Onion is a vegetable cultivated in almost all the countries of the world and consumed across the globe. Except for a few communities, onion is used for cooking purposes by almost all the people. Not only does the vegetable lend an excellent taste to dishes, but is also associated with imparting a number of health benefits to its users. In fact, onions are said to have therapeutic, antibacterial, antifungal and loads of other beneficial properties. Given below is the complete information on the nutritional value of onions, along with the nutrition benefits of eating the vegetable.
Nutritional Value of Onion
Given below is the amount of nutrients in a medium-sized onion (approximately 150 grams):
- Vitamin A - 75 IU
- Vitamin C - 9 mg
- Calcium - 48 mg
- Proteins - 1 gm
- Phosphorus - 66 mg
- Carbohydrate - 16 gm
- Sodium - 5 mg
- Potassium - 200 mg
- Dietary Fiber - 3 gm
- Calories - 60
- Total Fat - 0 gm
- Saturated Fat - 0 gm
Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Onions
- Fresh as well as cooked onions have anti-platelet adhesiveness, which helps in preventing thrombosis.
- Onion has been found to be very good for those suffering from high blood pressure.
- Onion helps reduce inflammation and is therefore, beneficial for those suffering from Neuritis, Vertigo and Bronchitis.
- Onion, being a diuretic, increases the secretion of urine.
- Onions are rich in flavonoids and thus, provide protection against cardiovascular disease.
- Onions are very good for the health of hair, finger and toe nails and even the eyes.
- Onions contain a number of sulfides that help in lowering blood lipids
- Onions have anti-allergy properties, apart from being slightly laxative.
- Onions help drain out mucus from the cavities and loosen phlegm, in turn alleviating the symptoms of sinus.
- Onions help the body in destroying worms and other parasites.
- Researches have revealed that onions prolong longevity.
- Since onions have the property of helping lower blood sugar, they are good for those suffering from diabetes.
- The extracts of onion, being rich in a variety of sulfides, provide some protection against tumor growth.
Onions have been found to be helpful in the alleviation of the following ailments:
- Asthma
- Bacterial Infections
- Cough
- Colds
- Influenza
- Insomnia
- Obesity
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Neuritis
- Vertigo
- Bronchitis
