generate isoquercitrin in the human body, which has a strong diuretic effect. Diabetic patients can consume 25~50g of onions per meal to achieve a good effect of lowering blood sugar and promoting diuresis.
Reason 6: Improves constipation
The sulfur components of onions combine with proteins or intestinal bacteria in the large intestine to form hydrogen sulfide, which can promote intestinal peristalsis. The rich soluble dietary fiber can stimulate the intestines, making their movement more vigorous, and oligosaccharides can also inhibit the proliferation of bad bacteria in the intestines, effectively improving the common constipation symptoms in women.