With much more advantages than most vegetables due to its antioxidant and probiotic effects and used in every cuisine in the world, the onion is one of the oldest vegetables known in history.
• The onion of Word comes from the Latin word unio for ' single ' or ' a ' because the plant produces a single onion bulb, unlike garlic, which produces many small bulbs.
• India, China and Australia are major producers of onion in the world.
• Onions are native to Asia and the Middle East and have been cultivated for over five thousand years.
• The first American colonists used wild onions to treat coughs, colds and asthma and to repel insects. In China, the onions were used to treat angina, cough, bacterial infections and breathing problems.
• Has a reputation as a powerful aphrodisiac and been referenced in many Hindu texts on the classical art of making love. In ancient Greece the onions were commonly used as an aphrodisiac remedy, while at the time of Egyptian pharaohs unmarried priests were forbidden to eat onions because of the potential effects on their libido.
• Onions were highly regarded by the Egyptians. It was used as currency to pay workers who built the pyramids, and were placed in the tombs of the Kings.
• Dogs, cats and other animals should not be given onions in any form because of toxicity during digestion.
Onion nutrition facts and health benefits:
• Garlic and Onions have been shown to lower levels of high cholesterol and hypertension, reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke due to its sulphur compounds, chromium, and vitamin B6.
• Quercetin and other flavonoids along with vitamin C in onions help kill harmful bacteria-good addition to meals in cold and flu season.
• Quercetin may also help reduce symptoms such as fatigue, depression and anxiety.
• Onions lowers blood sugar levels by increasing the amount of insulin available.
• Chromium in onions help to maintain a positive balance of the hormone.
• Onion has been identified as one of the few vegetables that have contributed to the significant reduction in the risk of heart disease in a meta-analysis of seven prospective studies.
• Onions can help reduce the severity of symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions.
• Compound GPCS onions help to maintain healthy bones.
• May help reduce the risk of several common cancers.
• Are effective against many bacteria including Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella and E.
• Are also natural anticlotting agents. The anticlotting effect of onions correlates closely with their sulphur content.
Onion selection and storage:
• Choose onions that are clean and well shaped with external skins crispy and dry. Avoid those that are sprouting or have signs of mold. When purchasing shallots, look for ones that have green tops, fresh-looking that sharp, tender yet appear. The base should be color for two or three inches whitish. Avoid those that are wilted or yellowed.
• Keep the onions into temperatures relatively cool and dry and away from bright light. Choose and area in your home that has good air circulation.
• The stronger flavored yellow onions last longer in the memory that the varieties of sweet onion. Sweet onions are to be used in no more than two months.
• All the onions should be stored away from potatoes, as they absorb their moisture and ethylene gas, causing them to spoil more quickly.
• Peel and chop onions can be frozen, however this will cause them to lose some of their flavor.