A nutritionist at the Kiambu Level 5 hospital has advised residents in the region to use green onions, also known as scallions or spring onions. They can be used either raw in salads or cooked as they help to boost nutrition.
Speaking from her office on Wednesday, Ms. Grace Kihaki said that the green onion was rich in vitamin and minerals as it contains vitamin C and K which are crucial for growth, development and maintenance of strong bones.
“If your diet lacks these vitamins, you are more likely to develop osteoporosis,” she cautioned.
She further noted that other benefits of these onions were that they helped in enhancing healthy vision as they contain vitamin A which improves eyesight especially at night. She also said that since spring onions were low in calories, and contains healthy carbohydrates and dietary fiber that are essential in providing energy and promoting good digestion respectively.
“You can even plant them in a big container and keep them outside your house if you are living in residential premises. They are the easiest to maintain and they will more so provide you with farm fresh onions which are healthier and will also save you money,", she emphasized.
Joan Nyawira, a resident in Kiambu town while commenting on the same said that she had never bought onions as she has improvised by using a plastic bag to make a nursery bed for her onions.
“I only pick few stems to prepare my meals. They are even sweeter than the bulb onions”, she said.