Although onions are famous for being able to make your eyes water, they are also famous for their excellent flavor and culinary versatility. A wide range of different types is available; some are quite sweet, while others are pungent. More importantly, it turns out that onions are extremely good for your body in a number of surprising and profoundly significant ways. Read on to discover twelve reasons why adding more onions to your diet could help to boost your health and improve your quality of life.
1) They can help to protect you from certain types of cancer:
Onions are an excellent choice if you want to reduce your risk of developing cancer. Firstly, the quercetin in onions has been proven to help prevent the development of tumors, especially in the colon. Secondly, studies have shown a strong link between onion consumption and a lowered risk of suffering from cancers of the larynx, ovaries, and stomach. Nutritional experts suggest that you should eat at least one onion every day if you want to enjoy the full force of their anti-carcinogenic powers.
2) They improve the health of bones and connective tissue:
Several large research projects have revealed that regularly eating onions can help to increase bone density. This reduces your risk of developing osteoporosis and makes you less likely to suffer from bone fractures. For example, one study found that postmenopausal women were much less likely to experience hip fractures if they stuck to a diet that was rich in onions. It is also worth noting that onions are rich in sulfur, as this means that they can promote healthy connective tissue. This is because most of the components of connective tissue need sulfur in order to form properly.
3) They help to remove toxins from your body:
Onions are a source of amino acids called methionine and cystine, and these amino acids help to remove heavy metals from your body. They bind to such toxins like mercury, lead, and cadmium, and allow them to be excreted as waste.
4) They are a traditional remedy for respiratory problems:
Modern science backs up the traditional claim that onions can help to treat asthma, as they seem to inhibit the production of certain inflammatory compounds that cause bronchial muscle spasms. The World Health Organization acknowledges that onions can indeed help with asthma and that they may also be able to help treat the symptoms of bronchitis.
5) They have anti-inflammatory properties:
Onions contain a sulfur molecule called onionin A, and it inhibits the action of the white blood cells that can trigger excessive levels of inflammation in some people. Further, studies show that the antioxidants in onions will reliably lower inflammation levels. These properties mean that onions may be able to decrease discomfort in sufferers of diseases like arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
6) They improve cardiovascular health:
Onions promote healthy circulation, and they have been proven to reduce your risk of developing unwanted blood clots. This health benefit means that onions can lower your likelihood of suffering from a heart attack or stroke. Further, the sulfur compounds in onions can lower cholesterol levels, and the flavonoids they contain have been repeatedly shown to make people less likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
7) They increase reproductive health:
The vitamin A in green onions promotes fertility and a well-functioning reproductive system in both genders, as vitamin A is vital for reproductive processes.
8) They promote dental health:
Although onions tend to leave you with slightly offensive breath, they are actually very good for your mouth. Some studies show that chewing on raw onion helps to combat the bacteria that can cause tooth decay. The vitamin A in green onions also helps to keep teeth strong, as it is necessary for the existence of dentin (the substance that builds up hard material inside teeth).
9) They improve digestive health:
Onions provide you with fructooligosaccharides, which promote the growth of good bacteria and help to destroy dangerous bacteria in the colon.
10) They have antibacterial properties:
The sulfides and thiosulfinates in onions can both help to reduce your risk of suffering from infections such as E. coli and salmonella.
11) They may help to balance blood sugar levels:
Onions are a source of chromium, a mineral that improves your body’s response to insulin. This, in turn, helps to make sure that the right amount of sugar is absorbed into your blood.
12) They can help to prevent the formation of urinary tract stones:
The vitamin A found in green onions produces calcium phosphate, so eating these onions helps to discourage painful urinary stones from forming.
As is obvious from the above health benefits, onions are an excellent addition to your diet if you want to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. They are wonderful in pasta sauces, salads, curries, and chili recipes. However, it is important to remember that excessive consumption of onions can cause nausea and diarrhea.
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