There have been numerous scientific studies over the years regarding the health benefits of onion. This is because the onion has been used for thousands of years to provide remedy to hundreds of conditions from hangovers to heartburn to arthritis. While the exact health benefits of onion are still not fully known, research has shown that onion does contain a variety of nutrients including antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamin A, vitamin B-complex, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins D and K, tryptophan, fiber, and numerous other nutrients. Additionally, onion has been found to have very low toxicity levels and no known side effects.
In a recent scientific review published by Oxford Online, Dr. Robin Marcus and colleagues at the University of Oxford reviewed nearly 70 scientific studies. The review identified eight unique health benefits associated with onion based on detailed investigation of onion’s nutritional profile. These include an increased intake of vitamin A, B-complex, E, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin D, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, vitamin B-complex and lutein. Each of these nutrients has a range of important health benefits and each individually may help to prevent a specific illness. For example, the vitamin A found in onion supports strong immune systems as well as helping to prevent cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Phosphorus is important for healthy blood-clotting and the iron found in onions is essential in providing the body with red blood cells.
Not only does onions have a number of health benefits, but the sulfur content of certain varieties of onions is also beneficial to humans. This is because sulfur has been found to have cancer-fighting properties in laboratory rats. The benefits of sulfur are further strengthened when it is converted into garlic oil. Garlic oil has been found to be as effective in treating several forms of cancer as it is in treating digestive problems. Some of the cancer-fighting agents in garlic can be blocked by stomach lining and lecithin, which are both essential for maintaining proper cholesterol levels.
There are several other benefits to eating foods with onion. These benefits include an increase in energy and a stronger immune system. The allium cepa also contains numerous other valuable nutrients including niacin, thiamin, folic acid, vitamin A, and vitamin B-12. All of these nutrients are beneficial to overall health. The allium cepa also contains sulfur compounds that act as antioxidants by breaking down the free radicals in your body. Free radicals are a major cause of disease and aging.
In addition to the health benefits of onions, they rank highly in taste and nutrition. In tests, people from the United States ranked onion high in taste and satisfaction as far as food satisfaction goes. Also, United States farmers place onions in the top five of importance for vegetable consumption according to a study done by the National Nutrient Information Center. So much for easy to peel vegetables. The United States Department of Agriculture surveys that onions rank fourth in the world for consumption per person as compared to other fruits.
If you live in the United States or if you are planning on traveling to the United States, then you should take notice of green onions. This is largely due to the fact that they grow quickly and easily throughout most of the year. You can pick them before they reach full growth and cook them immediately. They can also be fried and served with virtually any kind of food. Onions rank high in terms of both popularity and nutrition across most cultures and countries.