Onion - A Miraculous Vegetable

Abstract

Onions are miraculous vegetables that are low in calories but rich in beneficial nutrients like vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and also possess folate, magnesium, phosphorus, fructans, selenium, chromium and antioxidants, quercetin and sulphur. Its health benefits are enormous. Its high fibre content, organosulphur compounds, antioxidants like quercetin and vitamin C exhibits an anticancerous action through inhibition of tumor growth, mutagenesis, free radical formation and exerting toxic effects on cancer cells. Folate contained in it relieves depression and promotes mood, sleep and appetite by inhibiting the excess storage of homocysteine which may affect the production of hormones like serotin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Collagen in it keeps skin and hair healthier. Fructan, a complex carbohydrate promotes the growth of probiotics, Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli in intestine, whose presence destroys carcinogens and promotes absorption of minerals. Flavanoids and quercetin present in onions sluggish the growth of Helicobacter pylori, prevent gastric ulcers and inhibit the inflammation causing leukotrienes, prostaglandins and histamines in osteoarthritis and rheumatic arthritis, deteriorate cancer growth respectively. GPCS (Gamma - L - glutamyl - trans - S - 1 - propenyl - L - cysteine sulfoxide) inhibits breakdown of bones and treats osteoporosis and corticoid induced bone loss. Selenium lowers inflammation and stimulates immune responses, thereby controls viral, inflammatory and allergic conditions. Onions also help in regulating blood sugar through the presence of S-methylcysteine, quercetin, sulphur compounds and chromium and also it lowers LDL.