*Onion is the name of many plants in the onion family, Alliaceae. But used without any specific name, it most commonly refers to the onion, Allium cepa.

*Onions have an external thin, papery non-edible layers of skin and internally, many concentric fleshy layers.

*Their shape varies from large globe shaped to small and oblong.

*The taste varies from pungent, spicy, sharp and tangy, to mild and sweet.

*Different varieties onions are available like – red, yellow, brown and white.

*Onions are rich in volatile sulphur-containing compounds, which are released when cut or sliced, that cause irritation of the eyes.

*Buying and storage: Select healthy looking, firm, uniformly sized onions with thin papery skins and without any bruises or cuts. Store them in a cupboard in a cool, dry, well ventilated place where they keep well for many months. Chopped onions can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for many weeks. Store dry onions or onion powder in an airtight container.

Is it raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, fresh onions, dried onions and powdered onions are raw.
*No, caramelized and fried onions are not raw. Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. Onion is rich in a sulphur containing compound called allyl propyl disulphide, which is shown to reduce the blood sugar levels, by increasing the amount of free insulin available in blood. Regular consumption of onion maintains the blood sugar levels.

2. Allyl propyl disulphide, along with chromium and Vitamin B6, helps lower the blood cholesterol and blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of heart diseases like atherosclerosis, diabetic heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

3. The flavonoid quercitin has antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties, and is shown to protect the colon cells from carcinogenic damage and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

4. Onions also reduce the risk of several types of cancers like that of oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, GI tract, breast, ovaries, and prostate.

5. Onions also promote bone health by reducing the resorption of bones and inhibiting the action of bone-destroying osteoclasts. Regular consumption can reduce the risk of osteoporosis in older women.

6. Onion shave have anti-inflammatory properties due to quercitin and isothiocyanates. Regular consumption of onions reduces the risk of anti-inflammatory diseases like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and relieves the pain from inflammation.

7. These phytonutrients, quercitin and isothiocyanates, also have anti-bacterial properties.

8. Moderate source of Vitamin C, manganese and selenium together act as antioxidants in scavenging the free radicals, thus reducing the risk of degenerative diseases and heavy metal poisoning.

9. Moderate source of minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and manganese, which play a very important role in maintaining proper metabolic activities of the body