Onions are an extremely healthy product rich in various vitamins and minerals. Moreover, the composition is preserved not only in its raw form, but also with any form of processing. For example: roasting, baking or stewing. Further, the material will examine in detail the chemical composition and nutritional value of onions, contraindications for use, as well as advantages and disadvantages.
What does it contain?
This vegetable has a wide range of various nutrients that allow those who regularly use it (of course, not in its pure form) to maintain health throughout the year. It consists of:
- Vitamin C. It enhances immunity and also helps the body defend itself against various viral diseases.
- Vitamin E. Due to its presence in the chemical composition of onions, the vegetable has antioxidant properties.
- Vitamin B group. They help increase the body's resistance to stress, and also stimulate the functioning of the brain. They also help improve the quality of the skin, hair and nails, while normalizing the metabolism.
- H. This vitamin also takes an active part in shaping the density of nails and improving the appearance and condition of hair. It is worth noting that it also plays an important role in improving the quality of the functioning of the nervous system.
- PP Helps in normalizing blood sugar, as well as in ordering the level of cholesterol. It is an important component in the process of strengthening vessels.
- The presence of fiber in the chemical composition of onions helps to cleanse the body of toxins and toxic substances. Helps to remove excess cholesterol and tidies up the intestines.
- And, of course, do not forget about the large set of micro and macro elements. Among them: chlorine, sulfur, iodine, zinc, potassium, iron and many others. This composition of trace elements in onions allows you to strengthen tooth enamel and bones, also has a beneficial effect on the work of the heart with blood vessels and regulates metabolism. Another important advantage is the normalization of the endocrine system and the brain.
- This vegetable also contains many organic acids and essential oils.
- The presence of acids is also worth mentioning. For example, in the composition you can find: carotene, nicotinic, citric and malic acid.
Next, consider the amount of calories, proteins, fats and carbohydrates in onions.
Kilocalories
Interesting enough news is that onions are one of the most important products that need to be included in the diet menu. A detailed composition per 100 grams of product looks like this:
- the number of kilocalories is 41;
- 8.2 grams of carbohydrates;
- 1.4 grams of vegetable proteins;
- 0.2 grams of fatty acids.
In general, approximately 30 kilocalories per average onion bulb.
Next, consider its advantages and disadvantages.
What is the benefit?
As mentioned above, this vegetable helps a lot when observing a dietary diet. It is also worth separately highlighting the following main advantages that the chemical composition of onions brings. Among them:
- Protecting the body from anemia. This is due to the presence of a large amount of iron, which does not disappear even after heat treatment.
- Speaking of processing. This vegetable is often used in the preparation of various dishes. Thanks to him, food acquires a refined and unique taste.
- Also, eating onions during a meal increases appetite and helps to better secrete gastric juice.
- Thanks chem. the composition of onions, the body receives a calming effect and stabilization of the nervous system. Together, all this helps improve sleep quality.
- It has long been known that onions help the body fight various viral diseases.
- Earlier it was said about the rich composition of onions. So, thanks to all these vitamins, the body has the ability to prevent vitamin deficiency and increase immunity.
- If you make various hair masks using this vegetable, then you can give them a pretty look and strong structure in a fairly short time.
Useful properties in the fight against viral diseases
Earlier it was said that onions perfectly help fight bacteria that develop various diseases such as acute respiratory viral infections in the body or even worse. It will not be amiss to also note that thanks to the essential oils and glycosides in the chemical composition of onions, the body receives great help in the fight against such serious microbes as:
- diphtheria and tuberculosis bacilli;
- influenza virus.
What bad can be in this vegetable?
Unfortunately, the composition and properties of onions do not always bring only a positive effect on the body. In some cases, you can encounter quite unpleasant consequences. Among them:
- Provoking asthma attacks. This is true for those who have long been suffering from this disease or have symptoms indicating its presence or development.
- Due to the presence of a sufficient amount of various acids, onions are not recommended for people who suffer from various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Among them: cholecystitis, gastritis and pancreatitis. All at the stage of exacerbation. This is explained by the fact that the use of this vegetable leads to an increase in the acidity level of gastric juice, which provokes bloating, heartburn and even nausea.
- Also, due to the chemical composition of onions, there is a negative effect on cardiac activity. This happens due to irritation of the juice of the nerve endings, which in turn provokes an increase in blood pressure.
- After using the product, a strong unpleasant odor remains in the mouth, which is quite difficult to “remove”.
- Of course, do not forget about the individual intolerance of this vegetable.
When not to use?
Despite the obvious advantages of onions for the body, there are still several situations in which it is worth giving up. Among them:
- the presence of various ulcerative diseases due to irritation of the mucous membrane;
- eating vegetables is contraindicated in asthmatics;
- if you suffer from various ailments of the liver, you should refrain from eating onions;
- people with hypertension should completely abandon this vegetable;
- it is not recommended to abuse onions in the presence of various diagnosed heart diseases or symptoms pointing to them;
- It is also worth monitoring the volume consumed and those who have any metabolic disorders; this is due to the fact that onions, getting into the body, leads to the formation of gases and mucus.
How to use the beneficial properties of onions in traditional medicine?
It is worth noting that this vegetable is also actively used in the independent treatment of various diseases or injuries. The following is a detailed list:
- Helps fight skin diseases such as corns, warts or dermatitis
- perfectly helps fight the appearance of unwanted freckles on the face;
- drops with onion juice help eliminate nasal congestion;
- the use of this vegetable is also able to keep the sugar level in diabetes in good condition;
- copes with the elimination of both weak and severe toothaches;
- due to the chemical composition of onions promotes accelerated healing of wounds and has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- with regular use of the juice of this vegetable as a hair mask, you can quickly strengthen them, provoke growth and get rid of dandruff.
Summary
As can be understood from this material, onions are an extremely useful and important product for health, which does not lose its beneficial properties even after various types of heat treatment, which allows you to add it to a large number of dishes. However, if you decide to include it in your diet menu, then you should consult a doctor with a check for contraindications.