Want to know why Onions are common in everyday dishes?
Onions and garlics are mostly grouped together in supermarkets because they are actually cousins. Belonging to the same genus, Allium cepa is to onion as Allium sativum is to garlic. Onions are seldom eaten raw, even though it is not really uncommon for it to be utilized as such. More often than not, it is used as an ingredient to spice up traditional dishes in many parts of the world, especially in the east. Aside from being an essential part of someone’s sandwich, onions are also known to make people cry, particularly when it is being cut and its layers exposed. Onion benefits from ideal sulfur content, a characteristic trait of the Allium family, from which many of the natural benefits of onion are derived.
The many benefits of onion in terms of health could be attributed to its nutritional content. Just like garlic, onions have high polyphenol and flavonoid content, which is mainly responsible for its cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits. Traces of Vitamin C, Molybdenum, and Manganese have also been detected in onions.
[divider]Natural Benefits of Onion[/divider]
As it is rich in antioxidants, the nutritional value of onion guarantees less risk of most forms of cancer. Onions also contain amino acids which are rich in sulfur, which aids in the filtration and detoxification of heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium. While its cousin, garlic, is more popular in terms of cardiovascular advantages, onions have also been the subject of several researches for its contribution in healthy blood circulation. Its sulfur content is proven to have lowered blood cholesterol in animals, leading to improved blood circulation. Tests on humans have been scarce, but given how onions are common in everyday dishes; the probability of a heart attack or a stroke could be expected to be less for people who have regular intake.
[divider]Illnesses It Can Treat[/divider]
What illness and diseases onion cures has been a constant arena for debate because of less research present to cover such area. However, onions have been known to treat asthma because of its bronchial muscle-relaxing capabilities. The high antioxidant content also means good prevention for cancer. Onions are also said to be effective weapons against rheumatism thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, although there are more studies for this correlation between inflammatory diseases and garlic.
[divider]When to Avoid It[/divider]
When to avoid onion intake, or excessive ingestion thereof? There is no use in arguing that onions, just like garlic, have a rather pungent scent because of its sulfur content. As such, it has often been related to halitosis. Aside from this concern, who should avoid onion consumption altogether? Well, there are some people who are allergic to onions for some reason and would obviously do better in moderating intake to avoid potential health problems. If anything, there have been reports on onions containing some toxins which have mostly been derived from the preparation and production of this consumer good, may it be through pesticide residues or whatever harmful element gathered during shipment. In any case, there isn’t much to fear in terms of side effects.