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Red onions: beneficial properties. Video
Onions are an indispensable component of dishes of various national cuisines; they are grown all over the world. And everywhere it is appreciated not only for its taste, but also for those useful properties that make it a healing plant that has really saved more than one life. In Russia, there was even such a saying: “Onion – from seven ailments.” But the red onion is especially useful, which, as it turns out, differs from the usual one not only in color.
Red onions: beneficial properties
Like all other onion varieties, red is a biennial herb. The bulb, the size of which can reach 10-15 cm, consists of several layers, the outer layers are dark purple in color, the inner ones are lighter. The onion leaves are long, hollow inside, the inflorescences are located on the arrows, which can reach a height of up to 1,5 m.
If you want to preserve the beneficial properties of red onions for 3-4 winter months of the month, store them in a dry place with low humidity at room temperature.
Its wild variety was brought to Europe from Spain. As a result of many stages of selection, this beautiful variety was bred, which retained the unique properties that were inherent in its wild brethren. Red onions differ from ordinary ones in a softer, slightly sweetish taste, so they are more often used for making salads, they do not irritate the oral mucosa and can be eaten raw, like an apple. By the way, vitamin C in it is almost twice as much as in apples.
Useful properties of red onions
Red onion contains vitamins C, E, PP and group B, malic and citric organic acids, microelements: – phosphorus, – potassium, – calcium, – sodium, – iron, – iodine, – sulfur, – selenium, – saponin. it contains carotene, phytoncides, essential oils, sugars, protein.
Red onion has powerful antiseptic properties. As a prophylactic agent, it is used for tonsillitis, acute respiratory viral infections, colds. Its additional beneficial properties include the ability to lower blood cholesterol levels, resulting in a general strengthening of the cardiovascular system and a decrease in the risk of heart attacks. Daily consumption of 2-3 red onions helps to lower cholesterol content by 20-25% within a month and a half. Recent medical research has provided overwhelming evidence that red onions have the ability to kill cancer cells.
Sulfur compounds, which are in this variety of onions, not only strengthen blood vessels and the heart. When you cut an onion, they combine with air to form a sulfur-containing gas that irritates the mucous membrane of the eye, since sulfuric acid begins to form on its wet surface in quantities that are safe for humans and makes you cry. This natural defense reaction allows tears, along with the liquid, to wash out bacteria and viruses that have got on the mucous membrane, preventing their development and reproduction.
Almost all the beneficial properties of onions disappear after a few minutes of heat treatment, therefore, for the prevention of diseases, it should be eaten only raw.
It should be especially noted that red onion belongs to ergotorpal products that have a special effect on the hypothalamus and accelerate metabolism, increasing the consumption of energy entering the body along with food. This not only creates a surge of energy and vivacity, but also contributes to weight loss. Those who are concerned about the problem of excess weight should definitely include raw onions in their menu.
Regular consumption of raw onions in food helps to strengthen the immune system, promotes the separation and removal of phlegm in case of coughs and colds, helps with a cold and bronchitis. It stimulates digestive processes, normalizes blood pressure, acts as a histamine drug, removes salts from the body, eliminates bleeding from the gums during periodontal disease, relieves headaches and rejuvenates. The conquerors of the Arctic were well aware of its miraculous properties, who, going on expeditions, took onions with them so as not to get sick with scurvy caused by vitamin deficiency. Onions are even able to reduce the destructive effect of radioactive radiation on the human body. It is also useful for men suffering from reduced potency; onions are an aphrodisiac that stimulates sexual function.
Red onions: benefits and contraindications
In cosmetology, masks are made from onions that stimulate hair growth and strengthen hair follicles. Cosmetic masks with raw onions are used to treat acne, whiten freckles and age spots, and to tone the skin.
Contraindications for eating red onions
Despite the great benefits, even a healthy person should limit the daily intake of raw onions to 100-150 g. Those who are in the period of recovery of liver function or those who have problems with the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and skin should limit their intake or even exclude raw onions from the menu. It is not recommended to eat a lot of raw onions for those people who have increased nervous excitability and a tendency to nervous disorders.
But, in order to reduce harm and not deprive yourself of the benefits that the onion can bring, before adding it to the salad, the finely chopped rings must be rinsed well with boiling water through a colander, so you get rid of the bitterness and save up to 50% of the nutrients.