Onions have long been used as a food source. Used in soups, stir-fries, salads, dips and many more dishes, they have been eaten cooked, raw, and dried. There are many different types, they range in flavor from mild and sweet to very strong. These members of the lily family are grown all over the world.
Did you know that onions have also been used as a medicine? They have qualities that make them antibacterial and antimicrobial. They can eliminate bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli and Bacillus subtilis. In Chinese medicine, they are recommended for coughs, bacterial infections, angina, and respiratory problems. The Early American settlers used them to treat asthma, colds, and coughs as well as to deter insects.
The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that onions can treat a poor appetite and can prevent atherosclerosis. They recommend that onion extract can help relieve symptoms of bronchitis, colds, coughs, and asthma. They even help prevent tumors of the colon.
Onions contain sulfides that are very similar to those found in its cousin, the garlic. These sulfides may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Studies done in India have shown that people who ate lots of onions and garlic had lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure than those who did not eat these foods. They are a natural anticoagulant and can help prevent blood clots.
They can help prevent cancer of various types. The sulfide compounds help protect you from developing tumors. People who eat a lot of them in their diet develop less stomach cancer than those who do not eat them regularly. This is especially true when they eat the stronger flavored varieties. Milder verities are not as effective due to lower amounts of sulfides. They are safe to eat while taking pharmaceuticals. They may make anticoagulants more effective, so tell your care provider if you eat a lot of onions. They can adjust your dosage.
Everyone should be reaping the benefits of them! Even people who do not normally, like them may enjoy them caramelized. This makes them more palatable to some. Add them to gravy, soup or a casserole. Many recipes need them to make them taste their best. You can also add them to many other recipes. Onions are so versatile you should find something for almost everyone.
If someone does not care for their texture, try chopping them very finely before cooking. French onion soup is a surefire hit even with most people who do not like them. Serve it up in beautiful French onion soup crock bowls and they will be sitting at the table waiting for their own bowl. That layer of melted cheese is hard for anyone to resist!
Who knew they were so beneficial? Try adding some to your menu if you do not eat them regularly. They add flavor to soups, roasts, and spaghetti sauce. Caramelized they can add a big boost of flavor to anything you add them to and they tend to melt into the background for those who do not care for the texture of onions.
A handled onion soup bowl makes serving onion soup so much easier. The handle makes it simple to take out of the oven and set in front of your guest. Instead of needing two hot pads to take out each bowl, you only need one to grab the handle.