Add Onions to Your Diet

The evergreen and superlative bulbs of onions are found and consumed in virtually every nook and corner of the world. They find their origin in the region around central Asia. Color of onion is a strong indicator of its innate properties. White onion is the strongest whilst red/purple follow the tow. Onions were much revered and worshiped among the ancient Egyptians for its circle within circle kind of anatomy that was found to be signifying eternity of life. Botanically it belongs to the family of Alliums, the same as that of garlic. They are distinctive with their overpowering smells owing to the presence of sulphur containing compounds. Their health promoting benefits can be attributed on account of their being low in calories and presence of sulphur containing compounds such as allyl propyl disulphide, chromium, antioxidant flavonoids as quercetin, isothiocyanates vitamin C and vitamin B6.

The presence of trace element chromium in onions help cells respond to insulin much effectively and helps lowers blood glucose level considerably. Its consumption is thus of much significance to diabetic patients. Presence of chromium in combination with disulfides is also instrumental in reducing triglyceride, LDL the bad cholesterol but enhances the production of HDL-high density lipoproteins or the good cholesterol level in the blood stream. Chromium deficiency is lowered in case of individuals with greater intake of refined sugar and items of white flour in their dietary intake.

Precancerous lesions and tumor formation is reduced considerably in gastrointestinal track and other body parts in human by regular consumption of diets rich in quercetin. A powerful flavonoids antioxidant found in onion and phytonutrient chemical curcumin found in turmeric mostly added to flavor Asian curries. It also prevents instances of osteoporosis especially in menopausal women and helps breakdown action of osteoclasts-which have wearing away action over healthy bone cells.

Intake of onions is also favored owing to its inherent anti-inflammatory properties that help in taking care of rheumatoid arthritis and allergies associated with the respiratory track. Onions are said to be imbued with anti-microbial properties.

Sulfur containing properties of onion help in the reduction of stickiness of platelets and prevent blood clotting. Its ability in thinning of blood is of considerable cardiovascular aid. Presence of organosulfides also provides its consumers protection from cancer, cataract, ovarian fibroids and other range of varied age related disorders.

Paste of onion is anti-fungal and anti-microbial. Its application on wounds helps them heal faster in a natural way. When the paste is mixed with little curd and applied on skin, it helps remove blemishes and age related spots most effectively and much better than any of the creams available in the market. Many users have reported its application is helping get a youthful complexion.

Folklore say mixing onion paste with lemon and its rubbing over head scalp and sitting under the sun help alleviate baldness. Add onions inevitably in salads and dress it with lemon juice to help maintain the integrity of arterial system and that of fragile capillaries to prevent the incidence of strokes and arteriosclerosis.

Rosy Vohra works for Online books India