Nutritional and Health Benefits of Spring Onion

Spring onions are a very popular vegetable and they come in different varieties including white, yellow and red. These tender onion bulbs are great in taste and also rich in nutrients. For a long time, spring onions have been used in Chinese traditional medicines. Like onions, spring onions are also high in sulfur. High amounts of sulfur provide many health benefits. These tender onions are low in calorie. Spring onions are a variety of scallion and also called green onions. Spring onions are the main ingredients of Chinese dishes in the restaurants.

Nutritional Benefits of Spring Onion:

Spring onions are rich in vitamins including Vitamin C, Vitamin B2 and thiamine. They also contain Vitamin A and Vitamin K. In addition, these are good sources of copper, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, chromium, manganese and fibre. Spring onions are a strong source of flavonoids such as quercetin. A health promoting organic compound allyl propyl disulphide can also be found in spring onions.

Health Benefits of Spring Onion:

Exerts heart-healthy effect

The presence of antioxidants in spring onions helps in preventing damage of DNA and cellular tissue by inhibiting the action of free radicals. Vitamin C helps in lowering high cholesterol and blood pressure levels in the body which in turn lowers your risk of heart disease. The sulphur compounds present in these onions also help in reducing the risk of coronary heart diseases.

Improves your bone density

Spring onions are loaded with high levels of vitamin C and vitamin K, both of which are essential for normal functioning of bones. Vitamin C helps in the synthesis of collagen that makes your bones strong, while vitamin K plays a key role in maintaining the bone density.

Aids in respiratory function

Well-known for anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, spring onions are one of the most commonly used natural remedies to treat viral infections, flu, common cold, etc. They are also found to stimulate the activity of respiratory system and aid in expelling sputum.

Maintains normal vision

Green onions contain carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin that exert an eye-protective effect. This green vegetable contains vitamin A that plays a vital role in maintaining normal vision and keeps your eyes healthy.

Reduces risk of cancer

Green onions are rich in powerful sulphur-containing compound called allyl sulphide that helps in reducing the risk of developing colon cancer.  Flavonoids also help in preventing cancer by inhibiting the production of xanthine oxidase enzyme, which causes damage to DNA and cellular tissue by production of free radicals

Lowers blood sugar levels

The sulphur compounds present in green onions help in lowering the blood sugar levels. This is achieved by increasing the levels of insulin, a hormone, which is essential for transportation of sugar in the blood to the body cells. So add this vegetable to your list of healthy vegetables.

Prevents stomach complications

Beneficial in relieving gastrointestinal problems, spring onions act as a powerful natural remedy to prevent diarrhoea and other stomach complications. In addition to this, they also improve your appetite. Being loaded with high amounts of fibre, this green vegetable helps your digestive system to function better.

Protects against infection

Sulphur, a mineral, present in spring onions inhibits fungal growth, while vitamin K helps in clotting of blood. They are also found to enhance the blood circulation and absorption of vitamin B1 by the body thereby reducing stress and tiredness. Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant that protects the body tissues from damage and inflammation.

Are you interested in Chinese dishes? Then at next time when you eat these cuisines at home or restaurant; make sure you eat more of those green leaves of onions. This is because, in addition to providing a unique taste and flavour to the dish, spring onions are loaded with essential nutrients.

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