Onion Plant Flowers bunch (in different stages ) (From Flowers to Seed Capsules) (Kalonji Seeds) Botanical Name: Allium Cepa

 

Onion flowers in bud stage 

Onion Flowers in full bloom

Onion Seeds Capsule broken 

From the onion  flower and for the first time, researchers,  isolated two bioactive compounds like kaempferol (which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardiovascular, and neuroprotective properties) and isorhamnetin glucosides (that protect cardiovascular cells against inflammation, oxidative damage and apoptosis). 

The researchers have found that the flower extracts, obtained by mixing fresh onion flowers with ethanol, reduced fat accumulation in animal models. This demonstrates the antioxidant and anti-obesity activity of onion flowers and their potential use as functional foods and nutraceuticals.

Another group of researchers have reported  that onion seeds can also help remove heavy metals from water. They tested onion seed biomass against heavy metals chromium, cadmium, zinc, copper and lead, and found that the seeds were more suited for removing lead, copper and cadmium than zinc and chromium.

Contents:

1)Onion is high in food value, moderate in protein content and rich in calcium and riboflavin.

2)Matured onions approximately contain (per 100 grams of edible portion): 

i)Moisture : 86.6%

ii)Protein : 1.2%

iii)Fat : 0.1%

iv)Fibre : 0.6%

v) Minerals : 0.4%

vi)Carbohydrates: 11.1 %  

*The carbohydrates is pricipally in the form of sugars.

*Its mineral and vitamin contents are Calcium, Phosphorus, iron, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and Vitamin C.

Its calorific value is 51 . 

Onions contain an essential oil and organic sulphides. 

The scales of onion contain Catechol and protocatechuic acid

The odour in onion is due to organic sulphur compounds, and is produced only when the tissues are cut or injured by enzyme action on a water-soluble amino acid. 

Heat or freeze-drying prevents the enzyme action, so that cooking produces a different odour , flavour and pungency. 

Anaemia :

Onions are noted for their easily assimilable iron content. They are therefore, beneficial in treating anaemia.