RED ONION REVIVAL
More than a piece of decor on your dinner plate, the red onion is a vibrant yet powerful vegetable that carries tremendous health benefits.
While the red onion is well respected and a common ingredient in cuisines around the world, in America this rich and colorful vegetable is more likely to be overlooked. Most commonly used as an ingredient or piece of décor on the side of your dish, red onions are vibrant, powerful vegetables that add flavor and depth to dishes with little to no calories.
Traditional medicine has known of red onions greatness and utilized them for centuries due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. As well as it’s well-known reputation to fight food poisoning and even prevent cancer. This vegetable is also chock full of health benefits that include the following.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Red onions are a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage cells leading to inflammation and disease. Red onions are also rich in vitamin C, another antioxidant with many health benefits like fighting against infections and boosting immune system.
GREAT DIETARY FIBER
For a healthy digestive system, fiber is key because fiber helps digestion by moving food through the digestive tract. Red onions also have prebiotics which are a type of dietary fiver that helps feed the good gut bacteria, helping increase their diversity and numbers, thus enhancing your digestive health even further. Red onions also have sulfur compounds that help reduce growth of bad bacteria.
CANCER PREVENTION
Red onions contain high levels of quercetin which is a type of flavonoid that has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Quercetin works in various ways including neutralizing harmful free radicals that can cause cell damage, potentially leading to cancer. Quercetin also prevents cancer by inducing cell death and inhibiting its growth.
Research of various test tube studies have revealed quercetin’s ability to suppress growth of cancerous cells as well as induce cancer cell death in prostate cancer. (Other studies that have affirmed the same effects on other forms of cancer as well such as ovarian, colon, breast, blood, bladder, and lung cancers.)
BOOSTS IMMUNITY
Red onions ensure a strong and healthy immune system. One way to ensure you maintain a strong immune system is to consume immune-boosting foods like red onions. Red onions are a great source of antioxidants. They contain vitamins A and C, quercetin, and sulfur compounds which boost immunity. These nutrients work together to improve the body’s ability to fight off infections.
HEALTHY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
A healthy digestive system makes it easier to lose weight, improve brain functions, and boosts your immune system. Ensure yourself these benefits by adding red onions to your diet.
PROMOTES HEART HEALTH
Red onions are a rich source of antioxidants and offer several benefits for heart health. Studies have shown that red onions can help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. They also contain quercetin, a compound that has been shown to protect against heart damage. In addition, the sulfur compounds in red onions can help to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation.
LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE
Consuming red onions can help reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension. A study published by the American Journal of Hypertension discovered that those who ate a diet rich in flavonoids (like those in onions) had a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In a human study taking a daily quercetin supplement was shown to lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 5mmHg and 26mmHg, respectively.
IMPROVES ORAL HEALTH
Red onion contains sulfur compounds that have antibacterial properties. This means they can help fight the bacteria that cause bad breath, tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Additionally, onions can help reduce the risk of developing oral cancer. Plus, the high levels of antioxidants in red onions can help reduce any inflammation in the mouth and speed up healing.
REVIVE RED ONIONS IN YOUR DIET WITH THESE MOUTH-WATERING RECIPES
Below are some delightful and delicious recipes with red onion as the main ingredient. These dishes are sure to convince you that a red onion can be more than just a supporting character on your plate.
RED ONION RINGS
These lightly breaded onion rings let the flavor of the red onion shine through. Best part? They're ready in just 10 minutes, meaning you have more time to relax after dinner.
FRENCH RED ONION SOUP
With two types of onion — red and sweet yellow — this classic soup is brimming with rich, oniony flavor. Serve it up with a thick layer of cheese and sprinkling of fresh herbs for that restaurant-quality experience.
RED ONION, FETA, AND TOMATO SALAD
Red onion slices, crumbled pieces of feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes makes this summer salad the most excellent choice for those steamy days. Add balsamic vinegar or a citrusy dressing for that finishing touch! YUM!
