Can you imagine a recipe without an onion in it? This beautiful bulb-vegetable, one of the oldest edible food ingredient known to the humankind, is found in a bewildering array of recipes and preparations, be it your favorite salad, or a mouth-watering gravy or curries. It has also been employed in the traditional medicines since ancient times for its health promoting and curative properties.

Health Benefits of Onions.

1. Onions are very low in calories and fats. 100 grams carry just 40 calories. However, rich in soluble dietary fiber.
2. The phytochemical compounds allium and Allyl disulfide in the onions convert into allicin by the enzymatic reaction when its bulb (modified leaves) are distorted (crushing, cutting, etc.). Studies have shown that these compounds have anti-mutagenic (protects from cancers) and anti-diabetic properties (helps lower blood sugar levels in diabetics).
3. Laboratory studies show that allicin reduces cholesterol production by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase enzyme in the liver cells. Further, it also found to have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal activities.
4. Onions are a rich source of chromium, a trace mineral that helps tissue cells respond appropriately to insulin levels in the blood. It thus helps facilitate insulin action and control sugar levels in diabetes.