Onions: The powerhouse in your pantry with hidden perks
Polish cuisine heavily relies on onions. Countless recipes start with the phrase "sauté the onion." Onions are often added raw to salads and spreads. While onions offer numerous nutritional benefits, they are certainly not a vegetable for everyone.
Onions are affordable, available at every market stall, and essential for many dishes we eat daily. It's hard to imagine a kitchen without them, so we usually buy them in bulk. This vegetable is among the least contaminated with agricultural chemicals and has many other advantages.
What properties does the onion have?
Onions are rich in quercetin, an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, which accelerate aging. It also helps lower blood pressure and has anti-cancer properties. The characteristic aroma of onions comes from sulfur compounds, which not only help fight bacteria but also lower cholesterol levels.
Another important component of onions is vitamin C, which boosts the immune system. This vegetable also contains folic acid, which is essential for women planning to become pregnant and for those expecting a child because it prevents fetal defects. In addition, it positively affects the circulatory and nervous systems. Onions also contain iron, necessary for the production of red blood cells, and dietary fiber, which is beneficial for the intestines and helps reduce cholesterol levels.
Onions help during and after infection
Onions are worth considering during the fall and winter seasons because they help combat colds and flu. Their components enhance overall immunity, reduce inflammation, and help clear the respiratory tract of excess mucus. At one time, natural onion syrup was found in every home, and many people still use it today.
Onions are a source of fructans, a specific prebiotic fiber that provides good nourishment for gut bacteria. This is especially important after antibiotic treatments. Additionally, onions have a soothing and analgesic effect, making them effective for reducing swelling after insect bites.
Who should not eat onions?
Despite their numerous health benefits, not everyone can eat onions. They should be limited if you have digestive tract issues, especially if you suffer from reflux or irritable bowel syndrome. Onions contain fructans, which can cause digestive problems such as stomach pain, bloating, or indigestion.
Raw and fried onions in fat are the most indigestible. They become much milder after blanching. It’s beneficial to stew them with herbs. A good way to mellow the taste of onions is to lightly boil them before frying.
