What is contained in onions: what vitamins and minerals
Onions are one of the most popular vegetable crops. He is famous among many nations. Each of us knows well that onions can be eaten raw, stewed, fried, canned. And we rarely think about what is useful in onions, what is its vitamin composition. We will talk about this in the article.
The content of the article
What vitamins are included in onions
Rich in vitamins and minerals in onions, along with excellent taste, makes it widely demanded in cooking.
Important! A considerable amount of vitamins and microelements contain not only fragrant bulbs, but also husks and green mass ("feathers").
Onions contain:
- Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid... A well-known antioxidant, thanks to which collagen is produced in the body. Its role is significant: it is responsible for the process of rejuvenation and cell regeneration, renewal and formation of the skin, bone tissue, blood vessels, etc. Vitamin C has a beneficial effect on immunity, takes part in the redox processes of the body.
- Vitamin Ato which the human immune system owes its existence. Beta carotene is also an antioxidant. It actively influences visual function and a number of functions of the nervous system. Takes part in the production of hormones, bone formation. The quality and quantity of breast milk in women directly depends on vitamin A.
- Vitamin B1, or thiamine. His "duties" include ensuring the proper course of metabolism. Do not believe that nerve cells do not regenerate. This vitamin is responsible not only for the formation, but also for the systematic renewal of cells in the nervous system. Without thiamine, it is impossible to imagine the normal transfer of genetic information between cells during reproduction.
- Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is actively involved in the process of hematopoiesis. Without his participation, the normal work of the adrenal glands is impossible. It also protects the visual organs from exposure to ultraviolet rays. Vitamin B2 takes part in the synthesis of nerve cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- Vitamin B9 (also called folic acid) is useful for women during pregnancy. It plays an important role in the formation of DNA and the nervous system of the fetus. What's more, folic acid enhances female fertility.
- Vitamin E (tocopherol) promotes the renewal of all body systems and protects it from the influence of harmful factors due to its antioxidant properties. Participates in the process of assimilating proteins and fats. Tocopherol affects the strengthening of human immunity, and in the process of hematopoiesis it helps to normalize clotting and accelerate healing. Vitamin E also affects the functioning of the reproductive system, and its use is the prevention of infertility.
- Vitamin PP (niacin, nicotinic acid) is responsible for the level of sugar and cholesterol in the body, energy production.
What minerals are contained in onions
Onion onions contain a large amount of a special substance - a flavonoid called quercetin, which breaks down fats and slows down the growth of cancer cells.The bulbs contain phytoncides, which are famous for their bactericidal action, and sugars, organic acids, and minerals.
Pungency and specific smell this vegetable owes its essential oil.
Reference. The water content in the vegetable is approximately 89%. It contains a lot of carbohydrates, mono- and disaccharides, but less protein, fiber, pectin, organic acids and starch.
What kind useful substances are in onions (descending concentration):
- zinc;
- iron;
- manganese;
- potassium;
- copper;
- phosphorus;
- calcium;
- fluorine;
- sodium;
- magnesium;
- cobalt;
- iodine.
Useful substances for the human body
Onions are among the honorable series of products that enrich our diet with minerals and vitamins, and are actively used for medicinal purposes.
What is the use of onions
The bulb, in addition to vitamins, contains a huge amount of active substances and natural antibiotics... Onions have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. It contains alkaloids and saponins, inulin and carotene, natural sugars and mineral salts, a considerable amount of fiber and dietary fiber.
Freshly squeezed onion juice helps in the fight against infections and viruses, increases the body's resistance, destroys pathogenic microbes, strengthens the immune system.
His used in cases of intestinal infection, dysbiosis, helminthic invasions, weak motor and secretory activity of the stomach, hypertension and atherosclerosis. The high levels of iron and potassium in the bulbs help prevent the development of anemia and heart disease.
Onions have a warming effect, accelerates metabolism and helps in weight loss.
Interesting. The smell of onions, which some find unpleasant, has a calming effect, relieves anxiety and promotes early sleep.
Fresh onions are used to absorb scars and bruises.... Onion masks stimulate hair growth, which is explained by the local irritating effect of onion juice. Onion extract is a component of many proprietary alopecia areata.
Baked onions are used as an external remedy.... It is applied to small wounds, abscesses and boils. It is able to draw pus from wounds, soften calluses and eliminate "spurs".
Norms and rules of use
Anyone who strives to lead a healthy lifestyle and adhere to a healthy diet includes as many fruits and vegetables as possible in their diet. But some foods can be both beneficial and harmful if abused. The list of such "controversial" products includes onions.
Overeating this vegetable can negatively affect health..
What are the restrictions on use per day
Onions are beneficial only in moderation. The daily intake of a fresh vegetable for an absolutely healthy person is approximately 100 g... Boiled onions have fewer nutrients due to the heat treatment process. But even in this form, you do not need to use it too much.
The optimal portion for an adult is no more than 200 g... It is also recommended to eat fried onions only in limited quantities - 100 g per day. Don't forget that it's high in calories. And here are the beneficial properties pickled vegetable appear if there are no more than two bulbs per day.
How many onions do you need to eat to benefit
To get the maximum benefits of onions, it is worth remembering that 150 g of this vegetable (approximately one large onion) contains half the daily value of vitamins for the human body and a fifth of the required amount of trace elements that are in the onion.
Possible harm and contraindications for use
The main the harmful effects of onions are reduced to:
- irritation of the mucous membranes of organs with all the ensuing consequences (for example, exacerbation of ulcers, gastritis, asthma);
- some inhibition of brain processes (for example, drowsiness);
- negative impact on the beneficial intestinal microflora.
The use of onions is strictly prohibited. with pancreatitis in the acute stage, since it contains essential oils that irritate the mucous membranes, a large amount of acids and dietary fiber - they can cause bloating, colic, and diarrhea in the patient.
Conclusion
Onions can be called a versatile product. Thanks to vitamins and microelements, onions are widely used in cooking, medicine, cosmetology and dietetics. Onions have proven their health benefits many times over and therefore have become an integral part of our diet.