Onion Reducing Risk of Stomach Cancer - Nutrition Facts and Health Effects

Since onions grew wild in various regions, they were probably consumed for thousands of years and domesticated simultaneously all over the world. Onions may be one of the earliest cultivated crops because they were less perishable than other foods of the time, were transportable, were easy to grow, and could be grown in a variety of soils and climates.

Onions have been valued for their medicinal qualities by many cultures around the globe. Numerous health benefits have been attributed to the vegetable, including prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Scientific studies have shown a positive relationship between vegetable intake and risk for these common diseases. This has led many researchers to test whether the proposed medicinal attributes of onions are valid. Some of these studies have shown that including onion in the diet:

Was associated with a reduced risk of stomach cancer in humans.
Was associated with a decreased risk for brain cancer in humans.
Inhibited platelet-mediated thrombosis (a process leading to heart attacks and strokes).
Reduced levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and thromboxanes (substances involved in the development of cardiovascular disease) in the blood.
Was associated with a reduction in symptoms associated with osteoporosis.

Onions are high in vitamin C, a good source of fiber, and with only 45 calories per serving, add abundant flavor to a wide variety of food. Onions are sodium, fat, and cholesterol free, and provide a number of other key nutrients.

In the rush to gather health information on the processed foods we eat, it can be easy to forget to check the nutritional facts of vegetables like the onion.

General Questions

From cutting an onion to storing onions and everything in-between…

Q: How can I reduce tearing when cutting an onion?

A: To reduce tearing when cutting onions, first chill the onions for 30 minutes. Then, cut off the top and peel the outer layers leaving the root end intact. (The root end has the highest concentration of sulphuric compounds that make your eyes tear.)

Q: How many cups of chopped onion will one medium onion yield?

A: One medium onion equals about 1 cup chopped onion.

Q: What is the best way to store onions?

A: Dry bulb onions should be kept in a cool, dry, well ventilated place. Do not store whole onions in plastic bags. Lack of air movement will reduce their storage life. Sweet onions have a higher water content than storage onions, making them more susceptible to bruising, and a shorter shelf life than storage varieties. One way to extend the shelf life of a sweet or high water content onion is to wrap each one in paper towels or newspaper and place them in the refrigerator to keep them cool and dry.

Q: How do I store whole peeled onions?

A: Whole peeled onions should be properly refrigerated at 40°F or below. (Source: USDA)

Q: After I cut or use part of an onion, how long will it keep?

A: Chopped or sliced onions can be stored in a sealed container in your refrigerator at the proper temperature of 40°F or below for 7 to 10 days (Source: USDA). For pre-cut fresh or frozen products, always use and follow manufactures “use by” dates.

Q: Why do my onions taste bitter after sauteing?

A: High heat makes onions bitter. When sauteing onions, always use low or medium heat.

Q: I am worried about having “onion breath.” Is there anything I can do to alleviate this situation?

A: Although onion breath normally comes from eating raw onions, a mild raw onion may cause no odor. Cooked onions leave virtually no odor on the breath. When you are concerned about your breath, use these helpful tips to freshen your breath.

Eat a sprig or two of parsley, it’s known as nature’s natural breath sweetener.
Rinse your mouth with equal parts of lemon juice and water.
Chew a citrus peel.

Q: How do I remove the smell of onions from my hands and/or cooking equipment?

A: Rub your hands or cooking equipment with lemon juice. If your pots or pans are made of aluminum, cast iron, or carbon-steel, rub them with salt instead.

Q: What should I look for when purchasing onions?

A: When purchasing onions, look for dry outer skins free of spots or blemishes. The onion should be heavy for its size with no scent.

Q: I want to use raw onion. How can I reduce the pungency?

A: To reduce the pungency, sharpness or aftertaste of a raw onion, cut them the way you plan to use them and place into a bowl of ice water to stand for 1 1/2 hours before draining. If time is at a premium, place onions in a strainer or sieve. Run water through onions for at least a minute.

Q: Which color of onion (yellow, red, or white) should I use and does each color taste different?

A: Refer to the Color, Flavor, Usage Chart for a guide to help you choose which onion to use in a recipe.

Great video on how to make a simply beautiful onion garnish