Onions have a bit of an unfair reputation. They make you cry when you cut them, they release a powerful aroma when you cook them, and they give your breath something to remember them by when you eat them. But, as research has confirmed, you should set all those facts aside and embrace this furry, multi-layered vegetable. Loaded with antioxidants, onions may just become your new favorite superfood.

“A” is for Allium

You are probably familiar with another superfood, garlic, known for its cardiovascular advantages and cancer-fighting abilities. Well, as it turns out, onions belong to the same family of vegetables as garlic called the alliums; yet, they boast their own list of unique health benefits. Some other common alliums include chives, leeks, and shallots.

Onions have layers of rewards…

Several studies have revealed that onions offer a host of beneficial effects throughout your body, so consuming onions regularly will truly boost your overall health. Here are some of the profits you can cash in on:

• A decreased risk of prostate cancer in men
• A reduced risk of breast cancer in women
• Kidney damage reversed and/or prevented
• Male reproductive organs protected from toxicity
• A supported brain and nervous system

At the same time, onions contain a key antioxidant ingredient, which can help slow the ageing process.

The undeniable Onion duo

Onions receive their superfood abilities from two powerful ingredients, quercetin and sulphur. First, quercetin, which is found in many fruits and vegetables in addition to onions, serves as an antioxidant. However, quercetin also functions to reduce inflammation and histamine-triggered allergy events. Second, sulphur appears to be an essential nutrient for your body because it is involved in numerous metabolic processes. One of those processes involves the synthesis of glutathione within the liver. Glutathione, often referred to as the super or master antioxidant, earns its title for its remarkable capacity to recycle other used antioxidants.

How should Onions be prepared?

Whether raw, frozen, or powdered, onions come in many forms. Yet, as with other fruits and vegetables, you should try to consume onions raw or as minimally cooked as possible. That will provide you the opportunity to maximise the availability of quercetin and sulphur. If raw onions do not quite fit into your recipes or style of cooking, that is okay. Just make sure you eat onions! For alternative preparation ideas or questions in general, do not forget to visit a Mr Vitamins store and ‘Ask a Naturopath’.