Onion is probably one of the most famous cultivated plants. It is difficult to imagine today the assortment in the kitchen of any housewife without this bittersweet vegetable. It is popular among many peoples of the world and throughout its existence many different varieties have been bred. We all know very well that onions can be fried and stewed, added to soups and meat dishes, and can also be eaten raw – in salads and sandwiches.
Botanical description
Onion is a two-year-old plant of the onion family. It has an onion about 15 cm in diameter, covered with dry husk. Most often yellow, but sometimes purple and white scales are found. The inner scales are white and fleshy, located on a long stem called the bottom. From the bulb appear green hollow, tubular leaves. At the time of flowering, an arrow forms on which a multi-flowered umbrella inflorescence rises. Fruits are boxes containing seeds.
How to grow
You need to plant onions on beds in moist soil in late April – early May. It is better to place the seeds in rows with a small distance so that it is convenient to process the sprouts with a hoe. It is advisable not just to scatter the bulbs, but to gently squeeze them into the ground so that bulging does not occur. Otherwise, it can become easy prey for birds that can pull the plant out and scatter it.
It is useful to loosen the soil with planted seeds often, this must be done after each watering, at least once a week. Also, the plant needs moisture, especially the first two months after planting. But you should not water every day.
It is also worth timely cleaning the beds of weeds for better seed growth.
Chemical composition
Bulbs contain:
Green leaves also contain sugar, protein, and ascorbic acid.
In addition, in all parts of the plant, essential oil, iodine, pectin, mucus, glycosides and organic acids are contained.
The energy value of onion is 41 kcal per 100 g of product.
Useful and dangerous properties
Thanks to its constituent substances, onions are widely distributed in medicine, science, and are also included in various recipes used in cooking. Many nutritionists use it in their programs for weight loss, and cosmetologists as a tool against flaky skin, hair loss, and even anti-wrinkles.
But along with useful properties, onions has a negative aspect. It should not be used by people suffering from intestinal diseases and diseases of the digestive system, as it increases the acidity of the gastric juice. Also, this vegetable negatively affects the nervous system, which can, in turn, cause an increase in blood pressure, or an asthma attack. The smallest of the dangerous properties of onions is bad breath. There are many different ways to get rid of it: eat a walnut, a leaf of parsley or a crust of bread, chew roasted coffee bean. But all this will only mask the smell, and after a while it will return again.
Use in medicine
In medicine, the beneficial properties of onions have been used for a very long time. In olden times in Russia it was considered a universal remedy for the prevention and treatment of diseases. There is also evidence that, during epidemics, people who ate large quantities of onions did not become victims of diseases such as typhoid or plague.
The vegetable is rich in vitamins, so its use is especially recommended in the winter-spring period, for the prevention of colds and viral diseases.
In modern medicine, its use is also widespread. Such preparations as Allylglycer and Allylchep are obtained from it. “Allylchep” is used as an antimicrobial and lipid-lowering agent for diarrhea, colitis and dysbiosis. “Allylglycer” – a drug used in the treatment of Trichomonas diseases (Trichomonas colpitis).
Benefits for bones and joints
Recent studies have shown that daily use of onions increases bone density, which is especially suitable for women during menopause. The risk of hip fractures is reduced.
Onions for diabetes
Due to the essential oil contained in the vegetable, eating large amounts of it helps to reduce blood glucose levels and leads to an increase in insulin levels.
Cancer onion
After studies conducted by scientists in Italy and Switzerland, it was found that even a moderate onion intake in a daily diet reduces the risk of colon cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and esophageal cancer. In addition, if you consume at least half of the bulb per day, the risk of stomach cancer is reduced by 50%. This is due to the large amount of quercetin flavonoid contained in the vegetable. Moreover, most of it is contained in red onions. It should also be noted that it is best to eat a fresh vegetable that has not undergone heat treatment, since there is practically no left over when cooking quercetin.
Influence on the cardiovascular system
Eating onions daily helps lower blood cholesterol and also prevents excessive blood clotting, which reduces the likelihood of heart attack and heart disease.
Used in cosmetics
Onions are effectively used in beauty parlors. Masks for dry and damaged hair are made on its basis, since the substances contained in the vegetable have a beneficial effect on their strengthening and growth. The use of onions is useful not only for hair, but also for healing and rejuvenating the skin of the face and hands. Decoctions and masks are prepared from it, which contribute to the restoration and nutrition of the skin surface. After using them, it becomes smooth and silky.
Mask against hair loss
Rub fresh juice of onion into the hair roots 2 times a week. Wrap your head in a towel, wash it in the usual way after an hour. This procedure helps strengthen and grow hair, gives it smoothness and shine, and eliminates dandruff.
Anti-aging face mask
Mix finely grated onion with sour cream, apply a thin layer on the face and neck, leave for twenty minutes. After the time has passed, remove the remnants of the product with cotton sponges and rinse your face with warm water without soap. Apply a nourishing cream. With repeated use, the skin improves, becomes smooth and delicate.
Use in cooking
Today it is impossible to imagine a single recipe, no matter where onions are used. In raw, fried, boiled form, like seasoning or a separate dish, he entered the cuisines of different peoples of the world and made his invaluable contribution to the development of cooking. Both green leaves and onions are used for preparing various dishes and snacks. From it you can cook soups, salads, sauces, add to sandwiches, meat, mushrooms, minced meat.
onion burgers
For cutlets you will need:
- 4 large onions;
- 4 eggs;
- 200 grams of semolina;
- salt pepper.
Finely chop the onion, add eggs, semolina, salt and spices. Mix everything thoroughly. Put the resulting slurry into a pan in the form of cakes and fry on both sides. After frying, simmer for 10 minutes. For stewing it is recommended to use tomato sauce.
Onion Sauce
For the sauce you need:
- 300 grams of champignons;
- 1 medium bulb;
- 2 teaspoons of flour;
- 200 grams of cream;
- 1 teaspoon butter;
- salt pepper.
Rinse and finely chop vegetables. In a pan, fry the onions until golden brown, add mushrooms and fry until the liquid evaporates. Then add flour and spices, mix thoroughly. Pour half a glass of boiled water, and constantly stirring, pour in the cream. Cook until thickened, do not boil.
Slimming and bow
Having such a low calorie content, this vegetable simply cannot but be used for weight loss. Diets based on it were invented by French nutritionists and are now successfully practiced in many countries of the world. How onions can contribute to this process? Here are some of its properties that are responsible for this:
- lowering blood cholesterol;
- stimulation of the digestive tract;
- diuretic;
- increased insulin production, etc.
For the diet, it is proposed to use a boiled vegetable, and this will save him from the smell. It lasts a week, and all this time it is necessary to eat onion soup 3 times a day. In between, acceptable products are acceptable.
Onion Soup Recipe
For the soup you will need 6 medium onions, 3 tomatoes, bell pepper and cabbage.
- Cut vegetables, fry a little in a pan.
- Fold in a pan, add spices and salt and add water.
- Bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes. First, on high, then on low heat until ready.
What can
Together with onion soup you can use fresh fruits and juices, dairy and dairy products, baked or stewed vegetables, diet boiled meat and fish.
Bananas and grapes, as well as corn, legumes and potatoes are not recommended. From meat it is better to use turkey or beef.
What can not
During the diet should not drink alcohol, bread and pastries, sugar and a variety of sweets. It is also not recommended for weight loss to limit only to soup. To achieve a sustainable effect, it is recommended to use other non-prohibited products.
If you want to consolidate the result, set for yourself one day in the diet of which limit the use of sugar, bakery products and fatty foods. Prefer protein foods and fresh vegetables.
conclusions
Onions are a universal remedy widely used in various fields of science, medicine and cooking. Its use in its raw form during epidemics and the spread of viral infections helps to strengthen immunity and prevents the formation of bacteria. It contains substances that reduce the risk of cancer by 50%, effectively preventing the development of this disease. Onions are widely used in cosmetology and nutrition, as a means to rejuvenate and restore skin, to strengthen hair, as well as for weight loss. It is indispensable in cooking. Recipes, which include vegetable, are used in Italian, German, Asian and other cuisines. It gives spiciness and piquancy to many unfamiliar dishes and makes the taste of friends already unforgettable. It must also be remembered that onions should be used with caution in people with diseases of the liver and stomach, as well as with increased nervous excitability.
