Health Benefits of Onions

Onions are valued by people across the globe, for their health and nutritional values.

They are one of the few vegetables used in every cuisine in the world. The health benefits of including onions in our diets have been known by cooks and are being studied by scientists. Scientific studies have shown positive relationships between including onions in diets and

A reduced risk of stomach and brain cancer in humans
Inhibited platelet-mediated thrombosis (a process that leads to heart attacks and strokes)
Reduced levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and thromboxane in the blood (substances involved in the development of cardiovascular disease)
A reduction in symptoms associated with osteoporosis. (From : Onions – Phytochemical and Health Properties, provided by the National Onion Association)

New Zealanders are frequent consumers of onions. Onions are not rich in the common nutrients but are low in energy. However, onions are rich in phytonutrients – flavonoids, fructans, saponins and sulphur containing compounds. The red varieties are a source of the flavonoids, anthocyanins.

ONIONS BROWN	Raw
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1/4 onion = 45g
	Average Quantity	% Daily Intake per serve	Average Quantity
	per serving	% Daily Intake per serve	per 100g
Energy (kJ/Cal)	58/14	1%	130/31
Protein (g)	0.6	1%	1.4
Fat, total (g)	0	0%	0.1
- saturated (g)	0.01	0%	0.01
Available carbohydrate (g)	2.3	1%	5.1
- sugars (g)	2.3	3%	5.1
Dietary Fibre (g)	0.8	3%	1.8
Sodium (mg)	1	0%	2
Folate (µg)	0	0% RDI*	0
Niacin (mg)	0.1	1% RDI*	0.3
Vitamin C (mg)	2	5% RDI*	5.0
Potassium (mg)	82		182
Percentage Daily Intakes are based on an average adult diet of 8700 kJ
Your daily Intakes may be higher or lower depending on your energy needs
*Recommended Dietary Intake (Average Adult)
Source: FOODfiles 2016

For more information, head to vegetables.co.nz and select onions. Or click on this link http://www.vegetables.co.nz/vegetables-a-z/onions/