by Lauren Beyenhof

Created on: November 03, 2008   Last Updated: May 25, 2011

Onions are a lot of things. They are an extremely versatile food item as evidenced by its widespread use in recipes. Onions also have their place in folk remedies, such as being helpful in the first aid treatment of cuts and scrapes. Medically speaking, onions are effective in treating high cholesterol. As a cure for cancer, however, onions have yet to prove themselves. What they can do, however, is block certain carcinogens. Of course, inability to cure cancer doesn't mean that onions can't be a nutritionally sound part of the diet.Since onions are members of the same family of plant food as garlic and leeks, it stands to reason that they might share some of the same nutritional properties. Unfortunately, this means that onions are rather devoid of a lot of nutrients. They can also cause bloating and gas in some people, especially if they are raw or undercooked.

Types of Onions

Two main types of onions exist: spring onions and globe onions. Each has its own set of distinctive flavors and uses. The spring onions for example are sweeter in taste. They are delicious raw, or can be used in salad dressings or soups. A common use of spring onions is French onion soup.

Globe onions are the larger onions that are red, yellow or white and can be about the size of a person's fist. They have a thin, flaky outer skin to protect the many layers beneath. These are the types of onions you find being piled onto hamburgers or battered and deep fried as onion rings. They are somewhat mild in taste and become even more mild when heated up or caramelized.

Health Benefits

Onions may not be high in nutritional values, but what they lack in quantity of vitamins and minerals, they make up in quality. Onions are a source of vitamin C, which is a proven immune booster. Beta carotene is also present, making onions useful in promoting good vision. Also in high quantity in onions is vitamin K, also known as potassium. Onions contribute approximately 1/3 of the same amount of potassium (225mg) as a large banana.

Current research has proven that onions are good for heart health. They have the ability to prevent heart attacks and may even protect against the dangerous type of cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) from becoming trapped in the arteries. Based on this property, onions may even be able to help prevent high blood pressure.

Onions cannot cure cancer, but what they can do is block the cancer-causing potential of known carcinogens. Onions also have some mild anti-bacterial abilities.

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