Are White Onions Healthy?
Onions are unique vegetables that find a prominent place in cuisines across the globe and adds extra zest, and flavour to any dish. It belongs to the Allium genus of flowering plants that also includes garlic, shallots, leeks and chives. They are available in both red and white variety, while the white ones are prized as super healthy packed vitamins and phytonutrients. They can be used raw, peeled, pounded, and consumed with any food, which also acts as an excellent prebiotic. The goodness of vitamin C, flavonoids, fibre, folic acid, and other nutrients present in white onions aids to minimise the risk of Parkinson’s, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases. The medicinal properties of white onion have been prized since ages and they were used to heal ailments such as headaches, mouth ulcers, wounds and uplifts overall health.
White onions have a distinct mild flavour when compared to other onions, they are less pungent owing to high sugar and low sulphur content. Because of its mild and easily palatable flavour and low astringent quality white onions are mostly used raw in sandwiches and salads.
Being intrinsically low on the glycaemic index, with a GI 10, white onions meet a 10% daily value of vitamin C and calcium per serving. While it is abundant in dietary fibre and high content of sulphur that offers incredible medicinal and therapeutic properties.
Incredible Health Benefits Of White Onions
Augments Gut Health
Onions heaped with prebiotics and dietary fibre stimulate the functioning of the digestive system. The richness of fibre regularizes bowel movements, while the prebiotics feeds good bacteria in the gut and enhances the gut microbiome. Adding white onion to regular meals is an effective way to treat bloating, indigestion, flatulence, and other gastrointestinal woes.
Promotes Blood Circulation
The goodness of flavonoids and sulphur compounds in white onions aids in thinning of the blood. Thus, it helps in the smooth flow of blood via the veins and arteries and averts the risk of potential cardiovascular diseases, and keeps the vital organs work in the best possible condition.
Boosts Heart Health
Bestowed with antioxidants and phytonutrients white onion combat inflammation, lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thereby beneficial in optimising cardiac function and health. Aside from these, the anti-inflammatory activities of white onion may help to control high blood pressure and prevent blood clots.
Sound Sleep
Studies have revealed that white onions may induce a night of quality sleep owing to the abundance of L-tryptophan, an amino acid that acts as a natural sedative. Additionally, it also supports lessening stress levels which induce a night of sound sleep and better mental health.
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Laden with chromium and sulphur, white onions help to control high blood sugar and prevent blood sugar surges. Several pieces of evidence have stated that regular consumption of white onion is highly beneficial for people with diabetes and prediabetes. Moreover, quercetin and sulphur compounds in white onions possess potent antidiabetic effects and control blood sugar levels by interacting with cells in the liver, pancreas, fat, skeletal muscle and manage blood sugar levels in the body.
Conclusion
White onion is an amazing alum vegetable that comes with a chock full of nutrients and offers benefits for the heart, gut health, and improve blood circulation. The antioxidant and antibacterial effects are best known to strengthen the immune system and keep disease at bay. This distinct vegetable is highly valuable to uplift the flavour and taste of any dish. Reap the wellness incentives of this nutrient dense vegetable by adding it into your meals.
