Eat Me: Six reasons to love onions… even if they make you cry

Onion is a round, bulb vegetable with layers and rings of vitamins and minerals.

Its colour ranges from white to green and violet.

Vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds found in onion makes it very healthy for consumption.

Even if it makes you cry, here are six reasons to eat more onions:

Boosts immunity

The phytochemicals present in onion act as a stimulant for vitamin C within the body. This vitamin protects your immune system against toxins and various foreign bodies that can lead to disease and illness.

Onion also contains two amino acids, methionine and cystine, which are great in removing heavy metals like mercury, lead, and cadmium from the body.

Promotes good heart health

Onions act as anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners, which prevent the red blood cells from forming clumps.

These blocks and clots can lead to heart disorders or cardiovascular diseases. Raw onion also promotes the production of HDL which is the good cholesterol needed by the body to stay healthy.

Good for diabetics

The chromium content in onion helps the body manage blood sugar levels and ensures a slow, gradual release of glucose to the muscles and the body cells which is vital for diabetic patients.

Prevents cancer

Quercetin, a derived flavonoid in onions, boosts the immune system while preventing the development of tumours and cancerous cells.

Onions have a significant amount of quercetin and vitamin C which can reduce the presence and impact of free radicals in the body.

Relieves stress

Quercetin also helps protect your body against stress. When you are stressed, your body produces cortisol, which is normal. But too much of it can damage muscle tissue and cause protein breakdown in the body.

During times of prolonged stress, quercetin suppresses enzyme required for cortisol release.

Treats anaemia

Onion is rich in iron, an essential nutrient that aids production of new red blood cells. Therefore, anemia, also known as iron deficiency, can be prevented by having a fair amount of onion in your diet.