Onions. They add flavor and aroma to so many of our favorite dishes, yet this humble vegetable is often overlooked for its immense nutritional benefits. As an onion lover and health enthusiast, I was thrilled to discover just how powerful this little bulb can be. Packed with compounds that fight inflammation, boost immunity and heart health, onions deserve a place of honor on your plate.
For years I enjoyed onions purely for their role as a flavor booster, never
realizing the health boost they provide. But after diving into the research, my
eyes have been opened. Onions contain quercetin, a potent antioxidant that
helps combat free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body. They're loaded
with vitamin C, folate, and B vitamins. Onions even contain compounds that may
help lower the risk of several types of cancer.
If you're looking for a simple way to up your health game, look no further
than the onion. Saute them, grill them, roast them and add them to salads,
soups and stews. Your body and taste buds will thank you. Join me as I explore
the amazing health benefits of onions and share some of my favorite ways to
enjoy this nutritional powerhouse. Your life is about to get a whole lot
sweeter - and healthier!
The Amazing
Discovery: Onion Is More Than Just a Vegetable
Have you heard the amazing news? Onions are way more than just a staple
vegetable - they're nutritional powerhouses! As an onion enthusiast, I've
discovered some incredible benefits of these flavorful bulbs.
· Onions are high in antioxidants that can help
prevent cell damage and provide anti-inflammatory effects. Quercetin is a
particular antioxidant found in onions that may help lower heart disease risk.
· Onions contain compounds that may help lower
high blood sugar levels. Some studies show that eating onions, specifically raw
red onions, may help reduce fasting blood sugar levels and A1C, which measures
average blood sugar over 3 months.
· Onions are great for bone health and may even
help prevent conditions like osteoporosis. Onions contain manganese, vitamin B6
and copper, which are important for bone health and may help prevent bone loss.
I am telling you, onions are life-changing! Whether you like them raw,
cooked, or caramelized, onions should be a staple in your kitchen. They're
affordable, delicious, and super nutritious.
What are you waiting for? Head to the store, stock up on onions and start
reaping the rewards of better health and flavor. Your body and taste buds will
thank you! Onions provide so many nutritional benefits, it's almost hard to
believe they're legal. But don't take my word for it - try onions for
yourself and discover why this unassuming vegetable should be your new best
friend.
Top 10 Benefits of
Eating Onions
Onions are one of my all-time favorite superfoods! There are so many
benefits to eating onions, I don't know where to start. Here are my top 10
reasons why you need to add more onions to your diet:
1. Onions are loaded with antioxidants. Onions
contain quercetin, a potent antioxidant that can help prevent cell damage and
provide anti-inflammatory effects.
2. They may improve bone health. Onions contain
calcium, phosphorus, folate, and vitamin C - all of which are good for bone
health and may help prevent conditions like osteoporosis.
3. Onions can boost your immunity. With their high
vitamin C content, onions can help support the immune system and fight
infection.
4. They promote heart health. Onions contain
compounds that may help lower high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and
the risk of blood clots - all of which are good for your heart.
5. Onions aid digestion. Onions are a prebiotic,
meaning they help feed the good bacteria in your gut. They can help improve
digestion and gut health.
6. They may help fight cancer. Onions contain
compounds like quercetin and organosulfur that may have anti-cancer effects,
especially against colon cancer and stomach cancer.
7. Onions improve skin and hair health. Applying
onion juice to the skin and scalp may reduce inflammation, stimulate hair
growth, and moisturize the skin.
8. They boost mood and sleep. Onions contain
folate, which helps produce mood-regulating neurotransmitters. They also have
compounds that may act as natural sedatives and help you sleep better.
9. Onions control blood sugar. Onion extracts have
been shown to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics and may even help prevent
or control diabetes when consumed regularly.
10. They add lots of flavor to food! Last but not
least, onions are a staple ingredient in cooking and add flavor to many savory
dishes, sandwiches, salads, and more.
Onion, the Natural
Remedy in Your Kitchen
I love that onions, one of the most common vegetables, are also one of the
most nutritious. Onions are powerful natural remedies that I always keep in my
kitchen.
Natural
Antibacterial
Onions have quercetin, a natural flavonoid that acts as an antioxidant and
helps fight inflammation in the body. Quercetin may help combat bacteria and
works as a natural antibiotic. I like to think of onions as natural soldiers
fighting against harmful germs.
Immunity Boost
Onions are high in vitamin C, a major booster for your immune system. Just
one medium onion contains over 20% of your daily vitamin C needs. Vitamin C
helps support the immune system and acts as an antioxidant, protecting your
cells against damage. When I start feeling a cold coming on, I make sure to add
extra onions to my meals.
Heart Health
Onions contain compounds like quercetin and sulfur that may help lower
cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and the risk of blood clots. This in turn
helps promote heart health and reduces the risk of heart disease. I try to eat
onions several times a week to get these cardiovascular benefits.
Anti-Cancer
Onions contain antioxidants and compounds that may help prevent and fight
certain types of cancers like colon cancer and stomach cancer. The quercetin in
onions has anti-cancer effects and may help stop the growth of cancer cells. I
feel better knowing that each time I eat onions, I'm nourishing my body with
cancer-fighting powerhouses.
Onions, the unassuming vegetable found in almost every kitchen, pack a
powerful nutritional punch. Whether raw or cooked, their benefits are too good
to pass up. I try to include onions in my diet daily to take advantage of their
natural healing qualities. Do yourself a favor—make sure to add onions to
your next meal! Your health and taste buds will thank you.
How Onions Promote
Good Health Even When Not Eaten
Onions are nutritional powerhouses that provide so many health benefits even
when you don't eat them! As an avid gardener and onion enthusiast, I've
discovered some amazing ways onions can boost your wellness.
Natural pesticide
Onions contain compounds that naturally repel insects and other garden
pests. Chop several onions and add them to a spray bottle filled with water.
Let it sit for a day or two, then strain and spray the solution on plants to
ward off aphids, spider mites, and cabbage worms. The pungent smell deters
these critters in an eco-friendly way.
Air purifier
Onions absorb bacteria, mold, and other impurities in the air. Place bowls
of chopped onions around the house, especially in musty basement areas. The
onions act like natural air filters, cleansing and freshening the space. Change
the onions every few days for maximum effect.
Moth repellent
The strong odor of onions repels moths and other fabric-eating insects.
Place sachets of dried onion skins, chopped onions, or onion powder in closets,
dresser drawers, basements and attics to deter moth larvae and keep your
belongings hole-free. Replenish the onions every month or so to maintain
effectiveness.
Health tonic
Onion syrup or extract has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to
boost immunity and overall health. Chop several onions and combine with honey,
letting the mixture sit for a couple weeks. Strain and take 1-2 tablespoons
daily to reap the nutritional benefits of onions and support your body's
natural defenses. The antibacterial properties of onions, combined with the
soothing effects of honey, make this an ideal health tonic.
As you can see, onions provide so many useful benefits for home and
wellness, even without eating them! I hope these tips inspire you to make the
most of this potent vegetable. Onions are nutritional superstars that keep on
giving in so many surprising ways. Discover all the helpful uses of
onions - your health and home will thank you!
Why Onions Make You
Cry and How to Prevent It
Have you ever cut into an onion and started crying your eyes out? I sure
have! Onions contain compounds that irritate our eyes and make them water. But
don't worry, I've got some tips to help prevent the tears.
Chop onions in a
well-ventilated area
Onions release sulfur compounds that float up into the air as you cut into
them. Make sure you're in a spot with good airflow, like near an open window. I
also turn on my kitchen fan when chopping onions. The more you can whisk those
compounds away, the less likely they are to irritate your eyes.
Chill the onion
before cutting
Cold temperatures slow down the reaction that produces the eye-irritating
compounds. Pop your onion in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing and
dicing. The chill will make the experience more pleasant for your eyes.
Use a sharp knife
A sharp knife cuts through onions more smoothly, releasing fewer of the
volatile compounds. Dull knives crush the onion, squeezing out more of the
irritants. Keep your knives honed and ready for onion duty.
Don't cut off the
root end last
The root end of the onion contains the highest amounts of the sulfurous
compounds. Leave that end intact as long as possible. Once you've sliced up the
rest of the onion, swiftly chop off the root end. This limits how much of the
irritants get released into the air.
Wear goggles
If all else fails, protect your eyes. Put on a pair of goggles, swim
goggles, or other eye protection before cutting onions. This forms a barrier
between your eyes and the airborne compounds. You might look a little silly,
but your eyes will thank you!
Onions are worth a few tears for all their nutritional benefits. Follow
these tips to limit irritation and keep enjoying this flavorful vegetable. Let
me know if you have any other tricks for overcoming tearful onions!
Different Ways to
Add More Onions to Your Diet
Onions are so versatile and delicious, there are countless ways I like to
add them to my diet. Here are a few of my favorite ways to get more of the
nutritional benefits of onions every day:
Sauted Onions
One of my favorite ways to add onions is to simply saute them in a little
olive oil or butter with some salt and pepper. The cooking process brings out
their natural sweetness and they make a great topping for meats, sandwiches,
and salads. I love sauted onions on burgers, hot dogs, steak, or chicken
breast.
Onion Soups and
Stews
What's better on a cold day than a hot bowl of French onion soup or beef
and onion stew? Onions are a staple ingredient in so many comforting soups and
stews. I make a hearty beef and onion stew in my slow cooker that's perfect
for meal prep. Onion soup is also easy to make in large batches and freeze for
later.
Raw Onions
Don't underestimate the flavor and crunch of raw onions. Thinly sliced red
or white onions are amazing on sandwiches, wraps, tacos and more. They add
freshness, spice and texture. I love raw onions on chili dogs, shawarma, gyros
and falafel. For extra flavor without the spiciness, soak the raw onions in
cold water for 30 minutes before serving.
Pickled Onions
Pickled onions are a great way to preserve onions and enjoy them for months.
Simply slice onions, pack them in sterilized jars and cover with a vinegar
brine. Refrigerate for quick pickles or follow a canning recipe for
shelf-stable onions. Pickled onions are great on meats, sandwiches, salads and
cheese boards. I always keep a jar on hand to garnish my favorite dishes.
Caramelized Onions
Last but not least, caramelized onions are one of the most delicious ways to
cook onions. Thinly sliced onions are cooked down over low heat until they become
soft, sweet and golden brown. They are amazing on pizza, tarts, sandwiches,
bruschetta and dips. I could eat them with a spoon right out of the pan!
Caramelized onions do take time but are well worth the effort.
Onion Skins, Stems
and Greens - Don't Throw Them Away!
I used to toss out onion skins, stems and greens, but not anymore! These
onion extras are nutritional powerhouses. Here's why you should add them to
your cooking:
Nutrient Boost
Onion skins, stems and greens contain many of the same nutrients as the
onion bulb like quercetin, vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants. They're rich in
vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health. The greens,
in particular, have lots of folate, vitamin A and vitamin C. Adding these
extras to your cooking is an easy way to boost the nutritional benefits.
Natural Dye
Onion skins can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, Easter eggs or
homemade cosmetics. They produce a range of yellow to orange colors depending
on the type of onion. Simmer the skins in water to make dye baths or infusions
to dye wool, silk or plant fibers. Strain and reserve the dye liquid to paint
hard boiled eggs for Easter or add to homemade bath and body products.
Flavor Boost
Instead of discarding onion tops, add them to stocks, soups and stews. They
have an intense oniony flavor that will boost the savory flavor of the whole
dish. Add them to vegetable, beef or chicken stock for extra flavor. You can
also sauté them with aromatics like carrots and celery at the start of soup or
stew recipes. The greens tend to be more pungent, so start with just a few and
add more to taste.
Compost Gold
If you don't want to eat the skins, stems and greens, compost them! They
are high in nitrogen and carbon, making them ideal for compost. Chop them up
before adding to your compost pile or bin to help them break down faster. They
will add valuable nutrients to your finished compost and improve soil
structure.
Onion skins, stems and greens - don't throw them out! Make the most of your
onions by using every part. Your body, garden and the planet will thank you.
How to Properly Cut
Onions in the Kitchen
Cutting onions is one of my least favorite kitchen tasks, but it's essential
for adding flavor to so many savory dishes. Over the years, I've learned a few
tricks to make the process quicker and less teary. By following these tips,
you'll be slicing and dicing onions in no time with minimal discomfort.
Gather your
equipment.
For cutting onions, you'll want a sharp knife, a
cutting board, and if desired, protective gear like goggles or contacts. You
may also want to have tissues on hand for any resulting tears.
Prepare the onion.
Peel off the papery outer layers and trim off the hairy roots. Cut the onion
in half lengthwise, then place the flat side down on your cutting board.
Make horizontal and
vertical cuts.
To dice the onion, make several horizontal cuts from one end to the other,
then rotate the onion 90 degrees and make vertical cuts of the same thickness.
For larger pieces, make fewer cuts. I usually start with larger pieces and then
make additional cuts to achieve my desired size.
Consider chilling
the onion.
If you want to avoid crying while cutting onions, try chilling the onions in
the refrigerator before cutting. The cold temperature will slow down the
chemical reaction that produces tears. You can also try slicing the onion under
running water or freezing the onion for 15 minutes before cutting.
Work quickly.
The more you expose the cells in the onion, the more the tear-inducing
compounds will release into the air. Work efficiently while cutting the onion
to minimize irritation. Make sure to also thoroughly wash your hands, knife,
and cutting board when done to remove any lingering onion juices.
By following these helpful tips, you'll be slicing and dicing onions with
confidence and efficiency. Your eyes and taste buds will thank you! Onions add
so much flavor to foods, so learning how to properly handle them will make you
a better cook. Now get slicing - your dishes await!
FAQs: Common
Questions About Onions and Their Benefits
Onions are one of my all-time favorite vegetables. There are so many reasons
why I try to eat them almost every day. Here are some of the most frequently
asked questions I get about onions and their amazing benefits:
Are onions really
that healthy?
Yes! Onions are extremely nutritious. They are high in vitamins C and B6,
folate, potassium, phosphorus, and manganese. Onions also contain flavonoids,
which are plant compounds with antioxidant effects. Some of the flavonoids
found in onions, such as quercetin and kaempferol, have been shown to help
reduce inflammation in the body.
Can onions help
prevent cancer?
Possibly. Onions contain compounds like quercetin and organosulfur that may
help fight cancer cells. Some studies show that people who eat more onions,
especially raw onions, may have a lower risk of several types of cancer,
including colon cancer and stomach cancer. The anti-cancer effects seem to be
related to the flavonoid antioxidants in onions.
Do onions have any
heart health benefits?
Absolutely! Onions can help lower high blood pressure and may help reduce
the risk of blood clots. The sulfur compounds in onions can help lower LDL or cholesterol. Eating onions on a regular basis may help decrease the
risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack.
Why do onions make
you cry?
When you cut an onion, compounds called lachrymatory-factor synthases are
released, which then convert into sulfenic acids. The sulfenic acids react with
the water in your eyes to form sulfuric acid. This chemical reaction irritates
your eyes, causing them to tear up and burn. To avoid crying while cutting
onions, chill the onions for 30 minutes before slicing them. This reduces the
reactivity of the chemicals. You can also use a very sharp knife, work near an
open flame or vent to help dissipate the irritating fumes, or wear goggles.
Onions have so many benefits and add lots of flavor to foods. Don't be
afraid of their eye-irritating effects - the health perks are well worth it!
Add them to your diet as often as possible. Your body will thank you!
Conclusion
As you can see, onions are nutritional powerhouses that deserve a place in
your diet. Loaded with health-promoting compounds and antioxidants, onions can
help reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and may even help prevent certain
diseases. Not to mention, they add amazing flavor to foods. So go ahead - add
more onions to your meals. Your health and taste buds will thank you. I know
I've become an onion enthusiast and my cooking has improved as a result. Give
onions a try - you won't regret discovering their benefits and experiencing
their flavor firsthand. Onions for the win!
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