Effective Ways to Eat Onions: Boosting Efficacy and Nutritional Value with Healthy Recipes.

Onions are widely used in Korean dishes such as soups, stews, and stir-fries, not just to enhance flavor but also to provide numerous health benefits. In this post, we will explore various benefits and effective methods to increase the efficacy and nutritional value of onions.

 

Onions not only add flavor to dishes but also offer a myriad of nutritional benefits. By handling and cooking onions correctly, you can enjoy even more advantages.

 

Impact of Onions on Vascular Health

Onions contain a significant amount of quercetin, a compound that supports vascular health. Quercetin helps prevent damage to blood vessel walls, lowers LDL cholesterol, and contributes to maintaining vascular health. Additionally, the sulfide compounds found in onions play a role in expanding blood vessels, aiding in blood pressure regulation. Allicin, another component in onions, inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria and has an effect on reducing blood glucose levels.

 

Association between Onions and Visceral Fat Reduction

Onions can effectively contribute to the reduction of visceral fat. According to research from the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization in Japan, a group that consumed onion powder daily for 12 weeks showed a significant reduction in abdominal fat compared to a group that did not consume onions. The distinct aroma and taste of onions indicate the presence of beneficial compounds for health.

 

Utilizing the Nutrient-Rich Outer Skin

When handling onions, it is recommended to peel only the brown outer skin. Removing the brown skin reveals a transparent second layer rich in various nutrients such as calcium and magnesium. The onion skin contains 20-30 times more polyphenols and about four times more quercetin than the onion bulb itself. Slicing onions vertically can enhance the activation of nutrients like allicin, so it's advisable to be mindful of this when utilizing them.

 

Tips for Selecting and Storing Onions

When selecting onions, choose those that feel heavy, firm, and without wrinkles. Onions with sprouts may be spongy or hollow inside, and improper storage can lead to unpleasant odors. Smelling the onion is also an effective way to assess its freshness.

 

Preparation Before Cooking

Special attention is required before cooking onions. Cutting onions vertically and letting them sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes allows onion and oxygen to interact, transforming sulfur compounds into beneficial enzymes. This process converts the pungent components of onions into substances that interact with microorganisms in the body, providing health benefits.

 

Onions not only add flavor to dishes but also offer a myriad of nutritional benefits. By handling and cooking onions correctly, you can enjoy even more advantages. Learn various ways to incorporate onions into your diet for a healthier and tastier meal. Through onions, you can savor a meal that is both delicious and nourishing for your well-being.