The Health Benefits of Onions

http://www.karenrothnutrition.com You know there are onions that make your eyes water and others that don't. What happens is when we cut an onion, rupture its cell walls, a specific phytonutrient allyl sulfate which is produced when sulfur compounds are released and that causes your eyes to tear up. And its this very same compound that is very beneficial in maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Onions also contain a concentrated source of Quercetin which has an anti-inflammatory effect and is often seen in natural allergy remedies. The yellow onions contain the most Quercetin while the sweeter onions, like Maui or Vidalia onions, the ones that dont make you tear up, will have the least amount of nutrients. This is because they are left in the soil longer, where much of their carbohydrates turn to sugar, which is why they are sweet, but at the same time, much of the nutrients are lost during the longer stay in the ground. So the stronger the smell, the healthier the onion is for you.

Onions are also a very good source of chromium and studies with diabetics have shown that chromium not only decreases fasting blood glucose levels, but also decreases total cholesterol and triglycerides levels while increase HDL levels which is very beneficial for the heart. Onions are also high in fiber and Vitamin C.

Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, this is a food that would benefit those with arthritis, asthma and consider eating onions the next time you have a cold and you are suffering with congestion.

Rule of thumb, use yellow or red onions which both contain powerful antioxidants and have the most sulfur compounds. White onions and sweet onions have the least amount of health promoting nutrients, but are still nice to use raw in salads or toppings called for raw onion.

In addition the yellow onions are heartier, meaning you can keep them for about a month before using. Its best not to refrigerate uncut onions because they will spoil more quickly. Also, dont store along side potatoes. Potatoes have ethylene gas that will cause the onions to quickly spoil. Try to use cut onions within a couple of days to benefit from the nutrients.

Another great thing about onions is they are the cleanest produce on the shelves and have the lowest pesticide load. Consider using onions in chili, stews, soups, great in a crock pot recipe, toss in spaghetti sauce, stir frys, any Mexican dish from tacos to fajitas and salsa. Use chopped onion in your scrambled eggs. Next time you bake fish, top the fish with sliced onion before putting in the oven. Add finely chopped onions to rice pilafs, couscous or Quinoa. There are so many ways to utilize this healthy vegetable.

By the way Deep Fired Onion Rings dont count as healthy!

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[mrfunnyman99]

Sinus Buster Soup. 1 cup of low sodium chicken broth, 1/4 cup of chopped red onion, clove of crushed garlic and a 1/4 teaspoon or more of cayenne pepper.

Great for asthma and sinusitis.3 times a day worked better than antibiotics.

I have a bowl every night before bed.Onion help promote sleep as well.

[NutritionalChoice]

@mrfunnyman99 Thanks for sharing!

[escapeclaus]

Has there been any studies done on the nutritional value of organic vs conventionally-grown onions?

[NutritionalChoice]

@escapeclaus I don't think so. The Environmental Working Groups lists onions as the cleanest of all veggies, with little to no pesticide contamination.

[purity4all]

Next time you get a fever cut two 1/2 inch thick slice of onion, put one on the bottom of each foot using your sock to hold it in place. Your fever will break faster than with otc drugs and no liver damage! Try it it works!

[NutritionalChoice]

@purity4all I've heard that before. Thanks for sharing!

[CainmosniMirrored]

@garylp3 Cats won't even touch an onion and dogs would need to consume massive amounts of onions to cause any health risk.

[CainmosniMirrored]

I put onions in EVERYTHING. There is not a single dish I make without onions. I LOVE ONIONS!!!!!!!

[34punkass34]

wow i had no idea

[Delcaroll]

Hmm that explains how I never catch a cold

Awesome :D