Introduction: In terms of nutrition, onions are indeed a very healthy vegetable, not only rich in dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Moreover, onions contain the same pungent compounds as onions and garlic, have a strong aroma, can stimulate gastric acid secretion, increase appetite, and have antibacterial and cold-preventing effects.
Onions are truly a globally popular vegetable. The French love onion soup, onions are indispensable in pasta dishes, Greeks are best at seasoning with onions, and Indians particularly enjoy eating raw onions. In China, onions are also a common daily vegetable with high nutritional value and remarkable effects, comparable to the "versatile hero" of the vegetable world.
There are three types of onions on the market: purple, yellow, and white. Purple onions have the highest content of dietary fiber, various minerals, and health-promoting compounds, but they have the strongest flavor and spiciness, making them best for stir-frying. White onions have the most tender flesh and the most juice, with the mildest spiciness, and can be eaten raw or in salads. Yellow onions are suitable for cooking seafood.
In terms of nutrition, onions are indeed a very healthy vegetable, not only rich in dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Moreover, onions contain the same pungent compounds as onions and garlic, have a strong aroma, can stimulate gastric acid secretion, increase appetite, and have antibacterial and cold-preventing effects.
Black Pepper and Onion Stir-fried Beef
Highly Nutritious Onions: Many Benefits Like Killing Bacteria and Preventing Cancer
1. Bactericidal and Anti-Cold
Onions have a spicy taste, and this substance has a bactericidal effect. When the bactericide is excreted through the respiratory tract, urinary tract, and sweat glands, it can stimulate the secretion of the cell walls of these passages, thus also having effects of expectorant, diuretic, sweating, and antibacterial preservation.
2. Promotes Gastrointestinal Peristalsis and Increases Appetite
Onions contain alliin, which has a rich aroma. Processing often makes people cry because of the pungent smell. It is this special aroma that stimulates gastric acid secretion and increases appetite. Animal experiments have also shown that onions can increase gastrointestinal tension, promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, and thus have an appetizing effect, which is significantly effective for loss of appetite caused by atrophic gastritis, insufficient gastric motility, and indigestion.
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 can reduce the toxicity of carcinogens. Quercetin can inhibit the activity of cancer cells and stop their growth. A survey shows that people who often eat onions have a 25% lower chance of developing stomach cancer and a 30% lower chance of dying from it than those who don't. Many other studies have also confirmed that moderate consumption of onions can reduce the risk of various cancers such as colorectal cancer, laryngeal cancer, and ovarian cancer.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure
Onions are the only plant that contains prostaglandin A. They are the only known food source of prostaglandin A and a natural blood thinner. Prostaglandin A can dilate blood vessels, reduce blood viscosity, and thus lower blood pressure, reduce peripheral vascular resistance, and increase coronary blood flow, preventing thrombosis. It also counteracts the effects of blood pressure-raising substances in the body like catecholamines and promotes the excretion of sodium, thereby lowering blood pressure. Regular consumption has health benefits for patients with high blood pressure, high blood lipids, and cardiovascular diseases.
Onion Blossoms
5. Lowers Blood Sugar
Many studies have found that eating onions regularly can also improve blood sugar levels and prevent bacterial infections. Because onions contain organic compounds similar to the blood sugar-lowering drug tolbutamide, and can produce isoquercitrin in the human body, which has a strong diuretic effect. For diabetic patients, consuming 25-50g of onions per meal can effectively lower blood sugar and have a diuretic effect.
6. Improves Constipation
The sulfur components in 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 to make movement more vigorous, and oligosaccharides can also inhibit the proliferation of bad bacteria in the intestines, effectively improving the common constipation symptoms in women.
7. Increases Bone Density
Many studies have found that eating onions helps increase bone density, which is especially important for postmenopausal women with decreased bone density. Another study showed that postmenopausal women who eat onions daily can reduce the risk of hip fractures. The sulfur compounds rich in onions also play a very important role in the formation of human connective tissue.
Squid Tent with Green Pepper and Onion