Introduction: When it comes to onions, the first thing that comes to mind is probably tears, but you'd never guess that onions have so many other benefits?
1. Onions are rich in calcium, comparable to calcium-rich vegetables like bok choy and napa cabbage. They also contain magnesium and potassium, and the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is ideal for good absorption.
2. Improves intestinal health.
Like vegetables such as burdock and asparagus, onions contain oligosaccharides, which are not digested by the stomach and small intestine but are broken down in the large intestine as food for beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium.
Onions and Shrimp
3. Promotes weight loss and relieves constipation.
Onions are rich in dietary fiber, which increases satiety and promotes bowel movements. Additionally, the bifidogenic factors produced by onions also help keep the intestines clear.
4. Cuts through grease.
Pairing high-fat dishes like steak, braised pork, or grilled fish with onions can not only remove the gamey flavor but also cut through the grease, reducing the body's absorption of fat.
5. Antimicrobial.
Onions contain volatile allyl sulfide, which has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and can repel pests. Therefore, onions are a vegetable with zero pesticide residues.
Onions and Chinese Bacon
6. Cancer prevention.
Onions are rich in quercetin and selenium. The former inhibits cancer cell activity and stops their growth, while the latter is a potent antioxidant that reduces oxidative damage in the body.
7. Prevents colds.
Onions are slightly pungent and warm in nature, helping to expel wind and cold. They can prevent colds and alleviate symptoms like nasal congestion and a runny nose caused by colds.
8. Reduces bodily inflammation.
Prostaglandin A found in onions is a potent vasodilator that helps reduce bodily inflammation, regulate blood pressure, and lower blood viscosity.
Stir-fried Beef with Onions