Winter wellness: Green onions pack a punch for immunity

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): There is abundance of green vegetables in winter, because the maximum production of green vegetables takes place in the winter season.

Green onions are easily available in the market during winters and are eaten with great relish in every household, but very few people know that green onion vegetable not only enhances the taste of the mouth but also improves digestion and is full of Vitamin C and K.

Green onions are beneficial from their leaves to their stems, and both modern nutrition science and Ayurveda consider them an essential winter medicine. The body becomes very sensitive during the winter season and is susceptible to infections as soon as it is exposed to cold air. Doctors recommend antibiotics for infections, but green onions already possess these properties. Green onions have antibacterial and antiviral properties. They help clear phlegm from the lungs and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. Furthermore, they also help keep the body warm.

According to Ayurveda, green onions are "ushna" (hot) in nature, which helps maintain the body's internal temperature during winter. Consuming green onions during winter helps maintain a balanced body temperature, preventing the cold outside air from harming the body. Green onions contain vitamins and minerals, making them a "superfood." Vitamin K maintains bone density and prevents them from weakening, maintaining bone strength.

It also maintains the proper clotting process in the blood. Clotting is crucial in the event of an injury, and it's also crucial that the blood doesn't thicken.

Green onions are also rich in vitamin C, which supports weakened immunity during winter. Vitamin C is essential for both hair and skin. It increases the number of white blood cells in the body. Furthermore, green onions contain a compound called allicin, which helps reduce cholesterol, a risk factor for heart damage.

Green onions can be eaten as a vegetable or as a salad. Some people also use them as a garnish. They can be consumed in any form, but avoid overcooking them.