Alternative Medicine
In Food… Shallots
By Anita Cherry

Shallots are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber and folic acid. It also contains calcium, iron and has a high protein quality.

There has been a lot of research and studies regarding the use of shallots for health conditions.

Different analysis and studies have found that shallots contain two sets of compounds: Sulfur, 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 have 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.

They produce an anti-coagulant that thins the blood and exhibit strong anti-platelet activity. They are also 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 are able to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes by preventing the degradation of insulin as well as increasing the 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 until 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 .

Shallots – more facts

Shallots are a vegetable and belong to the Alliaceous family. It is a relative of the onion, garlic and leeks family.

They are milder and sweeter than the onion and are used in cooking or are pickled.

They are a staple in cooking in Mexico, Asia, France and the Mediterranean.

Shallots are used in parts of India and a dominant ingredient in some curries.

Shallots are also deep fried in certain parts of the world.

Shallots are an excellent source of Vitamin C and contain six times more phenolics than the Vidalia onion.

When cooking shallots be sure to sauté gently. If browned over high heat they become bitter.
Do not refrigerate shallots, they may begin to sprout.

Shallots - Growing tips

Shallots are a form of multiplier onion that develops an elongated bulb. Most home gardeners plant them from sets (small bulbs), not seeds. Each small bulb divides during the growing season to form a cluster of six or more new bulbs. Shallots are planted before the last spring frost date in cold climates and during fall in mild-winter areas.

Grow shallots as you would onions. Plant the bulbs in full sun in fast-draining, rich, organic soil. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer at planting time and again six weeks later. Keep the soil moist, but not wet. For a special treat when the shoots are growing vigorously, harvest a few and add them minced to salads and sauces.

Shallot bulbs generally mature in three to four months. Harvest them after the tops have started to yellow and die back. Shallots are prone to thrips and downy mildew. Covering the seedlings with row covers can prevent thrips; rotate your crop annually to discourage mildew.

http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/fullarticle/1G1-107490035.html

R.G. Srinivasan is the founder of Born to Win Forum. He is a certified trainer and consultant in training design & methodologies. He is also the author of several e-books, publishes 2 ezines on success and motivation and Home Business. His articles are widely published across the world. He is featured as an Expert Author in leading content syndication portals. Check out his home business ezine at http://GlobalHealthNetwork.tripod.com .