Health Series #20. Onion

It is natural to become physically weaker as one ages. However, it is possible to stay younger and healthier than your physical age by what you eat at your table every day. More and more medical research and studies have shown the medicinal properties and benefits of herbs and healthy diet.

As of this new year of 2024, let us stay healthy by looking into a variety of herbs one by one, their nutrition facts, and healthy diet so that we are able to lead a life with more confidence and constantly get ourselves back on track with aplomb even if we happen to deviate from the optimal state of health.

 

#20. Onion

 

Are you frequently using onions for your day-to-day meals? Onions may bring tears to your eyes while prepping them and make your breath less than perfect due to their particularly strong odor. However, onions also add a lot of kicks and flavor to dishes. Whether you like this root vegetable raw or cooked, there are many health benefits to eating onions.

Many studies suggest that 1.organo________________ compounds may stop cancer cells from multiplying and growing, causing the cells to die.

A 2019 study found that consuming 35 pounds of onions and other allium vegetables every year may lower your risk of 2. colo______________ cancer by almost 80%. Most Americans consume about 22 pounds of onions in a year, according to the National Onion Association.

 

Onions are high in Vitamin C and more than 25 different types of flavonoids/ antioxidants that support healthy 3. _______________________ system and fend off chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Antioxidants protect against free radicals that cause 4. infla___________.

For maximum antioxidant benefits, choose colorful red onions, which have flavonoids called 5. anth_____________________ that give the vegetable their color.

Do you peel the skin of onions before cooking? Because research shows an onion’s 6. Choose the answer (outer    or     inner) layers have the highest concentration of flavonoids, try to keep as much of that part as possible when removing the skin.

 

Another flavonoid found in onions called 7. que__________________ offers many heart-healthy benefits, especially for people experiencing obesity and 8. met___________________syndrome, which is a combination of risk factors, such as excess weight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar.

Since onions also appear to have blood-thinning abilities, which can help prevent 9. blood cl__________ that cause heart attacks and strokes.

 

Furthermore, onions have 10. anti-___________________ properties that help slow or stop the growth of bacteria that cause E. coli infections, Staph infections, and stomach ulcers.

 

Why don’t you let this root vegetable clean up your body and bring tears of joy to your dry eyes?!!!

 

Answer Keys 

   1.  organosulfur 

   2.  colorectal or colon  

   3.  immune

   4.  inflammations

   5.  anthocyanins

   6. outer

   7.  quercetin

   8.  metabolic

   9.  clots

   10.    bacterial

*source from Cleveland clinic

 

Acrostic Poem Using ONION by Jean J. Lee

Overjoyed and tearful?

Not a chance to share your secret ingredient?

I can easily guess what’s on your chopping board

Or on the shelf in your cool pantry

Nice and easy does it before your breath drowns out all other flavors!

 

 

If you’re interested in consulting your health with professional pharmacists, check this out!

Santa Ana Tustin Compounding Pharmacy