Last week I gave you some info on how the humble lemon had so many uses both health wise and around the home. This week you'd better start channelling your inner Rene from Allo Allo as I've found some interesting facts about onions 
The onion has been linked to reducing a number of cancers in the body, these include prostate, breast, liver, colon & larynx. Onions contain several anti cancer compounds. Research shows that the stronger the flavour of the onion the better it is at fighting cancer cells with particular types of onion being more effective against a certain cancer type. For instance shallots, western yellow and pungent yellow onions are best for liver & colon cancers.
Quercetin is a potent anti cancer compound (especially against brain and lung cancer)as well as being a powerful anti-histamine and good at reducing blood pressure. It can now be bought as a dietary supplement but getting it straight from nature ie scoffing on an onion, is better for you as you receive more of the benefits than you would from an extract, and unlike some vegetables that lose some of their nutrition through some forms of cooking, quercetin retains intact throughout the cooking process.
Other benefits of onions include fibre, Vitamin C, compounds in red onions fight cardiovascular & neurological diseases as well as reducing obesity and diabetes as they inhibit certain enzymes in the gut and support blood sugar levels in the body.
Til next week...
MB
