Onions are a popular seasoning in northern China and are even used as a staple ingredient in many dishes. According to traditional Chinese medicine, onions have a pungent taste and a slightly warm nature, and they have the functions of promoting circulation, detoxification, and enhancing flavor. From a modern dietary perspective, what are the benefits and disadvantages of eating onions?
Benefits of Eating Onions
1. Improving Appetite
Raw onions, like onions, contain allyl sulfides, which stimulate the secretion of gastric juice and help increase appetite. When consumed with foods high in vitamin B1, they can convert starch and sugars into energy, relieving fatigue.
2. Preventing Cancer
The pectin in onions can significantly reduce the occurrence of colon cancer and has anti-cancer effects. The allyl sulfides in onions can also inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Onions also contain trace element selenium, which can reduce the content of nitrite in gastric juice and play a role in preventing stomach cancer and various other cancers.
3. Dilating Blood Vessels
Onions are rich in vitamin C, which has the function of dilating small blood vessels and promoting blood circulation. This can prevent dizziness caused by high blood pressure, keep the brain agile, and prevent senile dementia. The volatile oil and allyl sulfides in onions can eliminate the odor of greasy and heavy dishes, producing a special aroma. If eaten with mushrooms, it can also promote blood circulation.
4. Lowering Cholesterol
Onions can reduce the accumulation of bad cholesterol. People who regularly eat onions, even if they have a high fat content or are overweight, do not have increased cholesterol levels and have strong physique. The green part of the onion contains more vitamin A, C, and calcium compared to the white part.
5. Relieving Fatigue
Raw onions contain allyl sulfides, which stimulate the secretion of gastric juice and help increase appetite. When consumed with foods high in vitamin B1, they can convert starch and sugars into energy, relieving fatigue.
Disadvantages of Eating Onions
1. Consuming too many raw onions can harm eyesight.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, vegetables with a pungent or spicy taste can harm eyesight. Consuming too many raw onions can be detrimental to eyesight, so those with poor eyesight should consume them in moderation.
2. Bad breath
Onions have a stimulating odor, and this odor can linger in the mouth for a long time after consumption, making the breath unpleasant. Therefore, it is not advisable to consume onions in social situations where fresh breath is important.
