Shallots belong to the lily family (Liliacae)
where onion, garlic and leeks are present. It is classified as Allium
cepa var. aggregatum .Shallots are smaller and sweeter than onion and
like garlic its bulb divides into multiple sections .It digests better
than onion when eaten raw. The bulbs are pulled of the ground and
leaves are allowed to dry. The greens above the ground which are known
as scallions are used as salads and also for cooking. Shallots are an
excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber and folic acid.
It also contain calcium, iron and have a high protein quality.
There has been lot of research and studies
regarding the use of shallots for health conditions. Different analysis
and studies have found that shallots contains two sets of compounds
-sulfur compounds, such as allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and
flavonoids, such as quercetin. Flavonoid consumption has been
associated with a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes
since they are anti-cancer, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-allergenic
and anti-inflammatory.
Recent studies have shown the potential health
benefits of common onions and established that shallots are
particularly effective against liver cancer cells. Shallots have six
times the phenolic content than onions. Shallots help the liver
eliminate toxins from the body and have saponins to inhibit and kill
cancer cells.
Shallots are specifically linked to inhibiting
human stomach cancer. Shallots produce an anti-coagulant that thins the
blood and exhibit strong anti-platelet activity and are very good for
patients who have symptomatic atherosclerotic disease, cardiovascular
disease, heart attack and stroke. It aids brain function and thus
protects against Alzheimer’s disease. Shallots can lower blood sugar
levels in people with diabetes by preventing the degradation of insulin
and increasing metabolism of glucose. Eating shallots daily helps in
the growth of bone tissue and reduces the risk of developing
osteoporosis by 20%. It contains Prostaglandin A-1, a powerful agent
which can lower blood pressure. Sulfur content in shallots makes skin
look younger. Daily intake of a little shallot will benefit in the long
run. Shallots can be eaten raw or cooked till they are tender.
Anita cherry is a health enthusiast who offers informative tips on
health. For more information on health visit http://www.healthinfoforyou.com/an/shallots%20as%20alternative%20medicine.htm
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