, Naturopath
The shallot it is an onion-like vegetable rich in iodine and antioxidants, useful for thyroid health, against cholesterol and with beneficial effects on the brain. Let's find out better.
> 1. Description of the shallot
> 2. Properties and benefits of shallots
> 3. Calories and nutritional values ​​of the shallot
> 4. How shallots be used
> 5. A recipe up your sleeve
Description of the shallot
The shallot (Allium ascalonicum) is the bulb of a herbaceous plant of the Liliacee family. Its shape is similar to that of the onion, but smaller in size.
The bulb is divided into 2-3 cloves and has a stronger flavor than onion, but less pungent than garlic.
The shallot plant it does not make flowers so the propagation can only be obtained by replanting the bulbs which must be buried in sandy soil in the months of October-December, the harvest takes place starting from the month of June.
Properties and benefits of shallots
Shallots have multiple beneficial properties, Which:
- It is good for nails and hair: thanks to the presence of silicon it has a strengthening action on nails and hair.
- Antioxidants: it has a good content of antioxidant compounds, in addition to vitamins it contains quercetin and kaempferol, two substances that are released when the shallot is crushed and which in turn produce another substance, l’allicina. This compound seems to be able to effectively intervene on some types of cancer such as lung, stomach, colon and breast cancer.
- Cholesterol: allicin is able to lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood with beneficial effects in the prevention of arteriosclerosis and heart disease such as heart attack and stroke.
- Lower your blood pressure: potassium and allicin, combined together, have beneficial effects on hypertension. Potassium is an electrolyte with vasodilating properties and is therefore able to relax the walls of blood vessels allowing greater blood flow. Allicin on the other hand releases nitric oxide into the body which lowers blood pressure.
- Diabetes: the allyl of sulphide contained in this vegetable has useful properties a regulate blood sugar levels.
- Beneficial effects on the brain: Shallots contain folic acid which is essential for good brain function and mental health.
- Pregnancy: in the right doses folic acid is important for pregnant women as it prevents neural tube malformations in babies who are to be born.
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Calories and nutritional values
The caloric value is 72 calories per 100 g of product.
Shallot contains:
- iodine, which promotes normal thyroid functions;
- sulfur, necessary for the health of hair, nails and skin;
- zinc, especially important for prostate health;
- selenium, one of the substances that most counteract the action of free radicals.
Along with onion, shallot is a major food source of potassium, necessary for the proper functioning of the muscular system and the transmission of nerve impulses. The content of vitamins A, C and B.
How to use the Shallot
The bulb of the shallot is used, chopped or thinly sliced, in many preparations, above all sauces.
It is good to choose firm bulbs, well covered with a dry and shiny tunic, of uniform color. There must be no buds, blooms or molds.
A recipe with Shallot
Shallots are used in cooking both alone and to flavor meat, fish and vegetable recipes: excellent as a base for sautéed or to prepare broth, are cooked in a pan, stewed or sweet and sour. They are also used for the preparation of soups and sauces.
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