Let us talk about ONIONS

My fascination with onions started when I got married. My husband eats onions everyday like its an apple and he rarely gets sick. He enjoys eating onions in different ways and different seasons. He orders a side of onions everytime we dine out and gets frustrated when they give him sliced onions, not the whole onion. He will give a good tip when they do understand and will pay for a fresh, whole onion with his meal. So, I have to plant at least 500 onion plants every year between April to October. What an absurdity but it really makes him happy and healthy.

BENEFITS OF ONIONS

From the family of allium vegetables, “Allium cepa”, onions is one of the worlds’ oldest cultivated crop. They are high in vitamin B1, B6, B9, C and K; biotin, potassium, calcium, protein, chromium and fiber. Becaus eof its sulfur content, onions help warm the body, aid in protein/amino acid metabolism and facilitate the removal of parasites and heavy metals.

ONIONS AND CRYING

It is referred to as “natures’ tear gas” due to the breakdown of sulfenic acids, a gas by product Syn-propanethial-S-oxide. When you cut or slice an onion, this sulfur like substance rapidly disperses into the air, stinging the eyes and triggers uncontrollable tearing and flushing reflexes.

WHAT’S IN AN ONION?

• Onion comes in different cultivars of red, yellow and white. Red onions are 25% higher in anthocyanin ( the pigment that give plants their rich color), than yellow and white.
• Onions are high in flavonoids and thiosulfates. Thiosulfinates exhibit antimicrobial effects and inhibits thrombocyte aggregation.
• Quercetin, a plant pigment and an antioxidant is also found in onions. They are highest in the outermost layer and bottom closest to the root, so do not over peel. Cooking in low heat help preserve quercetin, though cooking onions does not affect polyphenolic compounds or diminish its antioxidant activity.
• Raw onions inhibit platelet aggregation and helps lower the production of LDL.

ONIONS AND CANCER

A research study in Hawaii showed that using onions canhelp decrease the risk of squamous cell lung cancer. A Swiss case control study demonstrated that eating more than 7 onions a week decreased cancer of the oral cavity, laryngeal, endometrial and ovarian cancer.

ONIONS AND LUNGS

There are several studies showing that onion extracts significantly reduced allergy-induced bronchial constriction in asthma patients. They have found that onions help expel mucus in conjunction with its antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties.

ONION COUGH SYRUP

This onion cough syrup is our standby cupboard pharmacy favorite everytime we feel under the weather. We even used it when we had the COVID symptoms. It is actually delicious, not like your over-the-counter cough medicine, and soothing that we find no reason not to take it. Together with honey, this cough syrup is kid friendly, the best way to get children take herbal remedies.

Ingredients :

• 4 large size red onions
• 2 cups of raw honey
• a clove of garlic, crushed
• 2 tbsp. cinnamon powder

1. Cut the onions in squares and line the bottom of a saucepan about an inch thick.
2. Place half a cup of honey.
3. Layer it with garlic in between, like a lasagna.
4. Simmer on low heat for 4 hours. Do not boil.
5. Let it cool and strain through a mesh sieve.
6. Place in clean, dark bottle.
7. Place in a dark, cool place.
8. Will keep for a year.
9. To use, take 1 tbsp. 3x a day as needed.