An introduction to onions…
The humble onions are found in every kitchen, but its curative powers make it an important medicinal plant too. Like garlic, it is a member of the lily family. There can be no doubting the power of the juices contained in onions; anyone who has ever sliced one and shed a tear is only too aware that they hold something special. Quite apart from its medicinal properties the onion is simply delicious. It forms the basis of so many dishes – whether raw, sautéed, baked, steamed or boiled, that it would be difficult to imagine the cuisine of any country without it.
Ancient healing…
Onions were historically as a preventative medicine during epidemics of cholera and the plague.
They were apparently eaten by Roman emperor Nero as a cure for colds, and its reputation has made onions a popular component in the diets of many countries.
…The onion’s revenge: The smell of onion(s) can be a problem, both on the hands and on the breath. After chopping onions, try rinsing the hands with cold water, rubbing them with salt, rinsing again and then washing with soap and warm water. To remove the smell from breath, eat a few sprigs of parsley or an apple to help conceal the odour.
Never mind the tears they bring on–onion(s) are an ace ally in your fight against disease. A prized member of the lily family, onion(s) lavish you with health benefits while adding oodles of taste to your food. Not to mention you can buy a bundle from the grocery store for mere pennies.
Onions – Here’s a quick glimpse at their incredible health benefits:
1. The phytochemicals in onions along with their vitamin C help improve immunity.
2. Onion(s) contain chromium, which assists in regulating blood sugar.
3. For centuries, onion(s) have been used to reduce inflammation and heal infections.
4.Do you enjoy sliced onions with your food? If yes, rejoice! Raw onion lowers the production of bad cholesterol (LDL), thus keeping your heart healthy.
5. A powerful compound called quercetin in onions is known to play a significant role in preventing cancer.
6 Got stung by a honeybee? Apply onion juice on the area for immediate relief from the pain and burning sensation.
7. Onion(s) scavenge free radicals, thereby reducing your risk of developing gastric ulcers.
Those bright green tops of green onion(s) are rich in Vitamin A, so do use them often.
Which type of onion(s) are the healthiest? Researchers from Cornell studied 11 onion varieties, and found that shallots and Western yellow onions were the healthiest for their phenolic and flavonoid content.
