Onion’s Health Benefits Rival Garlic’s

October 28, 2008

I’ve always known onions are good for you, but even I am surprised at the new research on onions, which shows that their health benefits may rival those of garlic. Onions have long been used to treat lung problems, and now research confirms the effectiveness of onions in decreasing bronchial spasms and allergy-induced bronchial constriction in asthma patients. Onions also help prevent bacterial lung infections.

Onions contain a number of compounds that can help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, and help prevent harmful blood clots.

They can also help reduce the risk for cancer, particularly stomach and colon cancer. In one study, people who ate about half an onion a day cut their cancer risk in half. Onions help reduce the cancer risk associated with eating red meat (and make a great companion to a grilled steak).

The more “bite” in the bulb, the better. Varieties such as Western Yellow, New York Bold, and Northern Red onions, along with shallots, have the richest concentration of flavonoids, such as quercetin and phenols, providing them with the greatest antioxidant and anti-cancer activity.

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: New research on the health benefits of onions show that they can effectively improve lung and heart health and even reduce the risk for cancer. Make powerful, health-promoting foods like onions a regular part of your diet.