06/15/2019
Onions
Americans eat an average of about 20 pounds of onions each year, up from 12.2 pounds in 1982 and that is good great news! Onions are a great source of in vitamin C, sulphuric compounds, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals. Phytochemicals, also called phytonutrients, are compounds found in fruits and vegetables that react with the body and spur beneficial response. They are believed to help reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Polyphenols are one of the largest categories of phytonutrients in food and are beneficial in the prevention of diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. What does that mean for you?- Strong Bones and Connective Tissue. Onion increases our bone density for all of is, but may be particularly helpful for women of menopausal age against bone. Additionally, onion's high sulfur content may offer some excellent benefits for our connective tissue.
- Cardiovascular Health. The sulfur compounds in onions are believed to prevent the clotting together of blood platelet cells, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and improve the membrane function in red blood cells. There is also evidence that onion's sulfur compounds may work in an anti-clotting capacity and help prevent the unwanted clumping together of platelet cells. There is also evidence showing that sulfur compounds in onion can lower blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides while improving cell membrane function in red blood cells. Raw onions in particularly assist in the production of good cholesterol, adding even more protection to your cardiovascular health!
- Anti-Inflammatory Benefits. Like it's cousin -- garlic -- the onion offers important anti-inflammatory benefits. A very good source of the flavonoid antioxidant, quercetin, onions have anti-inflammatory benefits which help prevent the oxidation of fatty acids and keep inflammation under control. In fact, onions have been used to reduce inflammation and heal infections for centuries.
- Cancer Protection. Onions are also believed to lower the risk of colorectal cancer, laryngeal cancer, and ovarian cancer. It's important to note that in order to take advantage of onion's anti-cancer properties, you need to consume at least a half of an onion each day.
- Strong Immune System. Those phytochemicals in onions support Vitamin C in the body, improving immunity.
- Sugar Regulation. Onions contain chromium, which is important for regulating blood sugar.
