Discover the 17 powerful benefits of onions - optimalegezondheid.com

1. Almost everyone has them at home by default. The net onions should not be missing from the kitchen almost worldwide. Onions are great seasonings that are easy to prepare. Not only are they delicious, but they also have many health benefits.

1. Whether raw onions or cooked onions, they are packed with vitamins and minerals. The super versatile vegetable can be used in almost any meal. The vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins C and B6, folate, iron and potassium. Onions are also rich in manganese, which provides protection against colds and flu, for example.

2. Whether raw onions or cooked onions, they are packed with vitamins and minerals. The super versatile vegetable can be used in almost any meal. The vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins C and B6, folate, iron and potassium. Onions are also rich in manganese that protects against colds and flu, for example.

1. Onions contain a number of substances that can combat important diseases. Allium and allyl disulfide, two phytochemicals in onions, are converted to allicin after ingestion.

1. Allicin has properties to fight cancer and diabetes, according to certain studies (1). It can also reduce blood vessel stiffness and lower blood pressure. Other onion varieties such as chives, leeks and shallots also have similar benefits.

1. Onions also contain quercetin, an antioxidant that fights inflammation. More interestingly, cooking onions in soup does not reduce their quercetin value, but simply transfers the antioxidant from the vegetable to the soup stock. So it's okay to cook onions, if you also use the cooking liquid.

1. Onions are most commonly used in food, but onions can also be made into oil. This essential oil has its own benefits. For example, the oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Raw onions contain the most nutrients.

2. Onions are most commonly used in food, but onion can also be made into oil. This essential oil has its own benefits. For example, the oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Raw onions contain the most nutrients.

1. Research has shown that the outer layers of onions have the highest concentrations of flavonoids, a compound that can contribute to good health in several ways (2). It is therefore wise not to remove too many layers from the onion when peeling.

1. Boiled onions also have advantages. They serve as a good source of fiber and copper. Fiber helps keep digestive problems at bay while copper supports brain function. We've listed the 17 main benefits of onions and shallots.

1 They stimulate digestion

1. One of the most important health benefits of onions is its effect on digestion. These benefits of onions can be attributed to inulin, a fiber present in the vegetable. Inulin acts as a food source for the good bacteria in the intestines. This fiber allows the body to maintain good levels of the healthy bacteria.

1. Another soluble fiber in onions, oligofructose (a subgroup of inulin), has been shown to prevent and treat various types of diarrhea (3). However, onions can promote a healthy digestive system in even more ways. The phytochemicals in onions can reduce the risk of stomach ulcers and the natural prebiotics in onions can help relieve congestion (4).

1. Onions can sometimes cause flatulence, but this is harmless.

2 They lower blood sugar

1. Excessive blood sugar is a common problem in the Western world. A lot of research is being done into the effect of food on blood sugar levels. Research has shown that onion extract can help lower blood sugar (5).

1. One of the sulfur compounds in onions and quercetin has a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels. However, it turned out that onions only showed the positive effect when taken together with metformin, the anti-diabetic drug. The use of onions can therefore contribute to a stable blood sugar level.

3 They keep your heart healthy

1. The flavonoids in red onions can contribute to heart health (6). Flavonoids are natural antioxidants that protect the body against free radicals. Onions are also rich in organosulfur compounds, which can help prevent heart disease. According to an Argentinian study, intake of these sulfur compounds in onions can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease (7).

1. Onions also contain thiosulfates that act as natural blood thinners and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.

1. Quercetin in onions also helps to maintain a healthy heart. It provides both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that promote heart health (8).

1. Onions can also lower cholesterol, which is good for the heart. According to a report by the Cambridge University Press, the flavonoids in onions help lower the levels of LDL (the bad cholesterol) in obese people (9).

1. After all, onions prevent platelets from sticking together, which can lead to clots and eventually heart attacks. They even contribute to healthy blood pressure, preventing heart problems. So onions have a positive effect on the heart, one of our major organs, in several ways.

4 They prevent blood clots

1. As mentioned in the previous point, onions prevent blood clots. Onions contain a compound called rutin. In multiple studies in mice, rutin was shown to be the most potent antithrombotic compound (10).

5 They contribute to the maintenance of strong bones

1. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become more fragile and can break more easily. Usually the condition is age-related and this version in particular can be prevented by the use of onions, according to research. Swiss researchers showed GPCS, a compound in white onions, can reduce bone loss. (11)

1. Another study found that women who ate onions had an average of 5 percent more bone mass than those who ate fewer onions (12). In this study too, the consumption of onions appeared to have a beneficial effect on the bone density of women over 50 years old.

6 They give a big energy boost

1. Not unimportant is the fact that you get a lot of energy from eating onions. The fibers ensure that you feel full for a long time. Because the fiber also slightly slows digestion, the energy level remains stable. In addition, the inulin in the vegetable helps to maintain your stamina. Powerfood!

7 They are effective against cancer

1. As one of the most feared diseases, cancer has been the subject of countless studies. The effect of different foods is increasingly in the spotlight of scientists. Various studies have shown that onions can have a positive effect in the prevention and treatment of various types of cancer.

1. According to a study conducted by the University of Guelph, red onions are the most effective at destroying breast and colon cancer cells (13). These onions have a high content of quercetin and anthocyanin, active substances that can support the treatment. Simply explained, onions make their environment unfavorable for cancer cells to communicate, and this inhibits their growth. It was also found that people with the highest onion consumption had the lowest cancer rates (14).

8 They support a healthy respiratory system

1. Although onions do not always provide fresh breath, they do promote the health of the respiratory system.

1. According to a US study, patients with respiratory problems such as asthma can benefit greatly from certain fruits and vegetables, including onions (15). In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties of onions may help to soothe respiratory ailments ( 16).

9 They make you sleep well

1. Onions contain prebiotics, certain fibers that are digested in the intestine. According to a study, these prebiotics can improve sleep and even reduce stress. When the good bacteria in the gut digest the prebiotic fiber, they multiply and improve gut health, releasing byproducts. These byproducts can affect brain function and promote sleep (17). A surprising feature of the simple onion!

10 They prevent allergies

1. With allergies, an inflammatory reaction often occurs on mucous membranes, for example. The flavonoids in onions can help prevent inflammation. Onions also treat allergies by preventing cells from releasing histamine.

1. Cooking with onions can help open and drain your sinuses. And quercetin's antihistamine properties can also help reduce nasal congestion (18) Extracts from onions protect against Streptococcus Mutans and Streptococcus Sobrinus, bacteria responsible for caries and allergies, according to one study (19).

11 They stimulate the immune system

1. We have already seen that quercetin (and other flavonoids) in onions can help prevent inflammation. Onions contain selenium which stimulates immune function. The mineral also prevents an excessive immune response, which can have adverse effects.

1. Onions are considered herbal remedies in Russia, where they are used to treat colds and flu (20).

1. When we think in the direction of home remedies, many parents swear by onions to cure ear disorders. Onion juice is widely used to relieve ear pain in children. And although it may not be scientifically proven, it makes many babies with earaches sleep better. Maybe it's Grandma's wisdom and the extra love that makes this solution work so well.

13 They improve eye health

1. While watery eyes may immediately come to mind when slicing onions, onions can help keep eyes healthy in several ways.

1. The sulfur in onions improves lens health. It stimulates the production of a protein called glutathione, which acts as an antioxidant. Higher levels of glutathione mean a reduced risk of glaucoma and macular degeneration. Onion extracts can help prevent corneal clouding (21).

14 They support good oral hygiene

1. Onions contain thiosulfates and thiosulfates, these compounds ensure that bacteria that cause tooth decay cannot multiply properly. Eating raw is best, as cooking can destroy some of these beneficial compounds. The vegetable is also rich in vitamin C which can keep teeth healthy (22). Onions are believed to relieve toothaches, however less research has been done on this.

15 They provide relief from menopause symptoms

1. Onions help during menopause because they support the liver and remove excess hormones (23). Getting enough calcium is also necessary during this time. Onions are high in calcium and in this regard can provide support for menopausal women (24).

16 They make for a good brain

1. Research indicates that the antioxidants in onions bind with harmful toxins in the brain and flush them out of the body. And the sulfur-containing compounds in onions can slow memory loss in the elderly. However, some of these properties may be lost during cooking.

1. Another sulfur compound in onions, called di-n-propyl trisulfide, even improves memory disorders (25). Onions are also believed to treat dizziness, epilepsy, and vertigo - although some have been done about this.

17 They ensure good sexual healthÂ

1. Last but not least, onions are good for sexual health.

1. Onions are one of the herbal remedies used in Western Uganda for controlling sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction (26). But it is also known in Europe that the vegetable has benefits for men. For example, onion juice with honey is said to increase fertility in men. Do you dare?

1. Different types of onions are available all year round. To make sure you choose good quality onion, we have collected a number of tips.

1. Whole onions should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, where they will last for about 4 weeks. Avoid refrigeration as this will make them soft. Since they absorb moisture, they should not be kept under the sink. Pieces of onion are often left over after preparing meals. These pieces can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days.

1. There are countless ways to use onions in the most delicious dishes. Onions can be eaten raw or prepared in different ways. In soups, onions are cooked, giving them a soft texture and mild flavor. In other dishes, onions are usually fried. By gently cooking onions in a frying pan, they are fried, which gives them a sweeter taste. Onions are also easy to prepare in the oven, when they are popped. The taste of onions combines with almost all savory ingredients. Onions are the tastiest with a good dose of garlic. Be warned, this combination can unfortunately cause bad breath.

1. We dare to cautiously conclude that the simple home-garden-and-kitchen onion is a real super-powerfood. How do you prefer to eat an onion?