G3E2C Shoppie

What are onions?The onion also known as the bulb onion or common onion, is a vegetable that is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium. Its close relatives include the garlic, leek, chive, and Chinese onion.

Scientific Definition : Onion (Allium cepa L., from Latin cepa "onion"), herbaceous biennial plant in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae), grown for its edible bulb. The onion is likely native to southwestern Asia.

Short History : The onion plant has been grown and selectively bred in cultivation for at least 7, 000 years. Ancient records of using onions span western and eastern Asia, the geographic origin of the onion is uncertain, with likely domestication worldwide. Food uses of onions date back thousands of years in China, Egypt and Persia

Nutritional Content of Onions : Each figure is based on a serving of 1 large onion (150 grams).

• Vitamin C – 11.1 milligrams. 19% RDA (recommended daily value).

• Manganese – 0.2 milligrams. 10% RDA.

• Fiber – 2.6 grams. 10% RDA.

• Vitamin B6 – 0.2 milligrams. 9% RDA.

• Folate – 28.5 micrograms. 7% RDA.

• Potassium – 219 milligrams. 6% RDA.

Other Nutrients: Two powerful antioxidants stand out above the rest:

• Quercetin - Onions are among the top dietary sources of quercetin
• Sulfur.

Health Benefits of Onions : Here are some of the common health benefits of onions.

• Better Oral Health —Chewing some raw onion for 2 or 3 minutes could kill most germs in the mouth.

• Prevents Colon Cancer — A particular plant-derived flavonoid in onions, called quercetin, boosts the immune system while preventing the development of tumors. 
•  Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Microbial Ingredients — Sulphides and thiosulfinates help to prevent illnesses such as E. coli, bacillus subtilis and salmonella.

• Detoxing – Two sulfur-containing amino acids – methionine and cystine – are great for removing heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium from the body

• Cardiovascular Improvement — Onions help to prevent the formation of blood clots, allowing blood to circulate smoothly. Without the clogs and clots in arteries, heart attack and heart disease risks drop.
• Osteoporosis – A compound in onions, GPCS, was able to decrease bone loss and helping to prevent osteoporosis.

• Lower Blood Sugar, Helps with Diabetes —The administration of allyl propyl disulphide (APDS), a volatile substance contained in onion caused a significant fall in the blood glucose levels and a significant rise in the serum insulin levels.

• Sinus Relief — Onion can help to loosen mucous, clearing the nasal passages and making breathing easier.

• Earache – Try cooking an union until soft by boiling it in water or heating it in a toaster oven, then place it on a cloth and then on your ear. Onions make up one option for home remedies for earaches.

• Bee Bites and Stings – This vegetable could even be used for bee bites and bee stings by applying chopped onion or onion juice to the area for immediate pain relief.

Other health benefits

• Preventing cancer
• Promoting oral health
• Lowering blood pressure (quercetin)
• Boosting heart, cardiovascular health
• Fighting inflammation
• Earaches
• Detoxing the body
• Aiding osteoporosis
• Promoting digestive health (fiber)
• Protecting against DNA damage
• Promoting a healthy pregnancy (folate, vitamin C)
• Boosting the immune system (vitamin C)
• Promoting beautiful skin (vitamin C)
• Preventing and treating respiratory issues (vitamin C)

Common Use : Most commonly it is used as vegetable/spices with other vegetables. Enjoy Onion Pakoda, French onion soup, onion jam, pickled onions, onion rings and onion bread in our collection dedicated to the humble but super delicious onion.