The Word on Weightloss

Did you read that title twice thinking it said apple? Well read it again. Onions are naturally rich in disease-fighting nutrients and should definitely be a part of your weight loss plan.

What would our lives be like without onions?

Onions have been used as an ingredient in various dishes for thousands of years by many cultures around the world. World onion production is steadily increasing, so much that the onion is now the second most important horticultural crop after tomatoes, and that’s something to take advantage of.

Onions are virtually free of sugar, in particular red (also known as purple) and white onions are both natural powerhouses, loaded with nutrients for a healthy and clean-eating diet that will keep you on track to meet your weight loss goal.

Worried about bad breath? Well here are 5 important reasons to include onions in your weight loss plan:

1. Fight colds and the flu

• Early American settlers used wild onions to treat colds, coughs, and asthma, and to repel insects.
• In Chinese medicine, onions have been used to treat angina, coughs, bacterial infections, and breathing problems.
•  Nobody likes getting sick (especially when you need to work out to meat your weight loss goal), so try incorporating onions into your diet since they’re naturally antimicrobial – meaning they can help your immune system defeat those unwanted germs.

2. Prevent cavities!

Yes, they might cause bad breath, but onions are naturally antifungal. Studies have shown that onion extracts reduce the bacteria in your mouth that cause cavity formation!

3. Best for your bones.

According to a study by researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina the bones of postmenopausal women who consumed onions once a day or more had an overall bone density that was 5% greater than individuals who consumed onions once a month or less. The key compound that allows onions to build strong bones is quercetin, a flavoniod responsible for the yellowish-brown look of many onions.

4. Support heart health

Onions are a rich source of flavonoids, substances known to provide protection against cardiovascular disease. That means you’ll also be young at heart (literally) well into your golden years!

5. Keep your digestive track healthy

While onions are naturally low carbohydrate, the bit of sugar they do contain is high in fructans, a type of sugar that promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the bowel. You’re probably familiar with these healthy bacteria in your yogurt – it’s the same thing! A good bacterium in your digestive track supports everything from your immune system to regularity – all the things that will keep your weight loss goals in check.

BONUS -- Try this:
Red onions are naturally sweeter than white onions, so they make a pleasant addition to many means when raw. Try adding red onions to your lunch today – in your green salad or raw veggie wrap with hummus!