Investigating 10 of the Health Benefits of Shallots

Lovers of English literature will instantly associate the term Shallot with Lord Tennyson’s famous “Lady of Shallot” poem. English language experts may look for a connection between this famous Arthurian legend and this onion-like plant from the Allium family, but records of people cooking this plant stretch back to the Ancient Greek period. It goes by many different names, for example, Baker’s Garlic or Oriental Onion. Shallots also come in various varieties such as Dutch Yellow Shallot and French Red Shallot. The Crusaders found shallots widely used in Middle Eastern cooking and medicines and so they brought them to Northern Europe.

Helps to keep the heart healthy

With heart disease one of the leading killers in western countries, the benefits shallots can bring to heart health is becoming more widely appreciated. One of the ways they help is through reducing bad cholesterol levels and preventing accumulations of plaque in the arteries. Such artery blockages count as one of the most common heart problem triggers. Also, shallots contain allicin and quercetin antioxidants. Studies show that the presence of these compounds with their strong anti-hypertensive properties lowers the risks of heart damage.

A diabetes-friendly food

While everyone ought to watch what they eat, people with diabetes need to be especially careful to eat food that will not aggravate, and where possible help to alleviate their condition. Studies show how shallots contain flavonoid substances that are good for people with diabetes. Improvements in the body’s natural production of insulin and help in maintaining a healthy weight are two of the main benefits that shallots bring. Furthermore, it seems that eating a good portion of shallots can prevent the disintegration of insulin in the liver and thus it reduces blood sugar ratings.

A natural way to strengthen the body’s immune system

You might compare the body’s immune system to a country’s anti-aircraft or anti-missile defenses. In the same way guns or missiles defend the country against physical attackers does the immune system protects the body’s vital organs against infection. Shallots contain peptides and proteins that enhance the body’s immunity. They also are rich in antioxidants that help the body to resist the free radical compounds that cause serious damage to cells. Eating shallots could improve your chances of fighting off flues, colds and other respiratory infections.

An aid to avoiding obesity

The issue of rising obesity rates has attracted a great deal of publicity recently. Nobody wants to appear to be overweight, and medical evidence shows that obesity brings many serious health risks. Although there is no substitute for a solid exercise regime, improvements in diet are also vital. Knowing what you should eat is as important as knowing what to avoid. Because shallots contain ethyl acetate extracts that fight builds up of fat, they are an excellent addition to the dieter’s meal plan.

Might assist in improving and maintaining high brain functionality

Growing numbers of people who have Alzheimer’s and comparable degenerative diseases has accompanied the increase in average lifespan over the last half-century. Without any known cure, it is easy to understand the rise in interest in natural substances that could ease this problem. There is some evidence that the high amounts of folate and iron in shallots is very healthy for the brain. This plant’s anti-inflammatory properties might also have a role in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

Eat shallots to treat allergies

Preliminary research indicates that shallots could bring some relief to allergy sufferers. Everyone agrees that these plants have certain anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities. Some sufferers from catarrh and sore throats discover that eating shallots helps to treat the symptoms of these conditions. Others claim that they are useful in the treatment of various food allergies. Even those suffering from headaches can expect them to bring a measure of relief. However, due to lack of sufficient medical evidence, nobody should decide to treat himself or herself in this way without first consulting with a doctor.

Lower the risk of developing cancer

Shallots are part of the allium vegetable family, and this group of plants contains ethyl acetate chemicals that hold back the development of cancerous cells. Natural medicine experts most frequently mention shallots in connection with a lowering of the chances of developing stomach cancer. Their anti-inflammatory powers could also help treat other forms of this dreaded disease. There are hopes that serious medical investigations will prove the medical value of shallots in this context.

Might help to avoid eyesight problems

The importance of eye health is universally recognized. Deterioration in vision naturally occur after a certain age, but it is still well worthwhile to take whatever actions can prevent or at least slow down the onset of vision problems. Some believe that the vitamin A found in shallots helps to preserve eyesight and it reduces the chances of developing cataracts and night vision problems. Eating shallots supplies over a third of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A.

A natural skin preserver

Besides getting the benefits of shallots through the digestive system, through applying them to the skin, it is possible to treat damage and keep skin looking young and healthy. One of the suggested practices requires a daily washing of the face with peeled shallots soaked in hot water. Rubbing shallot juice into the skin apparently makes a good treatment for insect bites. Some individuals also use this juice to treat painful boils. A poultice made of shallots could get rid of unsightly warts.

Keeping the hair and scalp in good condition

As well as a place in the kitchen vegetable rack, there is a case for keeping shallot juice in the bathroom cabinet. This vegetable contains sulfur that stimulates hair growth. Some people believe a paste made from shallots with added powdered pepper and salt, can cure baldness when applied five times a week to areas of hair loss. Others successfully use shallot juice to cure scalp infections, and they also use it as an ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoo.