Probably not many people know about the health benefits of shallots. Although many people use this vegetable in the kitchen, believing that, besides its appearance, it is no different from its onion relative.
General characteristics
Shallot, or Akchelon onion, is one of the varieties of onions grown mainly for green feather leaves. Compared to ordinary onions or garlic, it is less sharp and has a milder odor. Elongated small bulbs grow in clusters, which actually distinguishes this vegetable from the Allium family from other types of onions.
Supposedly, the Axielon bow originated in Central Asia thousands of years ago. Then quickly spread throughout India and the eastern Mediterranean. Today, successfully cultivated in almost all continents. It is a frost-resistant perennial crop, which, however, is often grown on the principle of annuals.
An adult plant usually does not exceed 50 cm in height, and in the root part consists of 1-5 combined onions. To reach maturity, a vegetable takes approximately 100 days. Harvest is stored as an ordinary onion, and green feathers are consumed fresh.
Nutritional value at 100 g
Calories 72 kcal Proteins 2,83 g Fats 0,2 g Carbohydrates 16,8 g Fiber 2,6 g Vitamin A 4 IU Vitamin B1 0,055 mg Vitamin B2 0,08 mg Vitamin B3 0,525 mg Vitamin B5 0,075 mg Vitamin B6 0,61 mg Vitamin B9 64 mg Vitamin C 8,8 mg Vitamin E 0,55 mg Vitamin K 207 μg Potassium 336 mg Sodium 16 mg Calcium 37 mg Copper 0,083 mg Iron 1,48 mg Magnesium 20 mg Manganese 0,16 mg Phosphorus 57 mg Selenium 1,1 μg Zinc 0,39 mg
Benefits for the body
Being so rich in minerals and vitamins, it would be strange if shallots were not on the list of healthy vegetables. Below we will discuss the most outstanding abilities of the Axelon bow.
Useful for the eyes
This is one of the main advantages of onions. Shallot is a rich source of vitamin A and helps produce a protein called rhodopsin. And it is an extremely important element for the retina. If in more detail, it is useful for good vision and prevention of night blindness. In addition, vitamin A protects against cataracts and corneal diseases.
Strengthens immunity
Shallot turned out to be a vegetable, useful for strengthening immunity. According to many experts in the field of health, this special kind of onion is rich in components useful for humans – flavonoids. In particular, anthocyanins and quercetin affect the immune system, strengthening it. And according to research by American scientists, the named flavonoid compounds protect the body not only from viruses, but also from malignant tumors.
Cancer Protector
Shallot, as already mentioned, effectively improves the overall condition of the immune system. But this vegetable is no less effective for the prevention of oncological diseases. Flavonoids protect the body from free radicals, which in turn cause mutation of healthy cells and DNA damage. In turn, vitamin A in combination with lutein, carotene and zeaxanthin prevents lung cancer.
Healthy heart
Besides the fact that shallot protects against cancer, it is also able to strengthen the heart muscle.
This green vegetable is rich in vitamin A and ascorbic acid. These two vitamins are known for their antioxidant properties, which again protect the body from free radicals. Including serve as a protective barrier to the heart. In addition, researchers confirm that shallots are able to lower blood pressure, and it is also helpful in reducing the tendency to heart disease. Well, do not forget about the useful component known as allicin. It makes blood vessels elastic and prevents blood clots, which means it protects against coronary disease and stroke.
Strengthens bones
Not only dairy products are able to strengthen bone tissue. Shallots can also do this. And all because the vegetable contains vitamins K and C, as well as many minerals needed to improve bone density. That is why shallot is an important food for people with arthritis or osteoporosis.
Useful for people with diabetes
Benefits from shallots are felt by people suffering from diabetes. There is an opinion among researchers that, due to its sulfur content, onions can lower blood sugar levels. Moreover, this same mineral is important for increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin. So the benefits of onions for patients with diabetes are no longer in doubt.
Useful for respiratory organs.
According to the researchers, shallots are useful for maintaining adequate performance of the respiratory system. With antiviral and antibacterial functions, green onions protect the respiratory system from viruses and bacteria. Therefore, people who regularly consume shallots are less susceptible to colds and flu.
Improves the digestive system
The results of some studies indicate the benefits of green onions for the digestive organs, including intestinal health. In addition, having antibacterial properties, it is useful for the treatment of diarrhea caused by bacteria.
Relieves dysmenorrhea
Not sure what dysmenorrhea is? This is a pathological pain in the lower abdomen that appears during menstruation. Don’t understand what is the connection between onions and menstrual pain? So, in Chinese medicine it is generally accepted that menstrual pain occurs as a result of a lack of heat. And in order to counteract this, Chinese healers are advised to use products with a warming effect, such as ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic and all kinds of onions.
Improves skin condition
Among the many chemical components that make up an onion, there is a compound called allicin. It tones the skin and protects against premature aging, prevents the appearance of wrinkles. And vitamin C protects the skin from free radicals, improves its health and acts on the epidermis as a whitening agent. The latter ability makes green onions useful for removing freckles and age spots.
Protects against inflammation
This green vegetable is also useful in preventing inflammation. The secret of such abilities in antioxidant substances that have anti-inflammatory properties. Sulfur and vitamin C, which is a powerful tool against inflammation, play a significant role in this matter.
Prevents obesity
Chives are good for preventing obesity. And it’s not just a low calorie vegetable. Many studies have shown that regular consumption of shallot leads to a decrease in the percentage of body fat. Vegetable substances are believed to accelerate lipid metabolism and break down excess subcutaneous fat.
Fights anemia
Most people know that anemia is a condition where the body does not produce enough red blood cells. As a rule, the cause of this condition is unbalanced nutrition, in particular iron deficiency. But to avoid anemia will help iron-rich shallot.
Green feathers are useful for treating anemia and as an effective prophylactic.
Protects against allergies
Quercetin, which has often been mentioned, among other things, has antihistamine properties. Translated into a simpler language, this means that shallot prevents allergic reactions, including those manifested by difficulty breathing.
Accelerates wound healing
This may seem strange, but shallot speeds up the healing of wounds from cuts and burns. Although knowing about the antibacterial properties of vegetables, this ability of onions is not surprising. The main cause of poor wound healing is bacteria. Having got rid of them, the healing process is accelerated several times.
Reduces blood pressure
In some traditional medicine recipes, spring onion is referred to as a remedy for high blood pressure. Researchers became interested in this fact and conducted several experiments. It turned out that shallots are actually useful for people with hypertension. Sulfur compounds effectively lower blood pressure and prevent blood clotting. The result is an even and easier movement of blood through the vessels, which means a reduction in the load on the heart.
Benefits for pregnant women
Are you wondering what foods should be in the diet of the expectant mother? Of course, we will not be able to present the full list now, but one of them will definitely be called. This is a shallot. When it comes to the diet of pregnant women, one of the first mentions is vitamin B9, also known as folic acid. This vitamin is important not only for the health of the woman, but also for the proper formation of the unborn child. A lack of vitamin in the diet of the expectant mother is manifested by an abnormally developed nervous system in the child. Shallots provide the necessary portions of the vitamin.
Natural remedy for leg edema
Did you know that shallots can also get rid of leg edema? And this is not a new discovery at all. Even in ancient times, people used this plant to treat swollen feet. A slurry of crushed green feathers, which is applied to the feet, contains large amounts of sulfur and quercetin. And these substances have the ability to reduce swelling.
Shallot damage
As a rule, this vegetable is tolerated by most people without side effects, although it may be difficult for some people to digest shallot, especially while taking certain medications.
Overuse of onions can cause heartburn or acid reflux (usually in people already having digestive problems). In some cases, a large amount of vegetable causes bloating. Allergies to shallots are also known, including among people with asthma. The reaction is manifested by skin rashes, redness, itching, and tearing. Well, do not forget that the juice of this vegetable, like garlic or onions, getting on the mucous membranes, causes irritation.
Use in the kitchen
In Ayurveda, shallots are referred to as products containing five of the six kinds of taste (sweet, sour, bitter, spicy and astringent). From here and wide use of this vegetable.
Hindus, for example, add chopped vegetable to curry and traditional lentil dishes. The shallots are also pickled in red vinegar to soften it a little, and then served with onions and sauces as an independent dish. In this form, the Akshillon vegetable is extremely popular in the countries of the Middle East. In Iran, shallots seasoned with salted yogurt are served in restaurants as a traditional seasoning for barbecue. In Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, shallots are used as a spice, eaten raw, marinated and served with cucumbers, and also fried in coconut oil.
Shallot fits well into salads, soups, casseroles, sauces and marinades for meat and chicken. An interesting combination is obtained from raw onions and fresh fruits. It goes well with rosemary, thyme, balsamic vinegar, olive oil.
Today it is difficult to imagine life without a bow. This is an indispensable vegetable of French and Oriental cuisine. In the world there are several dozen varieties of onions and shallots among them – one of the tastiest and most tender. Looking at this vegetable for the first time, it may seem that it is a hybrid of garlic and onion, although in reality it is not. And the first proof of that is a special taste – delicate, with a sweetish aftertaste. And this is one of the reasons for the global popularity of the Akchelon vegetable. But as you already know, excellent taste is only one of its many advantages.
