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ONIONS. INFORMATION ABOUT THEM

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  • ONIONS. INFORMATION ABOUT THEM

    Dear members,
    For the past few months Onions are in the news. This time they brought tears to the Homemaker,not while cutting it,but due to its sky high prices. Hoarding and Govt.inaction and faulty planning and turning a blind eye to culprits are the reasons.
    .In the North it is used more than in the South.
    How good is onion,is it good for health or it is added for flavour only?
    Read some write ups about onions.
    After this,never ever say, " நீ என்ன பெரிய வெங்காயமா?" to any one.
    Varadaraja
    n




    Health Properties of Onions


    Onions have been valued for their medicinal qualities by many cultures around the globe. Numerous health benefits have been attributed to the vegetable, including prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Scientific studies have shown a positive relationship between vegetable intake and risk for these common diseases. This has led many researchers to test whether the proposed medicinal attributes of onions are valid. Some of these studies have shown that including onion in the diet:

    Was associated with a reduced risk of stomach cancer in humans.
    Was associated with a decreased risk for brain cancer in humans.
    Inhibited platelet-mediated thrombosis (a process leading to heart attacks and strokes).
    Reduced levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and thromboxanes (substances involved in the development of cardio-vascular disease) in the blood.
    Was associated with a reduction in symptoms associated with osteoporosis.

    For a deeper understanding of these and other potentially beneficial qualities, scientists have studied specific compounds found in onion bulbs. Onions have a unique combination of three families of compounds that are believed to have salutary effects on human health - fructans, flavonoids and organosulfur compounds. Fructans are small carbohydrate molecules that help maintain gastrointestinal health by sustaining beneficial bacteria. A great deal of research has focused on one flavonoid, quercetin, which is found at particularly high levels in onions. It functions as an antioxidant, deactivating molecules that are injurious to cells in the body.

    Research studies have shown quercetin to:

    Decrease cancer tumor initiation.
    Promote healing of stomach ulcers.
    Inhibit the proliferation of cultured ovarian, breast, and colon cancer cells.

    The organosulfur compounds are largely responsible for the taste and smell of onions. Research studies have shown organosulfur compounds to:

    Reduce symptoms associated with diabetes mellitus.
    Inhibit platelet aggregation (involved in thrombosis).
    Prevent inflammatory processes associated with asthma.

    Many of these studies used non-human subjects. Others used experimental assays that mimic processes related to disease that occur in the body. More research is underway to assess the effects of dietary intake of onions on health in human subjects.



    8 Great Benefits of Onions


    Never mind the tears they bring on—onions are an ace ally in your fight against disease. A prized member of the lily family, they lavish you with health benefits while adding oodles of taste to your food.

    A quick glimpse at their incredible health benefits:

    The phytochemicals in onions improve the working of Vitamin C in the body, thus gifting you with improved immunity.
    Onions contain chromium, which assists in regulating blood sugar.
    For centuries, onions have been used to reduce inflammation and heal infections.
    Do you enjoy sliced onions with your food? If yes, rejoice! Raw onion encourages the production of good cholesterol (HDL), thus keeping your heart healthy.
    A powerful compound called quercetin in onions is known to play a significant role in preventing cancer.
    Got bitten by a honeybee? Apply onion juice on the area for immediate relief from the pain and burning sensation.
    Onions scavenge free radicals, thereby reducing your risk of developing gastric ulcers.
    Those bright green tops of green onions are rich in Vitamin A, so do use them often.

    My favorite way to enjoy onions is to slice them really thin, squeeze some lemon juice on top and add a little salt. Sprinkling a few freshly washed cilantro leaves adds fragrance and flavor to this simple, quick salad, without which no dinner of mine is complete.

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