An Onion A Day Keeps The Doctor Away

The health benefits of onions are frequently overlooked or even unknown. Containing powerful compounds such as Quercetin and Chromium, studies reveal that this kitchen staple has many hidden talents making it the diamond of the vegetable world.

Quercetin, which is recognised as being a more potent antioxidant than vitamin E, is a multi-tasking flavonoid which helps to keep the body in peak condition, aiding to fight a variety of illnesses ranging from the common cold to colon, prostate and breast cancer. Onions are an effective source of this increasingly valued compound; in fact, absorption of Quercetin from onions is twice that from tea and three times that from apples.

Onions also contain very high levels of chromium which helps maintain a positive hormone balance and to combat PMS.

Founder of the The Food Doctor, author, broadcaster and health journalist Ian Marber comments: “The term superfoods tends to be applied to nearly everything these days, but the humble onion does offer far more benefits than most vegetables owing to its potent antioxidant and probiotic effects.”

Experts believe that as little as two to three onions per week can have a significantly positive impact on health. And even better news, onions don’t have to be eaten raw to maximise their health benefits – Quercetin is relatively stable while being cooked so retains all its powerful goodness to aid overall wellbeing.