Onion

Onions

Other Names: Allii Cepae Bulbus, Allium cepa, Cebolla, Échalote, Green Onion, Oignon, Oignon Vert, Onions, Palandu, Piyaj, Shallot.
See also :

• Allium Cepa (homeopathy)
• Cong Bai
• Chives

Special Precautions of Onion

• Diabetes: Onion might lower blood sugar. If you have diabetes and use onion in medicinal amounts, check your blood sugar carefully.
• Aspirin interacts with Onions
• Lithium interacts with Onions
• Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Onions
• Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Onions

The benefits of Onion are

• The Allium family of vegetables, which includes onions, garlic, leeks and scallions, are known to have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and immune systems, as well as anti-diabetic and anti-cancer effects. Epidemiological studies have found that increased consumption of Allium vegetables is associated with lower risk of gastric Cancer and prostate Cancer. These vegetables contain protective substances called organosulfur compounds, which are released when the vegetables are chopped, crushed or chewed. These compounds prevent the development of cancers by detoxifying carcinogens, halting cancer cell growth and preventing tumors from obtaining a blood supply.
• Colon health : Onions are excellent sources of oligomers known as fructo-oligosaccharides. These help stimulate the growth of healthy levels of bifidobacteria at the same time exhibiting an inhibitory effect on bacteria that has the potential of causing the colon harm. To add to this, onions, together with its oligomer compounds, significantly reduces one’s risk of developing tumors in the colon.
• lowering blood pressure and cholesterol: It lowers LDL Cholesterol : the sulfides in onion act to lower fat levels inside the body, targeting the bad kind of cholesterol, or the LDL (low density lipoprotein). Low LDL levels would ensure that the blood vessels and the heart remain healthy and functioning well.
• They prevent bone loss.
• Fights gout and arthritic pain : Onions are packed with anti-inflammatory agents, and because the symptoms of gout and arthritis are mostly associated with the inflammatory process, onions help by directly attacking the problem and reducing inflammation.
• In addition to the organosulfur compounds, onions also contain high concentrations of flavonoids.
• contain potent cancer-fighting enzymes : onion consumption has been shown to help lower the risk of prostate and esophageal cancers and has also been linked to reduced mortality from coronary heart disease. Research suggests that they may help protect against stomach cancer. Onions contain sulfides that help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as a peptide that may help prevent bone loss by inhibiting the loss of calcium and other bone minerals.
• Onions have super antioxidant power. They contain quercetin, a natural antihistamine that reduces airway inflammation and helps relieve symptoms of allergies and hay fever. Onions also boast high levels of vitamin C, which, along with the quercetin, battles cold and flu symptoms.
• help regulate blood pressure levels through its Quercetin component, a flavanol. It can actually lower high blood pressure levels by up to 5 mmHg.
• anti-inflammatory properties help fight the pain and swelling associated with osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis.
• extremely rich in sulfur and they have antibiotic and antiviral properties, making them excellent for people who consume a diet high in protein, fat, or sugar, as they help cleanse the arteries and impede the growth of viruses, yeasts, and other disease-causing agents, which can build up in an imbalanced diet.
• Asthma : There is some evidence that onion might also reduce lung tightness in people with asthma.
• boosts the immune system because of the rich antioxidants found in onions. Antioxidants help the body get rid of free radicals, boosting the function of the immune system thereby making sure that the body remains healthy.
• Diabetes : Red onions are a fantastic source of chromium which lowers blood sugar and enhances cellular insulin sensitivity. Nearly 50% of the US population is deficient in chromium which is greater than any other developed nation. This is due to over cropping that has stripped the land of chromium and processed food consumption. Chromium deficiencies lead to diabetes and heart disease.
• The anti-oxidant flavonoids are extremely rich in the outer layers of the onion. Many people will peel off the first few layers and lose much of these critical nutrients. Be sure to utilize the outer, fleshy edible portions as much as possible. Overpeeling, by taking off the outer 2 layers of flesh will cost one about 20% of its quercetin and over 75% of its anthocyanins.
• The bright green tops of green onions are rich in Vitamin A.
• Source of Inulin