Red onions: beneficial properties and potential harm.

What is red onion and how is it different from regular onion? Is it true that he is sweet? These and many other questions occupy gardeners who plan to plant such onions.

Description

Red onions belong to the Onion family. It is called so because of the bright color of the husk, the shade of which can range from pale to deep burgundy. Interior It has more of a purple tint. Like other types of onions, it has a low calorie content (per 100 grams of product). Nutritional value – 42 kcal, most of it comes from carbohydrates. Their content is 9.2 g, protein – 1.7 g, fat – 0.1 g.

In appearance and taste, the purple vegetable differs from the white and yellow ones. The first difference is the bright husk and the purple-red hue of the pulp. Red onions are less hot, do not burn the mucous membranes, they are sweeter and more tender compared to the universal yellow onion. This, in turn, led to its frequent fresh consumption - it is usually added to salads.

White onions are characterized by greater sweetness compared to all-purpose onions. It is similar to sweet varieties of red onions, but, unlike them, does not have spicy varieties. White onions have the shortest shelf life compared to the species considered.

Red onion is considered a biennial herbaceous plant. The diameter of the bulb is 12-15 cm. The weight of the head is 65-76 g. Buds are formed on the stem, from which daughter bulbs then develop.

In general, the taste of red onions depends on its variety, where it is grown and how it is cared for. So, the sweetest is the Crimean red onion, which the residents of Crimea eat separately from other dishes. This variety, grown in the area between Yalta and Alushta, is a delicacy.

Benefits and harms

The beneficial properties of red onion are due to its composition - it is rich in B vitamins, vitamins E, PP and ascorbic acid. In addition, it contains micro- and macroelements useful for the human body, including iron, magnesium, zinc, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. Finally, the vegetable contains biologically active flavonoids, in particular allicin and quercetin.

The bright color of the vegetable is due to the presence of anthocyanins, which have antiviral and antifungal effects. In addition, it is believed that these substances are preventive in the fight against oncology, diabetes, and central nervous system disorders. Finally, they (in combination with vitamin E) stop and slow down the aging process.

Sulfur, which the red-violet vegetable is rich in in various compounds, also has a rejuvenating effect. Sulfur has the ability to remove toxins from the body, stimulates collagen synthesis, which, in turn, is responsible for skin elasticity, and has a positive effect on the condition of hair and nails. By the way, the latter effect is also due to the presence of zinc in the vegetable.

Finally, sulfur promotes healthy blood vessels, as it destroys and prevents the appearance of new cholesterol plaques on the vascular walls. Thanks to this, the risk of developing varicose veins, heart attacks, strokes is reduced, tissues and organs receive the necessary amount of oxygen.

Rich in vitamin C, red onions will help fight colds and vitamin deficiency. It helps strengthen the body's immune forces. It must be included in the diet during seasonal respiratory diseases, as well as in late winter and early spring. In addition, purple onion juice has a disinfectant effect, which allows it to destroy bacteria and viruses.

Research shows that the vegetable promotes testosterone production and increases libido. Men are recommended to add it to their usual dishes.

It is a misconception that red onions have a sweetish taste due to the presence of sugar. This is not true; the bitterness of onions is due to the essential oils they contain. The greater their number, the sharper and more “tear-producing” the vegetable is. In sweet varieties the amount of these essential oils is minimal.

Due to the high content of essential oils and acids, consumption of onions should be avoided during periods of exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis). If you have chronic diseases of these organs, you should also reduce the amount of red onion consumed.

If you have an individual intolerance, you cannot eat the vegetable. It is worth refusing to consume it if you have liver and kidney disease, as well as with acute forms of diseases of the urinary system. If you have asthma or hypertension, you should be careful when including red onions in your diet.

For pregnant women, the red vegetable is useful because it contains folic acid, which is so necessary for the normal development of the fetus. In addition, due to the content of B vitamins, onions have a beneficial effect on nervous system, normalizes sleep. However, pregnant women should eat it with caution and in small doses for the same reason - essential oils irritate the already vulnerable intestines and gastrointestinal tract expectant mother. In the first trimester, you are allowed to consume 100 g of onions per day, in subsequent trimesters - reduce to 50 g.

When breastfeeding, red onion in small doses is allowed for use, if it does not cause negative consequences for the child's health. Onions, including red ones, contribute to the formation of gases, so most nursing mothers are forced to temporarily stop eating them.

In any case, you should not eat onions in their pure form, as this can cause heartburn and stomach pain. You should not eat onions on an empty stomach.

People suffering from flatulence should not eat the red vegetable raw, as it is a gas-forming product.

Varieties

There are several varieties of this onion, one of the most famous of them is the Crimean onion. It is so sweet that the inhabitants of the peninsula consume it like apples. As already mentioned, this onion variety was originally grown in the area between Alushta and Yalta. In this case, it acquires unprecedented sweetness and juiciness. Onion heads are quite large; they are used fresh in salads, and also caramelized and served as a dessert.

Red Baron has a bittersweet taste. It is distinguished by a high content of ascorbic acid, as well as the ability to be stored for a long time, maintaining the same taste and composition. Such bulbs are universal - they are eaten fresh, used for preparing first and second courses, and sauces.

Another variety that can be stored for a long time is Brunswick. Refers to late-ripening, onion heads are medium-sized flattened “balls”. The rich red onion “Greatful Red F1” also demonstrates good shelf life. It is also distinguished by fairly large bulbs, the weight of which can reach 130-140 g. By the way, it can be found in the windows of most supermarkets - it tolerates long-term transportation well, is stored for a long time and has a pleasant sweetish taste.

If you want to start enjoying red onions in early August, choose early-ripening varieties, such as “Red Ball,” which is also famous for its high yield. From the name of the variety it is clear that the crop has the shape of a regular circle and a rich purple hue. This variety is best consumed fresh.

For growing on your own plot, especially if you are new to this business, we can recommend the Campillo F1 variety, which is relatively unpretentious in care and resistant to diseases characteristic of the crop. The harvest will delight you with a beautiful purple hue and delicate taste.

The external similarity and the same sweet taste as the “Campillo F1” variety are revealed by the “Retro” onion. This early-ripening variety is optimal for fresh salads. Thanks to the sweetness of the bulbs, they can even be used in dishes for children. By the way, the “Retro” variety, like “Yukont”, is suitable for annual cultivation. The latter produces a fairly pungent harvest that can be stored all winter.

“Red Semko F1” demonstrates similar unpretentiousness and productivity, producing flat, medium-sized bulbs. If we compare it with the blue and purple varieties, then in cross-section it has white flesh with red streaks along the edges of the rings.

But lovers of red onions with a pleasant bitterness will probably like “Red Braunschweig”, which is classified as mid-season. Its advantage is its uniform germination and unpretentiousness during the growing season. The “Black Prince” variety surprises with its rich dark red shade, turning into burgundy. It has a semi-sharp taste, demonstrates good keeping quality and versatility.

Planting and care

The taste and sweetness of onions largely depend on the characteristics of the soil and temperature conditions. Since the crop is involved in crop rotation, the best soils for it will be those on which nightshades were previously grown - tomatoes, potatoes, zucchini.

You should choose well-ventilated (but windless) areas that receive sunlight most of the day. You need to start preparing the soil in the fall - dig it up, apply organic and mineral fertilizers. In the spring, the soil is dug up again. Red onions grow best in fertile sandy loam soils.

Planting onions can be divided into 2 stages - planting onion seeds in a greenhouse, and after a set of these seeds appears, transplanting it into a garden bed and further cultivation. You can buy seedlings and immediately plant them in the garden, but there is a high probability of buying seed material that is not resistant to infections. Careless sellers often get the bulbs confused, so the variety that grows is not the one the gardener expects.

Onion seeds need to be sorted, removing empty and defective ones, and then disinfected in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. To do this, dissolve 1 g of potassium permanganate in a glass of warm water. Soak the seeds in this solution for 15-20 minutes, then rinse under water and dry. It is more convenient to wrap the seeds in a gauze bag.

The prepared seeds are planted in the ground in a greenhouse or at home under film in early spring. For seedlings to appear, the ambient temperature must be at least 25 degrees.

After collecting the seedlings, they are disinfected again by soaking them in a weak solution of potassium permanganate, the tops are cut off (this improves growth) and planted in open ground. Do not plant weak bulbs damaged by rot or disease. By this time, night frosts should stop, and the soil temperature should be at least 15-17 degrees.

Typically, red onions are grown in beds, first making furrows on their surface every 20-25 cm. The step between the bulbs is 4-5 cm.

The “Chinese” method of growing red onions is also popular, according to which you need to make high beds. The latter are washed away after a while under the influence of rain, and upper part the bulb (which has already managed to get stronger and adapt) opens. In this form, the plant receives more solar heat and light, nutritional components, which has a beneficial effect on its growth.

Further care of the plant cannot be called difficult, but to obtain a good harvest It is important to regularly follow the following agrotechnical recommendations:

Evidence that the onion is ready for harvest will be yellowing and lodging of the green arrows. It is important to prevent the onions from flowering, as the harvest will not be able to be stored. If you find similar arrows in the garden, pull out the onion and eat it as soon as possible.

You will learn more about how to grow red onions in the following video.

The harvested crop must be dried during the day, without, however, placing it in direct sunlight. It is optimal to harvest the crop in the first half of the day (necessarily in dry weather) and put it to dry, for example, under a canopy until the evening.

After this, cut off the arrows (if this has not been done previously), leaving them at 5-7 cm, tie several bulbs together “in a bunch”, which are hung in a well-ventilated place protected from UV rays. In this form, the onion should be dried for 2-3 weeks, then inspected, cut off the dry arrows, leaving a 2-2.5 cm “tail”.

Now the onions can be transferred to boxes for further storage. If you plan to store onions all winter until the next season, it is important to choose a suitable variety that has good shelf life. For example, Yalta red onions are not very suitable for these purposes, since they are stored for no more than four months.

It is important to ensure optimal temperature conditions. The permissible storage temperature range is -3… +10 degrees. Sweet red onions are best stored at 0 degrees.

Another important condition is good ventilation. Finally, air humidity should not exceed 80%. If one of these requirements is not met, the onion begins to quickly deteriorate, losing its taste and benefits.

Onions should not be stored in plastic bags. Preference should be given to wooden boxes, wicker baskets, cardboard boxes, and fabric bags.

You can use a cellar for storage. If we are talking about storage in an apartment, shelves on the mezzanine, a balcony where the temperature in winter does not drop below 0, as well as the lower shelves of the refrigerator are suitable. You can put the heads in nylon tights or stockings the old fashioned way. In this form, the onion will be protected from moisture, and air circulation will not be impaired.

Before storing the vegetable, you should dry it well and remove damaged heads that are prone to rotting.

Vegetable uses

Saved in the right conditions the onion always remains juicy and sweet. It can be fried, pickled, put in salads. The sauce made from this vegetable has an interesting taste. A sweet and sour addition to the main dish goes especially well with meat and stewed vegetables.

Today, perhaps, you won’t surprise anyone with red onions. This vegetable differs from its white relative not only appearance, but also taste and composition.

The benefits and harms of red onions should also be considered separately, since this variety has an absolutely unique set of vitamins, chemical elements and other nutrients.

Red onions contain many vitamins

ABOUT healing properties Traditional healers have known this vegetable for a long time, so they boldly include it in treatment regimens for vascular atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, diseases of the digestive tract, women's diseases, and colds.

Benefits of Red Onion

The huge advantage of the vegetable is that it can be added to almost every dish: from sandwiches to fried meats and soups. But there are also food products with which red onions are not compatible at all, and therefore are not recommended for consumption. Such food is considered to be fruit desserts, as well as dairy dishes in any form.

What is a vegetable? Which onion is healthier: red or white? What are the benefits and harms of red onions for the body?

The bulbs are red in color with a bright purple skin and contain a huge amount of useful substances, which are located closer to the husk.

You should not remove the top layers from red onions, because they contain many useful substances

The unique color is given to the vegetable by nature and is the result of its special composition. This type of onion is also called purple, and even blue. Experts recommend peeling the vegetable carefully, trying not to cut off the top layers, since they contain most of the vitamins and chemical elements.

What's the benefit?

The beneficial properties of red onion are as follows:

• the presence of a huge amount antioxidants allows the vegetable to cope well with the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, cancer pathological processes, and also effectively prevent premature aging;
• anthocyanins, giving onions a special purple color, help the body cope with inflammatory processes, improve the state of the immune system, and are an excellent means of preventing the development of diabetes, neuroses, and cancer;
• flavonoid quercetin has a strong diuretic, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect, helps get rid of swelling, spastic phenomena and helps prevent cancer;
• chromium as part of red onion, it is responsible for reducing the amount of glucose in the blood, which minimizes the risk of developing diabetes;
• sulfur helps to establish normal cysteine ​​synthesis, stimulate the production of collagen fibers, improves the rheological properties of blood, and reduces the amount of low-density lipoproteins.

You may also be interested in knowing the benefits of red onion's faithful companion -. Another product rich in substances beneficial to the body is Jerusalem artichoke. Read more

So, what are the benefits of red onions and why should each of us definitely include them in our diet?
Purple vegetable has such positive effects in relation to the human body, as:

• antiseptic effect, allowing you to disinfect the body by killing microbes inside it;
• improvement of the immune system;
• normalization of the secretory function of the stomach and acceleration of metabolic processes;
• red onion is an effective anthelmintic;
• improvement of the condition of the skin, restoration of hair thickness, treatment of seborrhea, alopecia;
• beneficial effect on the ligamentous apparatus;
• prevention of premature aging of the body.

You will learn all the details about the benefits of red onions from the video:

Possible harm

As a rule, red onions are not capable of harming human health, but there are a number of situations when eating this vegetable is contraindicated:

• acute and chronic colitis in the acute phase;
• digestive disorders with a sharp disruption of secretory function;
• hypersecretion of the stomach;
• urolithiasis;
• liver failure and conditions that are accompanied by serious dysfunction of the liver and biliary tract;
• skin diseases of an autoimmune nature in the active stage;
• hypertension;
• bronchial asthma of moderate and severe complexity.

Naturally, patients who suffer from the listed diseases are better off not eating fresh red onions, since the vegetable retains its pungency and can provoke an exacerbation of the pathological condition. It is important to remember that no more than 100-150 g of raw purple onions can be taken without harm to health.

It is also strictly forbidden to prepare dishes from rotten vegetables, since the decay products formed during the decay process are carcinogenic and can be harmful to health.

Are red onions from the store healthy, or is it better not to eat this “chemical” vegetable? Indeed, there is an opinion that supermarket food expressed using modern technologies, contain a huge amount of chemicals that can cause poisoning to the body. In fact, this is a big misconception. Numerous tests did not reveal increased concentrations of substances and compounds harmful to humans in store-bought vegetables.

You will learn how to choose the right red onion from the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF7hgTCax-A

But, if the buyer has doubts about the quality of imported red onions from the supermarket, then it is better for him to grow the vegetables himself in the garden or buy them from a trusted seller at the market.

Red onion and benefits for pregnant women

How are red onions beneficial for the body of a woman expecting to give birth to a baby? As you know, pregnancy is not a contraindication to the consumption of any food products. Red onion is no exception to this rule, therefore it is allowed and even recommended to expectant mothers as an accessible source of natural vitamins and minerals.

The only point is that the amount of purple onions should be reduced in the diet of a pregnant woman who is about to give birth.

The vegetable has a gas-forming effect, which can cause the expectant mother to develop flatulence and pain in the intestines. There is only one conclusion: if a pregnant woman tolerates onions normally and loves this vegetable, then eating it will benefit not only her, but also the baby, allowing him to be born with strong immune system, without developmental defects internal organs and neoplasms that can arise at the stage of intrauterine development of the fetus.

In addition, the benefit of red onion for a pregnant woman’s body is its ability to improve rheological blood parameters, prevent blood clots, increase hemoglobin and prevent the occurrence of vitamin deficiencies.

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Red onions differ from the ones we are used to, with golden or white skin, and a number of properties. The countries of Central Asia are considered the homeland of this red beauty. After the founding of the Nikitsky Botanical Garden, its collection was replenished with several species of this plant, which became the progenitors of the “Yalta” or “Crimean” sweet onion (calorizer) that we so loved. It is the absence of pungent substances that makes red onions so desirable on our table. Many different varieties of red onions are grown on the Eurasian continent, but only the Yalta variety has a special sweet taste. This variety is so loved by vacationers that almost everyone takes with them several beautiful braids of this miracle vegetable. Red onions, which grow in the vicinity of the famous resort, are particularly juicy and sweet. Even the bulb itself of this variety is unique. It has no more than seven layers, and in the middle it is painted white. This variety of red onion does not grow anywhere else in the world.

Calorie content of red onion

The calorie content of red onion is 42 kcal per 100 grams of product.

Composition of red onion

The benefits and harms of red onion

The color of red onions is directly related to their usefulness - they contain twice as many antioxidants as light varieties. The purple color that decorates dishes is due to the content of anthocyanins - substances that help our body fight inflammation and bacterial infections, prevent the development of diabetes, nervous diseases and cancer, slow down the aging process of cells, and so on.

Red onion is indispensable folk medicine(calorizer). It perfectly overcomes vitamin deficiency, reduces weight and heals almost all organs. This miracle - onion “knows the secret” from all troubles.

Red onions are contraindicated for liver and kidney disorders, colitis and other gastrointestinal diseases, as well as some skin problems. Other people can eat it without exceeding the norm - no more than 100 g of raw onion per meal.

Red onion in cooking

Red onions are a great addition to all vegetable salads and appetizers. It can be grilled in thick rings, baked in the oven, or simply eaten with bread, especially in winter. Make pizza with red onions - the taste will be unusual and interesting, but your family will probably like it. Red onions are eaten only raw; when cooked, they lose their properties.

Red onion is a vegetable with white flesh with a reddish tint. Often the bulbs are small in size. The vegetable is popular due to its taste - a sweetish taste, but this often depends on where the crop grew and what care was provided. This also affects the amount of vitamins and beneficial microelements contained in red onions. The flesh of the vegetable is crispy, it is preferred to eat it without heat treatment, and is often added to salads.

The main benefit of red onion is its high content of , B, C, PP. Minerals in the vegetable include chromium, phosphorus, sodium, sulfur, iron and magnesium. Onions also contain a considerable amount of sulfur substances that prevent the accumulation of fat in the body. Red onion helps improve metabolism and improves digestive processes.

The health benefits of red onion include improving general condition body with regular consumption of vegetables. It is recommended to include it in the diet of people suffering from increased level cholesterol and sugar. To reduce blood cholesterol levels, it is enough to consume at least 3-5 heads of vegetables. Largest quantity useful substances are contained in the upper layers of onions, located immediately under the husk. The content of anthocyanins in the vegetable allows you to fight edema, various types of infections and prevent aging of the body.

The benefits and harms of red onions

When studying the properties of red onion, its benefits and harms, do not forget that the product has certain contraindications, so not every person can eat the vegetable. This is due to the sharpness of the onion. If you suffer from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as ailments associated with impaired functioning of the kidneys and liver, you should not get carried away with excessive consumption of red onions. Also, people with skin diseases should not eat onions.

Many people are interested in the question of the benefits and harms of red onions in sugar. Please note that this the best remedy to combat liver diseases. Regular use of the medicine allows you to cure even advanced cases, such as cirrhosis; it is enough to take 4-8 tablespoons of the mixture daily. It is worth noting that, despite the benefits, the harm of such a mixture lies in the sugar content, which can contribute to obesity if onions and sugar are consumed in excessive quantities.

Red onion, which is loved by many, is the healthiest vegetable for the human body. Unlike the usual yellow and white onions, the composition of the red culture is different, and therefore it cannot be equivalently replaced with them. Red onion, the benefits and harms of which everyone should know, deserves a closer acquaintance.

The calorie content of red onion is not high, and therefore it can be consumed in significant quantities even during diets aimed at weight loss. The nutritional value of the product is only 42 kcal per 100 g. This applies to the product both fresh and cooked. More often it is consumed raw, as it has a pleasant taste, without bitterness.

The nutritional value of the vegetable is high due to the presence in the composition of a whole complex of substances necessary for the human body. The main components of red onions that are indispensable for humans are vitamins, micro- and macroelements.

In addition, red onions contain large quantities of phytoncides, quercetin, essential oils, proteins and sugars. Its regular use brings significant benefits to the body, and therefore, in the absence of contraindications, everyone should include onions in their daily diet.

What are the benefits of red onion for the body?

Red onion (purple onion) has a strong effect on the body and can prevent the occurrence of various diseases and disorders in the functioning of systems and internal organs. All the medicinal properties of the vegetable are associated with the substances included in its composition.

All of the above properties of the plant are common to both sexes. Red onions also have the ability to positively influence specifically the female or male body. There is a period of development child's body, when the substances contained in onions are especially beneficial for the child.

Women

For women, the benefits of red onion are obvious, as it has useful action on the reproductive system. The vegetable relieves chronic, low-grade inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs and helps prevent the appearance of cysts and neoplasms. The culture also has a positive effect on hormonal levels and helps eliminate disruptions in the menstrual cycle.

During pregnancy, if red onion is well tolerated by the body, it is useful to consume it to meet the increased need for vitamins and minerals. The product is also useful during this period because it reduces the likelihood of viral infections, which are very dangerous for the expectant mother.

At breastfeeding onions should be discarded, since a number of components from its composition can pass into the baby's breast milk and cause the development of colic. A nursing woman can include red onions in her diet only after the baby is 6 months old; during this period, the substances from the vegetable that have penetrated into the milk will no longer irritate gastrointestinal tract baby.

Children

Children especially need red onion during the period of teeth change, as it helps correct formation bone tissue and prevents further early tooth decay.

The product also helps improve immunity and reduce the likelihood of developing viral infections, which especially often appear in children who have just started visiting kindergarten or school. Regular consumption of fresh vegetables will also help the child adapt more easily to new conditions, since some substances from onions help to quickly relieve stress, which is inevitable with a sharp change in the rhythm of life.

For children prone to allergies, if they tolerate red onion, it is useful to give it to reduce the body’s negative reactions to the irritant. Such measures can quickly relieve acute allergic attacks, and sometimes completely eliminate the problem.

Men

Red onions are no less beneficial for the male reproductive system than for the female one. With regular consumption of the vegetable, high-quality testosterone production is restored, which is necessary not only for preserving male power, and also preventing hair loss.

If you eat red onions regularly, your libido and high-quality erection will be restored, and the quality of your sperm will improve. Sperm turn out to be more active and viable and fertilize the egg more easily, even if their number is not large enough.

The beneficial properties of red onion on the male body become noticeable no earlier than after a month of regular use.

Harm and contraindications for eating onions

Red onions can cause harm to the body if consumed despite restrictions. Contraindications to the use of purple onions are:

• kidney disease;
• serious disturbances in liver function;
• increased stomach acidity;
• intestinal inflammation;
• ulcer;
• pancreatitis;
• increased gas formation;
• vegetable intolerance;
• breastfeeding for the first 6 months.

Red onions are not only tasty, but also very healthy vegetable, which should be consumed daily. Its mild taste, without the bitterness characteristic of white and yellow, is also suitable for children. In order to get all the beneficial substances from red onions, eat them raw.