Onions: The culinary staple with hidden health benefits
Polish cuisine cannot do without onions. Countless recipes start with the words "sauté the onion." They are also often added raw to salads and spreads. Onions have numerous nutritional benefits, but they are definitely not a vegetable for everyone.
Onions are cheap, available at every market stall, and needed for many dishes we eat every day. It's hard to imagine our kitchen without them, which is why we usually buy them in bulk. This vegetable is among the least contaminated with agricultural chemicals. It has even more advantages.
What properties does the onion have?
Onions are known for their richness in quercetin. This antioxidant neutralizes free radicals, which accelerate aging. It also helps lower blood pressure and has anti-cancer properties. The characteristic aroma of onions is due to sulphur compounds, which not only help fight bacteria but also lower cholesterol levels.
Another important ingredient in onions is vitamin C, which boosts the body's immunity. This vegetable also contains folic acid, which is extremely important for women planning to become pregnant and for those expecting a child because it prevents fetal defects. Additionally, it has a positive effect on the functioning of the circulatory and nervous systems. Onions also contain iron, necessary for the production of red blood cells, and dietary fibre, which is beneficial for the intestines and helps lower cholesterol levels.
Onions help during and after infection
Onions are worth remembering during the fall and winter seasons because they help fight 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 fibre that provides good nourishment for gut bacteria. This is especially important after antibiotic treatments. Additionally, onions have a soothing and analgesic effect, and they work well for 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 problems, especially if you have reflux or irritable bowel syndrome. Onions contain fructans, which can cause digestive issues such as stomach pains, bloating, or indigestion.
Raw and fried onions in fat are the most indigestible. They will be much milder after blanching. It’s worth stewing them with the addition of herbs. A good way to mellow the taste of onions is to lightly boil them before frying.
