Why eating spring onions in winter?

What Are Spring Onions?

Spring onions, also called green onions or scallions, are young, immature onions harvested before the bulb fully develops. They have long green hollow leaves and a small white or pink base. Unlike fully grown onions, spring onions have a milder, fresher flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. Spring onions generally harvested in spring / winter season in India.

Nutritional Snapshot (Spring Onions) –  (Per 100g)

• Calories: 32 kcal
• Fiber: 2.6 g
• Vitamin C: 18 mg
• Vitamin K: 207 µg
• Potassium: 276 mg

Eating spring onions in winter is especially beneficial because their nutrients directly support the body systems. In this changing weather when climate becomes colder our body goes with vital changes. In winter the blood circulation gets high, our immunity become low and we feel stressed due cold climatic condition. We feel most stressed during cold weather—immunity, digestion, circulation, and respiratory health. Here’s a clear breakdown of why eating spring onions in winter is beneficial for health.  

Strengthens Immunity Against Winter Infections

Winter increases the risk of:

• Colds and cough
• Flu /Influenza
• Throat infections

Spring onions are rich in:

• Vitamin C – boosts white blood cell production and improves immunity level.
• Vitamin A (beta-carotene) – supports infection resistance towards cold and cough.
• Antioxidants(flavonoids) – help the body fight viruses and bacteria
• Sulfur compounds – natural antimicrobial agents

✅ This helps your body fight infections more effectively in cold weather.

Supports Skin and Hair Health

Thanks to vitamins A and C, spring onions help:

• Promote collagen production that help maintain elasticity of skin.
• Keep skin firm and healthy and give strength to hair follicles.
• Strengthen hair roots

Keeps Your Body Naturally Warm

Spring onions have warming properties, especially when cooked. They:

• Improve blood circulation
• Stimulate metabolism
• Help maintain body temperature in winter season

✅ This is useful for people who feel cold easily in winter.

Prevents Winter Digestion Problems

In winter, digestion often slows down due to:

• Less physical activity
• Heavy, oily foods

Spring onions:

• Contain dietary fiber for smooth digestion.
• Act as natural prebiotics, feeding good gut bacteria for our healthy gut that is good for our health in winter season.
• Help reduce gas and bloating and balances the pH level in our stomach.

✅ They keep our digestive system active and healthy in cold months.

Protects Heart Health in Cold Weather

Cold temperatures can:

• Tighten blood vessels
• Increase blood pressure

Spring onions help:

• Improve blood flow when we eat spring onions regularly in winter season.
• Reducing blood pressure (due to potassium and sulfur compounds)
• Reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and help improve blood circulation.
• Support healthy blood pressure levels to keep our healthy heart.

✅ This reduces the winter-related strain on the heart. This lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Supports Respiratory Health

Spring onions may help with:

• Clearing mucus
• Soothing congestion
• Reducing cough symptoms (when cooked in soups)

✅ This makes them helpful during winter coughs and chest congestion.

Helps Control Winter Weight Gain

Winter often leads to weigh gain because we eat more and do less exercise due to cold weather. The overeating further leads to weigh gain and makes us lethargic.

Spring onions are:

• Very low in calories
• High in fiber and flavor

✅ They add volume and taste to meals without adding weight.

Protects Skin from Winter Dryness

Due to:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C

Spring onions help:

• Maintain skin moisture
• Support collagen production
• Reduce winter dullness and cracking

✅ They support healthy skin in cold, dry weather.

Best Ways to Eat Spring Onions in Winter

For maximum benefit, consume them:

• In hot soups and broths
• Stir-fried with vegetables
• In uttapam, chillas and those who eat omelettes can add into that.
• In noodles and fried rice

They’re widely used in:

• Salads , Stir-fries , Soups and Garnishes
• Asian, Mediterranean, and Western cuisines

Why Spring Onions Are Ideal in Winter

• Boost immunity
• Keep the body warm
• Improve digestion
• Protect heart health
• Support lungs and breathing
• Help manage weight
• Improve skin health

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.