Onions are a great source of nutrient-rich chemicals that fight cancer. They are the richest source of quercetin, a nutrient that prevents the activity of cancer-causing elements in the body.
Researchers have found that eating a diet high in quercetin has been associated with a lower risk of lung cancer.
In addition, onions contain organic sulfur compounds, which give them their characteristic sharp taste.
These compounds may also help break down blood clots and lower the risk of heart disease.
To get the most benefit from these compounds, it is best to consume onions raw.
Inulin
Onions contain a type of soluble fiber called inulin, which helps the body to absorb nutrients and maintain gastrointestinal health. It also helps to regulate blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of constipation.
This type of fiber is known as a prebiotic. Other health benefits of onions include reducing the risk of developing gastric ulcers.
Onions are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties. This property can help protect the heart from damage caused by high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
They also contain a compound called quercetin, which is a powerful antioxidant that supports cardiovascular health. Onions can reduce your risk of coronary artery disease by lowering the amount of LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Onions contain minimal fat. However, they are frequently prepared in a way that increases the fat content. This method helps the onions retain their flavor without increasing calories.
Onions are low in calories and sodium and can also be prepared in a variety of ways, including breading and deep frying. They also contain folic acid, which helps build healthy new cells.
Inulin is a naturally occurring substance in plants. Because of its benefits, it is being added to more food products. It functions as a fat substitute in salad dressings and margarine and can even be substituted for some of the flour in baked goods.
However, it is important to remember that inulin can cause some digestive discomfort and should be consumed in moderation.
Selenium
Onions contain a small amount of selenium. One cup of chopped onions contains about 0.8 mcg. The selenium content of onions varies depending on the type and preparation.
The basic type of onion contains about 0.5 mcg, or about one-tenth of the recommended daily allowance for selenium (RDA), which is 70 mcg for an adult.
Selenium is a trace element that is important to both plants and animals. Many soils in the Northeast are severely deficient in selenium. To improve the selenium content of soils in this region, scientists have found that coal fly ash is a good source of selenium for plants.
They have grown onions in peat moss pots that contain increasing percentages of fly ash. They then harvested the onions and analyzed their selenium content.
Studies have found that selenium helps promote a healthy immune response and reduces inflammation. Although inflammation is a natural part of life, excessive inflammation can lead to a host of painful conditions. In addition, onions contain a chemical called quercetin, which inhibits certain inflammatory and allergy-causing compounds.
This is particularly helpful for people with seasonal allergies. These allergies are triggered by the release of histamines in the body, which cause a runny nose, scratchy throat, and itchy eyes.
Onions accumulate selenium because they are high in dietary phenolics. As a result, growing selenium-enhanced onions is a great public health benefit and an important marketing strategy for growers. Research has identified several onion varieties that contain high concentrations of these health-promoting compounds.
The Hyskin onion, for example, was tested in field trials and showed that selenium supplementation increased selenium concentrations by 0.5 to 5.9 mg/g dry weight.
Chopping onions the simple way!
Organic sulfur compounds
Organic sulfur compounds were found in high concentrations in onion bulbs grown in yard waste compost or chicken manure. This finding suggests that onions may have health-promoting properties if they are grown in such soil.
This study was conducted at KSU Research Farm. The researchers treated five plots of land with various soil amendments including sewage sludge, yard waste, and laying hen manure. They then planted onions in the plots.
Some studies have shown that onions can reduce cancer risk, primarily because they contain the chemical quercetin, which can prevent cancer-causing elements. In fact, studies have linked a diet rich in quercetin with a reduced risk of lung cancer. Moreover, onions contain organic sulfur compounds, which are responsible for the strong and pungent taste.
They may also lower the risk of heart disease and prevent blood clots. This is why it is important to eat raw onions regularly.
Organic sulfur compounds in onions are known to reduce cholesterol levels and break up blood clots, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke. They also aid in the production of insulin, making them helpful for people with diabetes. Further, onions are rich in antioxidants.
In fact, they are so rich in quercetin that some experts believe they are more effective than supplements. They are also beneficial for people with high cholesterol.
In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease, onions have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. These effects are mediated through the stimulation of the immune system, antiviral activities, and reduction of histamine release.
The sulfur compounds in onions have also been associated with cancer-fighting properties.
Furthermore, onions contain high amounts of fibre, probiotics, and short-chain fatty acids, which support the health of the digestive system.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Onions have anti-inflammatory properties that make them great food choices for people with a variety of health concerns. They help with digestion and are rich in oligofructose fiber, which promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the intestines. This helps prevent diarrhea and reduce the risk of gastric ulcer.
Additionally, they contain prebiotic fiber, which can help with sleep and reduce stress. These prebiotic fibers multiply the beneficial bacteria in the gut and release metabolic byproducts that influence the function of the brain and induce sleep.
Onions are also known to lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
According to Motunrayo Oduneye, assistant chief dietician at University College Hospital, onions have the ability to help people suffering from hypertension lower their blood pressure.
In addition, onions contain flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds may even help fight cancer and regulate blood sugar. The anti-inflammatory properties of onions also help prevent the formation of blood clots.
Another beneficial property of onions is that they fight oxidative stress and boost the body’s antioxidant levels. As a result, they can help prevent osteoporosis and improve bone density. Onions are also potent antibacterials. They can fight dangerous bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
Furthermore, they inhibit the growth of Vibrio cholerae, a common cause of diarrhea and bloodstream infection in developing countries.
Low calorie
Onions are packed with antioxidants. They help lower blood pressure, help lower blood sugar levels, strengthen the heart and bones, and can help with weight loss.
They also contain a compound called quercetin, which helps prevent inflammation and clears nasal congestion. They are a great food to include in a healthy diet.
Onions are also loaded with vitamin C and potassium. They are a common seasoning and can be used in a variety of ways. While onions have a strong smell and taste, they don’t have many calories.
And, you can grow them in almost any garden!
Here are some tips for using onions in your meals:
When choosing onions, opt for ones that are red and purple. These contain more anthocyanins, a phytochemical that neutralizes free radicals, which destroy healthy cells in our body.
These compounds are also beneficial to our hearts, reducing the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Choose colored onions over white or green to get the most benefits.
In addition to their low-calorie count, onions are a great source of vitamins and minerals.
One cup of chopped onions provides more than 25 percent of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for biotin, which helps our immune system function properly.
