Peel Away the Layers of Healing Within Onion

My grandmother and mother in law both grew up in an era of folk lore, tall tales and home remedies for healing. One story they often told over the decades, was regarding the healing properties in anonion. They said that if you put an onion in the sock of a person with a fever, the temperature would come down quickly. And the onion would draw out cold and flu germs.

Both women said you could see the evidence the onion had done it's job, because when removed from the sock, it would have turned black. (I always wondered if that may have been because of smelly feet). They also told us that you could make an onion poultice, put it in a satchel on the chest, and it would relieve congestion.

My grandma and mother in law made onion soup, and added onions in most every meal. My grandmother even ate raw onions, and made ate onion sandwiches. She could put cut onions between two slices of bread with mayonnaise.Sometimes she added a slice of tomato. My brothers and I laughed, but my grandma lived to age 91. 

The healing properties of onions dates back to the 17th century, when New World explorer Pere Marquette ate them to keep from starving to death. The sulfur content in onions, is what brings forth their signature aroma, and may play a factor in their healing power. 

Onions contain the antioxidant called quercetin, which has been associated with reducing heart related issues, such as heart attack, hardening of the arteries, and high blood pressure. In the June 2009 British Journal of Nutrition, it was revealed that both raw and heated onions decrease cholesterol gallstone development in mice. There have been no conclusive studies regarding humans.

Research on the effect of onions on blood sugar in humans has been more extensive.The sulfur compound in onions, may increase insulin production and lower blood glucose levels. An October 2010 preliminary report published in the journal "Environmental Health Insights" concluded, that red onions are effective at reducing blood sugar levels in those who have diabetes. Red onions are my favorite. 

Glucose readings in people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes dropped, and remained low, four hours after eating. While more research is necessary, these findings are promising, regarding the role of onions, in management of diabetes. It is also being suggested, that onions may lower risk of heart attack, and cancer.

One cup of chopped onions, has 64 calories, 20% RDA Vitamin C, 3 grams, (11% ) RDA dietary fiber, 2 grams of protein, and 4 grams of calcium. In addition to causing the eyes to water, onions eaten in large amounts may cause allergic reactions and or heartburn. In moderation, you can peel away the layers of healing and health within an onion.