Onion
(Allium cepa)
Originally, these beautiful round bulbs were brought to North America by Christopher Columbus.
Today, onions continue to give us wonderful flavor and fabulous nutritional benefits.
Do you think Columbus brought over onions this big?
The picture above is of my youngest daughter, Amanda, holding her spectacular find while we visited Detroit's Eastern Market this last weekend.
She was so proud of her gargantuan find, that she carried it around like it was the Olympic torch!
People just kept walking by and exclaiming “Wow, now that’s a big onion!”
Technically, she’s holding what is known as a super colossal yellow onion. For more information, see The National Onion Association - Seasons, Colors, Flavors, & Sizes of Onion link in resource section below.
the Berkley University of California wellness area has a "types of onions" list. It includes: Bermuda, Boiling, Cipolline, Pearl, Red (globe), Spanish, Sweet, White, and Yellow (globe).
No matter which onion you choose, they are versatile and loaded with health benefits.
People eat onions raw, grilled, pickled, baked, fried, steamed, stuffed, caramelized, roasted, broiled, sautéed, creamed and, pretty much anyway possible.
Onions are found added to numerous sweet and savory dishes, sandwiches, soups, salads and, much more.
Let's be honest, who doesn't love the crispy fried onions on the green bean casserole at Thanksgiving!
Layers of Reasons to Eat Fabulous Onions!
Quercetin
Onions contain high amounts of this flavonoid antioxidant.
Quercetin provides anti-inflammatory benefits by lowering the level of oxidative stress within the body.
This is so important because inflammation is often the root cause of many chronic health issues.
For example; cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, many types of cancer, cataracts, rheumatoid arthritis, lower immunity and, more.
Prebiotic
Onions are a natural prebiotic which, can promote a healthy gastrointestinal system by helping the healthy bacteria grow in your intestines.
Surprise!
Studies have shown that regular daily onion consumption by women 50 and over, increases overall bone density and, lowers the risk of hip fracture.
Cancer Fighter
The organosulfur compounds found in onion not only contribute to their fabulous odor and flavor but, studies confirm, that organosulfers act as anti-carcinogens (anti-cancer) to lower the risk of some cancers such as kidney and colon.
Many Benefits
Onions also contain biotin, vitamins C, B6, B1, manganese, fiber, copper, potassium phosphorus and, folate.
These help the body:
Maintain a healthy metabolism, strong bones, healthy skin, effective antioxidant functions, healthy hemoglobin levels, proper brain, nervous system, and gastrointestinal functions, a strong immunity, effective detoxification processes and, much more.
Question: What do you get when you cross a potato with an Onion?
Answer: A potato with watery eyes!!
Joke source: http://www.k12.wa.us/ChildNutrition/programs/FFVP/pubdocs/Jokes.pdf
Now that you've worked your way through the layers of health benefits you can find in onions, use some of the resources below to enjoy some today.
Resources:
Babble – The Best Onion Recipes: 14 Ways To Use A Bag Of Onions!: https://www.babble.com/best-recipes/the-best-onion-recipes-25-ways-to-use-a-bag-of-onions/
CookingLight – Cooking with Onions: http://www.cookinglight.com/food/in-season/cooking-with-onions
Epicurious – Pickled Red Onions: https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/pickled-red-onions-51196620
Food & Nutrition Magazine – Caramelized Onions without the Tears: https://foodandnutrition.org/january-february-2014/caramelized-onions-without-tears/
Food & Style – Balsamic-Roasted Red Onions: https://foodandstyle.com/balsamic-roasted-red-onions/
Food Network – Veggie Stuffed Onions by Sandra Lee: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sandra-lee/veggie-stuffed-onions-recipe-1946398
The National Onion Association – Onion Recipes in many categories: https://www.onions-usa.org/recipes
The National Onion Association – Seasons, Colors, Flavors, & Sizes of Onion: https://www.onions-usa.org/all-about-onions/colors-flavor-availability-and-sizes-of-onions
The World’s Healthiest Foods – 5 Spice Onion Soup: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=recipe&dbid=79