04 January,2011 06:42 AM IST | | FYI Team
Three substitutes for the not-so-humble onion
The aam aadmi is likely to be mourning the loss of onions on his plate, given the steep prices. And with good reason. The onion is loaded with multiple benefits and medicinal properties.
Onions have been used to treat colds, coughs, asthma, bacterial infections and even as a mosquito repellent. However, there are other fruits and veggies that can be consumed to make up for the nutritional benefits of onions.
Here are the alternatives: Onions are a very rich source of fructo-oligosaccharides. These oligomers stimulate the growth of healthy bifido bacteria and suppress the growth of potentially harmful bacteria in the colon. In addition, they can reduce the risk of tumors developing in the colon.
You can get similar benefits from: bananas also contain fructo-oligosaccharides, which check the growth of harmful bacteria in the colon and bring down the risk of colon cancer. Onions contain sulphides, which lower blood lipids and blood pressure.
You can get similar benefits from: garlic also has sulphides which may lower blood lipids and blood pressure.
The cardio-protective benefits of garlic are due to the production of hydrogen sulfide gas. The red blood cells take sulphur-containing molecules in garlic, called polysulphides, and use them to produce hydrogen sulphide. This in turn helps blood vessels expand and keep blood pressure in check.
Onions contain flavonoids, which protect against cardiovascular disease. They are natural anti-clotting agents since they possess substances with fibrinolytic activity and can suppress platelet clumping.
You can get similar benefits from: Oranges and cucumbers contain flavonoids. They prevent strokes, heart attacks and promotion of cancerous cells.
