Not only does it make dishes taste more savory and delicious, the benefits of red onions are also not small, ranging from maintaining heart health to preventing cancer. Various nutritional content in red onion makes it very good for health.
Shallots are one type of onion that are widely cultivated in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia. Just like garlic, onions are often used as a spice to add flavor to dishes.
Not only as a cooking spice, red onion has also long been known as one of the traditional Indonesian medicines which is believed to be able to overcome various health problems, ranging from constipation, coughs and colds, to insomnia.
Nutrient Content in Shallots
The benefits offered by red onions certainly cannot be separated from the nutritional content in it. The following are some of the nutrients contained in red onions:
- Carbohydrate
- Protein
- Fiber
- Iron
- Calcium
- Folate
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Zinc
Not only that, red onions also contain organic sulfur compounds and various antioxidants, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, quercetin, and saponins.
Benefits of Shallots for Health
There are several benefits of red onions that are good for the health of the body, including:
1. Maintain heart health
Studies show that the nutritional content in red onions is able to prevent blood clots and reduce the buildup of fat or bad cholesterol in the blood vessels.
Not only that, red onions also contain allicin, a type of organic sulfur compound that can dilate blood vessels.
The combination of these benefits makes onions good for consumption to improve blood circulation in the body, maintain heart health, and reduce the risk of heart disease.
2. Control blood sugar levels
Not only maintaining heart health, red onions are also believed to lower blood sugar levels while increasing insulin hormone levels in the body. These benefits make shallots good for consumption by people with type 2 diabetes.
3. Counteract the effects of free radicals
Onion is a plant that is rich in antioxidants. This content is able to protect the body's cells from the effects of exposure to free radicals that can trigger various diseases, such as cancer.
Not only that, some research also shows that the antioxidant content in shallots has the potential to inhibit the development of degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
4. Maintain kidney function
Another benefit of onion is to maintain kidney function. A study shows that consumption of red onions can reduce uric acid levels and creatinine levels in the body, so that kidney health is better maintained.
However, so far this research has been limited to laboratory trials. Therefore, the effectiveness of shallots to maintain kidney function still needs to be studied further.
5. Relieves allergic reactions
When a person experiences an allergic reaction, the body will release histamine substances which trigger the appearance of various allergy symptoms, such as watery eyes and itching of the skin and nose.
Onions are known to contain antioxidants quercetin which acts like an antihistamine, thereby reducing the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
However, the effectiveness and safety level of shallots to relieve allergic reactions still requires further research.
In addition to the above benefits, red onions are also believed to relieve cold and cough symptoms, improve digestion, prevent constipation, and maintain ideal body weight.
To get the maximum benefits and benefits of red onions, you can consume them by processing them into various types of dishes or adding them to soups and salads.
Do not cook it by frying, because this method can eliminate the nutrients of shallots that are beneficial to health.
In addition, you also need to supplement your daily nutritional intake by eating other healthy foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and foods that contain protein.
If you still have questions about the benefits of red onions or a healthy diet that suits your health conditions and needs, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.