Onion

 it is a real nutritious treasure and an essential part of our gastronomy. It is a very old food, and among its layers hides numerous nutritional and medicinal properties , it is rich in minerals and trace elements (calcium, magnesium, chlorine, cobalt, copper, iron, phosphorus, iodine, nickel, potassium, silicon, zinc, sulfur and bromine); and also in vitamins (A, B, C and E).

The onion plant contains sulphurous volatile essences that give it its characteristic spicy flavor; One of these components dissolves rapidly in water and produces sulfuric acid, hence it makes us tear tears when we cut it.

In addition, the onion contains a volatile substance called allyl , with bactericidal and fungicidal properties. It is interesting its content in glucokinin, a substance that lowers blood sugar, so it is also known as "vegetable insulin." Therefore, the Spanish Nutrition Foundation recommends its consumption and highlights its diuretic and antiseptic properties.

In the kitchen it is very versatile and the best way to take advantage of the benefits of onion is to consume it raw . Thus, it stimulates the functioning of the liver, pancreas and gallbladder better, although cooking does not produce large losses in its nutritional properties.

At the time of purchase you have to choose onions that have a firm bulb, without sprouts and that keep the skin intact. To conserve them they must be stored in a dry and ventilated place, and without piling up.

Nutritional value

Fibers

Onions are a source of fiber, which contributes to the intake of soluble fibers. The type of fiber present in onions can reduce the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, strokes, heart failure and heart attacks. In addition, it helps reduce cholesterol, according to the Spanish Heart Federation.

Vitamins

100 grams of onion provide us with 11.5% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin B6. This makes onions a good option for cognitive and nervous functions, since vitamin B6 helps the body produce serotonin and myelin. In addition, with a portion of onions, we get 5.9% of the recommended daily intake of folic acid and 3.9% of the vitamin C that our body needs.

Minerals

100 grams of onion gives us 8.5% of the calcium we need daily to have strong bones and teeth. In addition, onions also give us manganese.

Health benefits of Onion 

Good for Circulation

It prevents the formation of blood clots, promotes blood circulation and helps fight diseases related to poor circulation.

Diuretic

It favors the elimination of body fluids, so it is highly recommended in patients with renal insufficiency, gout, kidney stones or edema.

Bactericidal and expectorant

Due to its content in sulfur-rich compounds, it is, together with garlic, one of the best natural remedies to combat infectious processes of the respiratory system (influenza, bronchitis, pharyngitis, etc.). In fact, a widely used remedy is to place an onion split in half next to the bed at night.

Digestive and purifying

It promotes digestion, by stimulating the liver, gallbladder and pancreas although it should be avoided in cases of heartburn. The onion is able to eliminate toxins and ferments that occur in the stomach after digestion.