Can onion sprouts be eaten?

Many foods will sprout. Some foods will become toxic after sprouting and cannot be eaten, just like potatoes. However, some foods will not affect consumption after sprouting. If potatoes are eaten after sprouting, it will cause abdominal pain and vomiting. They are toxic and cannot be eaten. Onions are vegetables we often eat. Can we still eat onions if they sprout?

Can onion sprouts be eaten?

Onions are generally dried after being harvested, so the onions seen on the market can be stored for a long time without worrying about them sprouting. However, if they are not dried or stored improperly, they will sprout or rot. Onions are usually most likely to sprout at around 15 degrees Celsius. Onions that have sprouted or even grown green seedlings will not produce substances harmful to the human body, so they can still be eaten.

However, after the onion sprouts, the nutrients in the scale part will be transferred to the top for the growth of the sprouts, resulting in a decrease in nutritional content. In addition, the sprouting of onions will affect their commercial value and their taste will also be spicier. Therefore, onions should be placed in the sun for a period of time, and then placed in a ventilated and dry place to try to prevent them from sprouting.

When choosing onions, pay attention to the observation and choose those that are larger in size and have a glossier skin. Make sure there are no rotten parts or mechanical scratches on the skin. Secondly, you should also pay attention to the fact that there should be no dirt on the surface of the onion, and fresh onions should not have leaves; after storage, they should not be soft, not sprouting, have tight scales, have low water content, and have a strong spicy and sweet taste.

Benefits of Onions

1. Prevent cancer

Many allium foods have the effect of preventing cancer, and onions are the same. The main reason why onions can prevent cancer is because onions are rich in selenium and quercetin. Selenium is an antioxidant that can stimulate the body's immune response, thereby inhibiting the division and growth of cancer cells, while also reducing the toxicity of carcinogens. Quercetin can inhibit the activity of cancer cells and prevent the growth of cancer cells. A survey shows that people who eat onions regularly have a 25% lower risk of developing stomach cancer and 30% fewer deaths from stomach cancer than those who do not eat onions.

2. Maintain cardiovascular health

Onion is the only known vegetable that contains prostaglandin A. Prostaglandin A can dilate blood vessels and reduce blood viscosity, thereby lowering blood pressure, increasing coronary blood flow, and preventing thrombosis. Onions are rich in quercetin, which has a high bioavailability. Scientists' research reports indicate that quercetin may help prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and provide important protection against atherosclerosis.

3. Stimulate appetite and help digestion

Onions contain allicin, which has a strong aroma. When processed, the pungent smell often makes people cry. It is this special smell that stimulates gastric acid secretion and increases appetite. Animal experiments have also shown that onions can increase gastrointestinal tension and promote gastrointestinal motility, thereby playing an appetizing role. It has a significant effect on loss of appetite caused by atrophic gastritis, insufficient gastric motility, indigestion, etc.