Leave apart the people who do not like the pungent taste and smell of the onion, others are quite fond of its flavour. Be it eating raw onion in salad or as a topping, or adding it to the gravy and soups, onion just goes with almost every savoury dish. But as many health benefits as other spices, fruits and vegetables in our kitchen hold, onion too is highly beneficial for our health as well as beauty. Especially during the winter season, regular consumption of onion is good for better digestion, diabetes and keeping several allergies and viral infections at bay. Here are some more benefits of onion and the nutrients found in it.
Nutritious And Healthy Components In Onion
Onions are low in calories and consist of vitamins C and B6, minerals and manganese, fiber, folate, phosphorus and protein. Onions are also a rich source of an antioxidant called Quercetin, which provides protection against various types of diseases and allergies, as well as relief in the prostate and urine bag. Quercetin has flavonoids and phyto-chemicals, which have antihistamine properties, because of which, it helps in avoiding the skin allergies in the winter and eliminating the problem of inflammation in the body. In addition to flavonoids, polyphenols are also found in large quantities in onions, which prevents diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
Not just onion, but its seeds too, commonly known as Kalonji in India, are an important ingredient in many pickles and are also used as a medicine in Ayurveda.
Benefits Of Onion In Winters
- Helps you sleep better
Nutrients found in onion help in maintaining the levels of certain hormones like serotonin and dopamine in the body, which is essential in having a good mood and quality sleep. - Protection against infections
Onions are known to have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which is why consuming onion in winter can help in fighting cough, ear ache, fever and many other diseases. - Keeping the body warm
Onion is considered as the powerhouse of energy and is also helpful in keeping us warm during winters. Therefore, incorporating onion in our daily meals is highly recommended during winters. - Maintains hair and skin health
Skin health depends on collagen, for which vitamin C is responsible, which is found in plenty in onions. Also, application of onion juice on the roots or scalp helps in getting rid of problems like hair fall, greying and lice in hair. This is the reason why many hair care products have onions as their active ingredient. - In controlling blood sugar
Onion is considered to be beneficial in regulating the blood sugar levels, which is why diabetic patients must include onion in their daily diet. - Improves digestion
Onion is rich in fiber and probiotics which are very beneficial for intestinal health. Apart from this, Probiotics found in onions also help the body improve calcium absorption which in turn benefits the bone health.
Not just in winters though, consumption of onion and using its juice is helpful in many other health conditions too such as in increasing the sexual strength or vigour and libido, stones, asthma, joint pains, memory, and insect bites.
