The Layered Onion and Its Layers of Benefits

An onion? What is an onion? Doubts about what an onion is all about is something unexpected of us. Many of us will find it hard to believe that there is a person out there who claims to be ignorant as to what an onion is. An onion, scientifically known as 'Allium cepa' is the layered vegetable that is never found wanting in kitchens all around the world because of its distinct aroma and contribution of savoury flavour to dishes made. To most people, an onion is no more than that. Onions are commonly seen in homes and it can be agreed that we have seen at least two variations of onions. There are other variation of onions which includes but not limited to the following

o Red Onions

o Yellow Onions

o White Onions

o Sweet Onions

o Scallons etc.

It is not news that majority of people across the world are oblivious as to what benefits are attributed to an onion other than being used for culinary purposes. An onion, a constant ingredient in many meals through many studies over the years has been pronounced to offer numerous health benefit through its many embedded nutrients and vitamins as well as aiding soil health and composition amongst other incentives.

Health benefits of an onion

• An onion, a single onion is packed with nutrients. Studies have confirmed an onion is nutrient-dense i.e. they are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals. An onions is a good source of essential nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, potassium, and dietary fiber. It is acknowledged to be particularly high in vitamin C whose benefit to the immune system, tissue repair, safeguarding of cells and agent of antioxidant cannot be neglected. Other nutrients such as vitamin B and folate play key roles in metabolism, red blood cell production and nerve function. These nutrients contribute to overall well-being, support to the immune system in addition aids digestion.

• Another of the numerous benefits of an onion to human health is its anti-inflammatory effect. In other words, it is beneficial to human heart health. An onion contains antioxidants and compounds that fight inflammation. Quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant highly contained in onions is a potent anti-inflammatory that aids in the decrease of heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure. Researches have also shown that the consumption of onions decrease triglycerides [a type of fat called lipid that circulates in the blood] and also reduce cholesterol levels which may lower the risk of cardiovascular conditions.

• The onion is packed with varieties of powerful antioxidant properties. A variation of onions, the red onions are proclaimed to be rich in anthocyanin, plant pigments in the flavonoid family that gives the red onions their deep colour. Anthocyanin are powerful plant pigments that may protect against heart disease, certain types of cancer and diabetes. Consuming vegetables of Allium genus such as garlic and onions have been linked to reducing the risk of certain cancer types such as stomach and colorectal cancer.

Other benefits of an onion

• An onion can serve as a good source of food preservation: Some components of the onion possess a natural antimicrobial property making it possible to use for food preservation. This quality enables the reduction of chemical preservatives and food waste by inhibiting the growth of spoilage-causing bacteria and fungi.

• Benefits of onions on soil health and plant growth: Onion skins and dry onion peels can be used for mulching which will enrich the soil with potassium and calcium that is beneficial to plant growth. Onions are beneficial to the soil as they are suitable for crop rotation. They help minimize soil erosion and improve soil structure, making it more fertile for subsequent plantings.

• To crown it all, onions are good source of flavor to a meal.