Onion: A Gift to mankind

      What comes to mind when you think of an onion? The vegetable that makes us cry in the kitchen right?  The compound allyl sulphate which is produced when an onion's ruptured cells are exposed to air is responsible for producing tears, to reduce the production of this compound, chill the onions for half an hour or so before cutting to reduce the activity of the enzyme. Onion is one of the oldest cultivated herbs; it is believed to have originated from central Asia. Onions differ in size, colour and taste; some are white, red and yellow. It is more active when eaten raw, this is because it contains a variety of organic sulphur compounds, contained in a volatile oil, that provide health benefits              

1)      Onions are a good source of folic acid.

2)      Onion contains natural sugar, vitamins A, B6, C and E, as well as minerals such as sodium, potassium and  iron

3)      Raw onion encourages the production of good cholesterol

4)      Onions is an excellent stain removal. Rub onions on mud stains in clothes and wash with soap.

5)      Onions contains a powerful compound called quercetin which  play a significant role in preventing cancer

6)      Applying raw onions to the forehead or eating raw onions helps in controlling cold.

7)      Onions contain chromium, which assists in regulating blood sugar

8)      Warts are superficial growths on the skin, rubbing raw onions on the area helps in reducing warts.

9)      Onions helps in the reduction of pain after been stung by a bee. Apply onion juice on the area for immediate relief from the pain and burning sensation.

10)  Onions cures insomnia. One teaspoon of onion juice mixed with honey and milk taken at bedtime induces sleep.

11)  A mixture of onions and honey helps in the cure of coughs.

12)  Onions helps to freshen our homes. Put a sliced onion in a room with bad odour and soon the bad odour will disappear.

13)  Onions reduces your risk of developing gastric ulcers. Onions juice helps to cure stomach disorders and clean digestive tracks.

14)  Onions is very valuable in the treatment of heart disease. Regular intake of onions maintains the normal blood circulation and helps to prevent heart disease.

Having lots of mosquitoes in the house? Just cut some onion into two pieces each and place around the bulbs in the house and soon all the mosquitoes would fly away.