This vegetable is considered one of the most familiar in our kitchen. It is added to almost any dish, used raw, fried, baked and fermented. But few people think about why it has been so valued for thousands of years and for whom it is especially important to include it in the diet.
It is believed that onions began to be grown about 4-5 thousand years ago, and their homeland is Asia. Its image is even found in the Egyptian pyramids, and the ancient Romans actively added onions to their food, considering it a source of strength and energy.
Particular attention was paid to this crop in Spain: varieties with large, juicy bulbs and a milder taste were bred here.
There are more than 800 types of onions in nature, but only about 10 are considered food. The most famous are onions, leeks, batun, chives, wild garlic and allspice.
What are the benefits of onions?
- rich in vitamins A, C, E, group B (B1, B2, B9), as well as microelements – potassium, iron, zinc, manganese and phosphorus.
- has a pronounced antioxidant effect
- helps normalize metabolism
- reduces sugar and cholesterol levels
- strengthens the immune system
- acts as a natural antibiotic thanks to phytoncides
The healthiest option is raw onion: it retains the maximum amount of vitamins. Experts believe that 150–200 g of onions per day is enough for an adult.
Why do you sometimes want to eat onions more often?
If a person easily eats a whole medium onion, this may be a clue that the body requires additional nutrients.
If you suddenly crave onions more than usual, this may be a signal from the body about deficiencies: lack of vitamin C, low iron levels, deficiency of selenium, B vitamins, potassium.
Also, increased craving for onions may indicate viral infections in the early stages of the disease.
How onions affect various organs
- Strengthens the heart muscle, improves hematopoiesis, helps reduce cholesterol and helps prevent the formation of plaques.
- Supports cognitive functions of the brain, slows down the aging process, and helps you fall asleep easier thanks to its mild sedative effect.
- For liver health, when combined with sugar and water, it helps relieve soreness and promotes the elimination of toxins.
- Phytoncides stimulate the body's defenses and help cope with infections faster, increasing immunity.
Despite its great benefits, there are situations where onions can cause harm. For example, with bronchial asthma, with gastrointestinal diseases, with allergies or with a tendency to high blood pressure and tachycardia.
To freshen your breath, you can drink a little milk, chew dill, parsley or eat a few nuts.
Onions are an affordable, versatile and very useful product that is in every home. If consumed in reasonable quantities, it will improve health, improve immunity and help the body work more efficiently.
Important: This information is not a substitute for consulting a doctor. The body's response to changes in diet/training may depend on individual physiology, genetic predisposition and health status. It is recommended to consult a specialist.
