Onions came from the family of lili which other vegetables like garlic and scallions came from. Onions are best used as an ingredient in various dishes all over the world. Food specialties will not taste better without onions as the main seasoning. Did you know that onions have many health benefits than a regular vegetable like potatoes?
Onions are now considered as one of the most important vegetables worldwide. Aside from tomatoes, the onion is the second largest crop that is being produced globally. Onions are widely distributed in North America, Europe and Asia. In some countries, onions are used as an alternative herbal medicine. This justifies that people with different cultures really need onions for their food preparations and its other uses.
Onions vary in colors – red, yellow, white, and green all of which have their own unique flavor. Most cultures often eat onions raw but it is best for fried or roasted. Onions are often use for salads, soups, spreads, sauce and other dishes.
The most common characteristics of onions are its ability to make your eyes watery when its skin is peeled. This is because of its cysteine sulfoxides content of onions which induce lacrimation. Research shows that it is best to fight against dangerous bacterias such as bacillus subtilis, salmonella and E-coli. However, it is less potent than its sister plant garlic because it only contains less sulfur content compared to garlic. Other components of onions are thiosulfinates, sulfides and sulfoxides.
Onions are also a great immune system booster as it helps treat virus born diseases like colds, cough and asthma. Onions are also a good alternative repellant to insects such as mosquitoes and cockroaches. In ancient China, Onions are used to treat angina, coughs, bacterial infections and respiratory problems.
Fructo-oligosaccharides found in onions are responsible for the stimulation growth of healthy bifidobacteria while preventing the growth of harmful bacterias in the colon which reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Onions are also beneficial to cardiovascular health which helps maintain a good blood pressure level and can lower blood lipids. Onions contain flavonoids, a substance which promotes healthy heart. Onions also have the capability of anticlotting features which helps prevent heart attack.
Cancer diseases have no match to onions. Its extracts with high sulfides compound provides protection against tumor growth. Studies conducted in India where 7 out of 10 people eat raw garlic and onions where less prone of having cancers than those non-eaters. People who are onion eaters have a lower risk of having cancers by a big margin of 40% while people who snub onions and other allium vegetables have a higher risk of having cancers by 30%
Yellow and red onions have the highest concentration of flavonoids and phenolics which provides great antioxidant features. While the mild tasting white and Vidalia onions have the lowest antioxidant content but is more in demand in every market in the world because of its good taste and less pungent.
Onions are used since medieval times and are proven to have great effect on human health. These herbs are valuable vegetables which are commonly used not just for culinary purpose but to medicinal requirements as well. You have learned the many benefits of onions with this article. Make sure to have onions in every meal you eat everyday to get more protection from killer diseases.
About the author
Noah Mark Rodolfo is an alternative natural healthcare practitioner and is committed to bring the best health and wellness information online. Get the most updated news about health, diseases, weight loss and proper nutrition on his website at http://www.healthtalkbuzz.com.
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