Native of Central or Southwest Asia, the powerful flavonoid antioxidants in shallots ‘Chote pyaz’ contribute to most of the health benefits like weight management, controlling blood sugar, allergies, skin, inflammation and oxidative stress issues amongst other potential health benefits.
Shallots ‘Chote pyaz’ have become an integral part of the Indian Kitchen, notably because of the health benefits but also because it adds to the flavour of the food. Shallots are also known as ‘small onion’ and ‘Madras onion’ in India.
Shallots are small and elongated type of onions. Shallots grow in clusters and have thinner peels as compared to onions. Shallots too can make your eyes water. They have a mild pungent flavour. Chote pyaz contains less water and is a rich source of iron.
# Treats Allergies1. The antibacterial and antiviral properties possessed by chote pyaz help in treating several allergies and infections.
2. The high quercetin content of shallots helps lower nose and eye symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. Quercetin prevents the release of histamine and reduces the severity of inflammatory and respiratory reactions such as bronchitis, seasonal allergies, and allergic asthma.
# Controls Diabetes1. The phytochemical compounds allium and allyl disulfide present in chote pyaz possess anti-diabetic properties. They help in regulating the levels of blood sugar.
2. Shallots help in stimulating insulin secretion and improving insulin resistance
3. Shallots block the breakdown of insulin in the liver thus, increasing insulin amount in the blood and reducing blood glucose levels.
# Lowers Cancer risk1. Shallots possess strong anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. They restrict the growth of cancer cells and reduce cancer risk.
2. The ethyl acetate extracts of chote pyaz are potent in reducing the growth of cancer cells.
# Lowers Blood pressure1. The presence of antioxidants such as allicin and quercetin in chote pyaz possesses antihypertensive properties which aid in stabilizing the blood pressure.
2. The combination of potassium and allicin acts as a vasodilator which promotes the release of nitric oxide in the body, impacting the reduction of blood pressure.
3. The potassium content of shallots also helps in relaxing the blood vessel walls and in promoting free blood flow.
# Other possible BenefitsApart from the benefits mentioned above, some of the other benefits produced by shallots are, lowers cholesterol, soothes nerves, aids detoxification, fights obesity, maintains vision health, boosts immunity, improves skin health, enhances abdominal health, keeps hair healthy, improves blood circulation, improves heart health, enhances brain function, and maintains bone density.