What nutritional value do onions serve in our diet?

Answer 1

Nutritional value
Onion is known for its nutritional value and for the utility as herbal medicine in our country. It has moderate amounts of protein, fat, fibre and good amounts of calcium, phosphorous and potassium. It has high content of moisture, which is 86.8 percent for 100 gms of the edible portion. The calorie content is comparatively less. 100 gm of onion gives about 50 kcal of energy. Apart from onion as such, even the stalk is edible. The stalk contains good amount of carotene and iron.

Nutritional value per 100 gms of edible portion
Nutrients Onion big Onion small
Protein 1.2 gms 1.8 gms
Fat 0.1 gms 0.1 gms
Minerals 0.4 gms 0.6 gms
Fibre 0.6 gms 0.6 gms
Carbohydrates 11.1 gms 12.6 gms
Energy 50 kcal 59 kcal
Calcium 46.9 mgs 40 mgs
Phosphorus 50 mgs 60 mgs
Vitamin C 11 mgs 2 mgs
Oxalic acid 1 mg 1 mg

Therapeutic uses*
Onions and its stalks have power to prevent and treat certain illness. Onions are stimulant and mild counter irritant. Crushed raw onion can be applied on the forehead to get relief from headaches.

Red small onions can be used as an expectorant. Crushed small onions should be mixed with sugar candy and kept for some time. The juice from the onion sugar candy preparation helps to liquefy phlegm and prevent its recurrence. 3 - 4 tsp. of juice has to be taken in intervals that will relieve the cough and soothens the throat.

Eating raw onion help to reduce cholesterol levels because they increase levels of high-density lipoproteins. It is advisable to include raw onions in the salads daily. It helps in coronary heart disease, thrombosis, and blood pressure. This use of onion is controversial. There are conflicting reports are available about this property.

Onions are beneficial in the treatment of urinary disorders. For burning sensation while passing urine, boil 100 gms of onion in 600 ml of water. When the volume reduces to half, it is ready for consumption. If onion and sugar mixture is taken, it gives good relief for retention of urine.

Sulphur compounds present in onion will help to prevent the growth of cancer cells. Onions are also used in the treatment of anaemia, bleeding piles and teeth disorders.

Even the onion stalk is useful as herbal medicine. Onion stalks juice is good for the treatment of anaemia.

(*Please note, not many scientific studies are carried out on these therapeutic uses)

Disadvantages of onion
The disadvantages of onion are it can lead to migraine in some people and flatulence. Eating raw onion can also lead to bad breath.

Answer 2

About Onions: Onion Nutrition

Onions are low in calories yet add abundant flavor to a wide variety of foods. With only 30 calories per serving, onions are sodium, fat, and cholesterol free, and provide dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and other key nutrients.

Higher intakes of fruits and vegetables have been associated with a variety of health benefits. Research shows that onions may help guard against many chronic diseases. That's probably because onions contain generous amounts of a flavonoid called quercetin. Other sources are tea and apples, but research shows that absorption of quercetin from onions is twice that from tea and more than three times that from apples. Studies have shown that quercetin protects against cataracts, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

In addition, onions contain a variety of other naturally occurring chemicals known as organosulfur compounds that have been linked to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.


NUTRITION PER SERVING OF ONIONS Onion Nutrition Facts 1/2 cup (80 g)
Chopped Raw Onion Percent Daily Values*
Calories 30
Total Fat 0 0%
Cholesterol 0 0%
Sodium 0 0%
Total Carbohydrate 7 g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1 g 6%
Sugars 5 g
Protein 1 g
Vitamin C 5 mg 9%
Vitamin B6 0.1 mg 5%
Calcium 16 mg 2%
Iron 0.2 mg 1%
Folic Acid 15.2 mcg 4%
Potassium 126 mg 4%
Selenium 0.5 mcg 1%
Zinc 0.2 mg 1%
*Percent of the U.S. Daily Values or U.S. Recommended Dietary Intakes for food labels (Adults and Children 4+ yrs)

Answer 3

Onions are vegetables. They have nutricious value like any other food. They aren't just for flovoring other foods. There's onion rings.Some people like boiled onions and I had some delicious deep fried "taters 'n onions" when I was down south.

Answer 4

Onion is one of nature's best natural immunity enhancers that protects against infection of all kinds. As a powerful antibiotic and antiseptic, it is a wonderful way to build up the body's natural defenses against all sorts of ailments, including common colds, flu, sore throat, bronchial infection, gastric infection, worms, dysentery and typhoid - among many others.

Answer 5

Not sure, but I'll check,...

They appear to be at least somewhat effective against colds, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and other diseases and contain anti-inflammatory, anticholesterol, anticancer, and antioxidant components such as quercetin.

In many parts of the undeveloped world, onions are used to heal blisters and boils. In the United States, products that contain onion extract (such as "Mederma") are used in the treatment of topical scars.

Answer 6

bravo ndtaya!! i did not know onions had any nutritional value except being good to eat cooked,and onion rings.. gee I learned something today!!

Answer 7

now you're going to diss my onions?


ok i'm done with checking out your questions and profile.


smirks...

Answer 8

its in the delicious category. everyone must have a certain amount of delicious every day. onions satisfy this requirement.