Health Benefits Of Onions

The onion also known as the bulb onion or common onion, is a vegetable and is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium. Its close relatives include the garlic, shallot, leek, chive and Chinese onion. Onions can vary in size, shape, color and flavor. The most common types are red, yellow and white onions. Flavors can be sweet and juicy to sharp, spicy, and pungent, often dependent on the season in which they are grown and consumed.

Onions are loaded with numerous health benefits, and scientists are still discovering how beneficial this vegetable really is. They are very good source of vitamin C and B6, iron, folate, and potassium. The maganese content in onions provides cold and flu relief with its anti-inflammatory abilities.
High in vitamin C,onions are contain calcium, iron, and have a high protein quality. Onions contain quercetin, a flavonoid which is one category of antioxidant compounds.

  Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like onions decreses the risk of overall mortality, diabetes, and heart disease.

 The possible health benefits of consuming onions include lowering the risk of several types of cancer, improving mood, maintaining the health of skin and hair  and many more.

Possible health benefits of consuming onions

Cancer

Allium vegetables have been studied extensively in relation to cancer, especially stomach and colorectal cancers. Their beneficial and preventive effect are likely due in part to their rich organosulfur compounds. The exact mechanism by which these compounds inhibit cancer is unknown, but hypothses include the inhibition of tumor growth and mutagenesis, and prevention of free radical formation. Onions are aslo a source of the strong antioxiadant vitamin C that helps to combats the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer.

Colon cancer

High fiber intake fromall fruits and vegetables are associated with a lowered risk and vegetables are associated with a lowered risk of colorectal cancer. One study showed that consuming  greater than 7 servings of onions per week was associated with a decrease in colorectal cancer.

Prostate cancer

In a paper, published by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, researchers used a population-based, case-controlled study to investigate the relationship between allium vegetable intake and prostate cancer. They found that men with the highest intake of allium vegetables had the lowest risk of prostate cancer.

Esophageal and stomach cancer

Frequent intake of allium vegetables has been shown to reduce the risk of esophageal and stomach cancer. Several survey-based human studies  have demonstrated the potential protective effects of consuming alliums, as well a reports of tumor inhibition of allium compounds in animal experiments.

Fiber

Fiber is present in all plant-based foods, including onions. consuming fiber in your diet assists in regulating your blood sugar, decreasing your bad cholesterol, promoting healthy intestinal functioning and maintaning an optimal body weight.

Anti -Inflammatory

Onions may help reduce inflammation, as they contain organosulfurs antioxidant compounds that assist in combating inflammation. Inflammation in your body can cause and exacerbate sympstoms of asthma, arthritis and heart disease.

 

  So here are some onions tips that will help you

Slicing onions makes you cry because when you cut into it, the onion produces a sulfur-based gas.The gas reacts with the water in your eyes and forms sulfuric acid. To rid your eyes of this fiery irritant, your tears ducts work overtime. For no more tears, try moving your face father away from the onion so the gas disperses before reaching your eyes. You can also leave onions in the water while peeling or cutting it.

Another suggestion for reducing tears is to first chill the onions for 30 minutes.Then, cut off the top and peel the outer layers leaving the root end intact.

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