Health Benefits Of Shallot

Shallots belong to the Alliaceous family, which also is home to onions, garlic and leeks. A relative of onion, shallots are, however, smaller in size and sweeter to taste. Much like garlic, their bulb divides into multiple sections. Shallots can be easily digested and contain 6 times more phenolics than the lowest-ranked onion, the Vidalia. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber and folic acid and also contain calcium, iron and protein in large quantities. Shallots are a staple cooking ingredient in Asia, Mexico, and France and Mediterranean regions. Talking about health benefits, there have been several research studies regarding the use of shallots. These studies have proven that shallots can cure many severe disease like cancer, diabetes etc and that they contain anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties. To get detailed info about the nutritional value and health benefits of shallot, read through the following lines.

Nutritional Value Of Shallot (per 100g)

Nutrients	Amount
Basic Components
Protein	12.3 g
Water	2.0 g
Ash	4.5 g
Calories
Total Calories	348
Calories From Carbohydrate	310
Calories From Fat	4.2
Calories From Protein	34.2
Carbohydrates
Total Carbohydrate	80.7 g
Fats & Fatty Acids
Total Fat	0.5 g
Saturated Fat	0.1 g
Monounsaturated Fat	0.1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.2 g
Total Omega-3 fatty acids	10 mg
Total Omega-6 fatty acids	185 mg
Vitamins
Vitamin A	56097 IU
Vitamin C	39.0 mg
Niacin	1.0 mg
Vitamin B6	1.7 mg
Folate	116 mcg
Pantothenic Acid	1.4 mg
Minerals
Calcium	183 mg
Iron	6.0 mg
Magnesium	104 mg
Phosphorus	296 mg
Potassium	1650 mg
Sodium	59.0 mg
Zinc	1.9 mg
Copper	0.4 mg
Manganese	1.4 mg
Selenium	5.7 mcg

Nutrition Benefits Of Eating Shallot

Recent studies have proven the fact that out of all the varieties of onions, shallots are particularly effective against liver cancer cells. Shallots contain 6 times more phenoplast than onions. It helps the liver to remove toxins from the body and have glucosides to inhibit and kill cancer cells.
Shallots are also helpful in inhibiting stomach cancer. Regular intake of shallots can help the stomach stay away from any kind of stomach infections.
Shallots are very good for patients who have symptomatic atherosclerotic disease, cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and stroke. It produces an anti-coagulant that thins the blood and exhibit strong anti-platelet activity.
Shallots help in lowering the blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. They prevent the degradation of insulin and increase the metabolism of glucose.
Shallots also aid brain functions and are very effective against Alzheimer’s disease.
Shallots contain sulfur contents that can make the skin look younger. Daily shallot intakes will be extremely helpful for you in the long run.
Daily consumption of shallots helps in the growth of bone tissues and it also reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis by 20%. It contains Prostaglandin A-1, a powerful agent that can lower blood pressure.

Cooking Tips

Shallots taste well in dishes, which are cooked using wine.
It is important to sauté shallots gently, although they caramelize like onions. If you brown them over high heat, they will turn bitter like garlic.
Roast shallots in their skin until soft. Peel them once roasted, make a puree and use it as a flavoring for soups or sauces.
Refrigeration of shallots is not recommended as cold temperature encourages sprouting in them.

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