5 Best Things about Onions

Lisa Franchi January 19, 2015

Onions don’t just add great flavour to raw or cooked dishes. They are also packed with essential nutrients that promote good health! If you’re not a fan of onions, after reading this article, you will be!

For centuries, onions have been used and consumed all over the world for their culinary and medicinal properties. And plenty of studies can attest to its healing benefits. Below are some of the amazing things about onions and why they are considered a super food:

Onions contain antioxidants.

Eating onions is a good way to increase the detoxification process in your body. They contain methionine and cysteine – amino acids that are good at eliminating toxic heavy metals from your system – to be specific, mercury, cadmium and lead. Onions contain a great deal of vitamin C as well, which does not only help get rid of toxic compounds in your body, but also promote stronger immunity.

Onions have a role in cancer prevention.

In one study, an onion extract was found to destroy tumour cells in test tubes and to arrest tumour growth when tumour cells were implanted in rats. Another research, published in 2014 in the OncoTargets and Therapy online journal, provided a new direction in protecting and treating colorectal cancer.

They have cardiovascular benefits.

In animal studies, there is evidence that the sulphur compounds present in onions may work in an anti-clotting capacity and help prevent the unwanted clumping together of blood platelet cells. There is also evidence showing that these sulphur compounds can lower blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, and improve cell membrane function in red blood cells.

Onions contain quercetin.

Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant that is known to be found in apples. But onions have it too! This compound has been found to lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol, reduce asthma risk, inhibit stomach cancer, fight hay fever, chronic bronchitis and infections, and so on. But quercetin in onions are mostly found in the skin, so when using onions for cooking, make sure not to over-peel it.

They have anti-inflammatory benefits too.

A unique sulphur molecule in onion that is found in the bulb portion of the plant has been shown to inhibit the activity of macrophages, specialised white blood cells that play a key role in our body’s immune defines system, which involves triggering inflammatory responses. Furthermore, the antioxidants in onions also largely help in reducing the risk of inflammation – which as most of us know – is the culprit to many chronic diseases, from heart disease to cancer.

Whilst onions often bring tears to your eyes, its taste and aroma are impeccable. Onions range in size, colour and variety, and trying out as many varieties available in your area can really give a new dimension to your cooking life. And above all things, its superb health qualities gives onion a deserving spot in your regular diet.