Benefits Of Onions
Facts About the Health Benefits of Onions
The health benefits of onions are well known and have been passed down through the ages. The major health benefits of onions include biggies like cancer prevention and improved cardiovascular health. Onions have also been shown to have antibacterial properties as well as anti-inflammatory qualities. That means that onions are good for your overall health and they help prevent more serious problems too!
We have all heard the phrase, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, an onion a day may have the same effect. Onions contain high amounts of important vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants that are so important in helping to fight cancer.
One of the biggest benefits of onions is the sulfur compounds they contain. While these sulfur compounds are what makes us cry when we cut into an onion, they are also what makes an onion fight cancer and cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure. Adding onions to your diet on a regular basis has been shown to increase good cholesterol. Studies have also revealed that including 2 or 3 servings of onion in your weekly diet can lower the risk for both colon and ovarian cancer.
Onions are full of phytochemicals known as flavonoids that help our bodies absorb and use vitamin C. This is what gives onions their anti-inflammatory properties, which helps with joint problems. Anti-inflammatories also promote healthy blood vessels, which in turn helps conquer carcinogens and stop deadly tumor growth.
The onion also contains chromium, an important mineral that helps control blood glucose levels. And while we’re on the subject of blood, the high sulfur content of onions also helps prevent blood clots by opening up the vessels and encouraging smooth blood flow throughout the body.
Onions are also full of antibacterial vitamins and minerals that help fight disease and promote general health. For centuries, onions have been used to heal infections, and this includes treatment of colds, coughs, asthma and other breathing problems.
Studies have been conducted in regions of the United States, like Vidalia, Georgia, where onions consumption is very high. In these tests, it was shown that people who consume onions on a regular basis have lower rates of stomach cancer. This was proven in other onion-rich areas like Greece and parts of China.
The most potent tasting and smelling onions are general the ones that have the highest healthful benefits. Fresh onions also maintain their healthy goodness best. Once an onion has been cut, it begins losing nutrients right away so always store a cut onion in an airtight container in the fridge and use it as soon as possible.
It is simple to enhance any diet with a regular dose of the beneficial onion. It is great raw in salads, on sandwiches or burgers, or cooked up in casseroles, soups, stews and many other family favorites.