By CHISOM IBEMERE
Onions (Allium cepa) also called bulb onion or common onion are vegetables which are widely cultivated and used around the world. They are biennial or perennial plants with different sizes, shapes and colour but mostly white, yellow or red. They can be cooked or eaten raw. They are known for their strong flavour and sharp pungent taste.
The bulb are composed of shortened and compressed underground stems surrounded by fleshy modified scales called leaves that encloses a central bud at the tip of the stem.
Onions contain water, fibre, carbs, vitamin C, folate, vitamin B6, potassium which are beneficial to the body. They are rich in quercetin and sulfur containing compounds.
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The two common phytochemical compounds present in Onions are Allium and Allyl disulphide which helps to reduce or lower the risk of cancer, help in regulating the blood sugar, heal infections and are anti inflammatory.
Flavonoids in red Onions are essential for heart health. Organosulfur and thiosulfur compounds in Onion helps to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Quercetin is both an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that improve heart health and prevent allergies.
Onions has prebiotics which can improve sleep and reduce stress. The sulfur improve eye health. It stimulates the synthesis of glutathione which reduces the risk of glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.
Onions are good for Oral health. The sulfur compounds in them helps to reduce the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Onions are incorporated in herbal medicines for managing impotence and sexual dysfunctions. Taking Onion juice with honey can be effective to increase fertility in men.
Other wonderful benefits of onions includes: Prevention of blood clots, energy boost, enhance brain health and they are essential for the maintenance of skin and hair.
