10 Surprising Health Benefits of Green Onions You Need to Know
If you are a foodie, then you might have come across green onions in your dishes. While green onions may often be used as a garnish, they are in fact packed with health benefits that might surprise you. Green onions are also called scallions and are commonly used in stir-fry dishes, soups, salads, and sandwiches. They are related to garlic and shallots and are often used to add a mild onion flavor. Let us dig deeper and explore ten surprising benefits of green onions that you need to know.
1. Good for Digestion
Green onions are rich in fiber that helps promote digestion by adding bulk to the stool. They regulate bowel movements and promote good bacteria growth in the gut. Green onions also contain prebiotics, which help feed and promote the growth of probiotics, thus improving digestion.
2. Lowers Blood Sugar
Green onions may help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. They contain a compound called allyl propyl disulfide, which has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate glucose levels.
3. Boosts Immunity
Green onions have antibacterial properties that can help fight off infections in the body. They are also loaded with vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and helps the body fight off harmful bacteria and viruses.
4. Promotes Heart Health
Green onions are high in sulfur compounds that have been shown to improve heart health by reducing cholesterol and blood pressure levels. They also contain flavonoids, which are beneficial for blood vessels and help prevent heart disease.
5. Good for Bone Health
Green onions contain high levels of vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in bone health. It helps to regulate calcium absorption and can help prevent osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones.
6. Reduces Inflammation
Green onions are anti-inflammatory in nature and can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the body. They are also rich in quercetin, a flavonoid that has been shown to have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.
7. Promotes Skin Health
Green onions contain vitamins A and C, two essential nutrients that help promote healthy skin. They also have antiseptic properties that help fight against skin infections.
8. Helps with Weight Loss
Green onions are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an ideal food for weight loss. They also contain compounds that help suppress appetite, making you feel fuller for longer.
9. Improves Vision
Green onions are a rich source of vitamin A, a nutrient that is essential for good vision. Vitamin A helps to maintain the health of the cornea, the surface of the eye, and also helps prevent night blindness.
10. Boosts Energy
Green onions contain vitamin B6, a nutrient that plays a critical role in energy metabolism. It helps convert food into fuel, which the body uses for energy.
Conclusion
Green onions are not only tasty but also packed with health benefits. From improved digestion to better heart health, green onions have much to offer. So next time you see them at the store, add them to your shopping cart and include them in your next dish. Your body will thank you for it!
