We use onions in almost everything we cook. The skins are usually tossed in the garbage or recycled in a compost heap, but hardly ever used for cooking. Yet studies have shown that the skin of an onion is filled with antioxidants and antioxidants prevent disease.
The skin of the onion has more antioxidants than the actual onion. Onion skin has a high content of insoluble fibre and is therefore important in aiding regular bowel movements. It is a cleanser and will remove toxins from the intestines as well as balance the pH value of the body and prevent the formation of cancerous cells.
Why is the onion skin healthy?
The outer layer, the brown layer, is rich in dietary fibre, flavonoids and antioxidants. These are all good for the skin and to prevent illness.
The skin of the onion has quercetin, a powerful pigment that is excellent for reducing high blood pressure. It also prevents clogged arteries. The skin also has anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-fungal and antioxidant properties.
Use the onion skin
- Reduce illness
- Prevent cardiovascular disease
- Stave off cancers
- Weight loss
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Ward off Gastrointestinal problems
- Aid digestion
Instead of discarding the onion skin, you can use it to make tea, and also in soups or stews to add flavour.
Instructions for onion skin tea
- Peel the onions
- Place the onion skins in a glass jar or container and store
- Bring water to the boil
- Place a few onion skins in a cup
- Pour boiling water over
- Soak for fifteen minutes
- Strain
- Drink
It is best to have onion skin tea before bed as the quercetin pigment contains sedative properties and will help you sleep. Onion tea is also excellent for insomnia.
Onion skin is not edible but you can add it as flavouring in soups and stews. The quercetin in the skin is a very strong flavonoids and the antioxidants prevent illness and disease. Add the skin to your soup or stew and remove it before serving. The added flavour is beneficial, the soup or stew will be filled with antioxidants.
Note that onion skin is not good for everyone and pregnant women and nursing mothers should check with their doctor’s before ingesting any.
Source: Fine Living Advice