Wichtigste Fakten auf einen Blick
Die Speisezwiebel (Allium cepa) gehört zu den ältesten und wertvollsten Gemüsepflanzen der Welt. Als Lauchgewächs zeichnet sie sich durch ihren hohen Gehalt an schwefelhaltigen Verbindungen, dem Flavonoid Quercetin und Vitamin C aus. Zu den beliebtesten Sorten zählen gelbe, rote und weiße Zwiebeln sowie Schalotten und Frühlingszwiebeln. Erfahren Sie, warum die Zwiebel als natürliches Antibiotikum gilt, wie sie Herz und Gefäße schützt und wie sie in der gesunden Küche optimal eingesetzt wird.
Nutritional Properties of Onions – Vitamins, Minerals, and Sulfur Compounds
Onions possess a wide spectrum of health benefits owing to their bioactive composition. They exert potent antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory actions. Rich in polyphenols, particularly the powerful antioxidant quercetin and kaempferol, onions neutralize free radicals, prevent LDL cholesterol oxidation, and support endothelial function. For individuals with diabetes, organosulfur compounds such as allyl propyl disulfide promote glycemic regulation by assisting insulin action. Furthermore, onions supply bioavailable vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and dietary fiber.
Caloric Value – How Many Calories Are in an Onion?
100 grams of raw onion provides only approximately 35–40 calories, containing 1.4 g of protein, 0.2 g of fat, and roughly 8–9 g of carbohydrates (including 1.7 g of dietary fiber, notably prebiotic inulin). With an exceptionally low glycemic index (GI = 15) and minimal caloric density, onions are an ideal food for weight loss, enhancing meal satiety and gut microbiome health without surplus energy.
Culinary and Phytotherapeutic Uses of Onions
Onions are an indispensable culinary base in worldwide gastronomy, consumed raw, caramelized, roasted, or gently braised. Raw sliced onions enhance fresh salads (like Greek salad), pickled herring, and sandwiches. Cooked onions form the aromatic foundation (mirepoix, soffritto) for soups, stews, sauces, and roasts. In traditional medicine, homemade onion syrup with honey or lemon is a celebrated home remedy for coughs and upper respiratory infections, while cut raw onion provides soothing relief for insect stings.