Are Onions Really A Super Healthy Food?

Each year, Americans consume an estimated 18 lbs. of onions. People have been cultivating and harvesting the vegetable for at least 5,000 years, according to "The Herb Companion." Ancient Egyptians worshipped the onion, used it as a medicinal treatment and as a culinary herb. Today, the onion is the most popular vegetable in the United States. The root vegetable is known for its culinary versatility and rich nutrient content. Consider including an onion in your daily dietary plan to reap its health-conferring benefits. As always, talk to your doctor before altering your diet for medicinal purposes.

Fights Osteoporosis

Each year, osteoporosis costs Americans $17 billion in medical expenses. A phytochemical found in the onion may prevent osteoporosis, according to a 2005 study published in the American Chemical Society's "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry." Researchers at the University of Bern in Switzerland, led by Herbert A. Wetli, found that a compound called GPCS in the onion decreases bone loss in laboratory studies; however, further studies are needed to draw conclusive findings.

Lowers Cardiovascular Risk

Consuming onions may improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of stroke, according to "The Herb Companion." A nutrition researcher from Tufts University, Victor Gurewich, M.D.,says that eating one yellow onion per day may raise HDL, or good, cholesterol by up to 30 percent. Try sauteeing a diced onion and adding to tomato sauce for a heart-healthy pasta meal.

Antioxidant and Bioflavinoid Support

The onion contains antioxidants and bioflavinoids that protect cells from free radical damage and support tissue repair, according to nutritionist Phyllis A. Balch in "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." The most significant constituents are sulfur and quercetin. The yellow onion contains the highest level of quercetin found in food. Cooking does not reduce the potency of the chemicals. Try adding thinly sliced, sauteed yellow onion to steamed kale, with a pinch of cayenne for an antioxidant-rich side dish.

Beneficial Nutritional Source

One medium onion contains the following nutrients: 25 mg of calcium, 11 mg of magnesium, 32 mg of phosphorus, 161 mg of potassium and 8 mg of vitamin C, according to the USDA. Rich sources of minerals are important for maintaining bone health. Vitamin C is important for cardiovascular and tissue support. Potassium aids proper muscle contraction, including that of the heart, and neutralizes acidic urine that causes kidney stones, says Balch.