Onions lower blood pressure, cholesterol

GREELEY, Colo., Oct. 10 (UPI) -- Onions are known for flavor, but they are also healthy for you, says the National Onion Association.

The NOA says onions contain organosulfur compounds linked to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

The non-profit group says that members of the Allium family like onion and garlic also contain alliinase, which is an enzyme that speeds up chemical reactions. Alliinase helps create the compound that gives onions tear-inducing properties along with their distinct flavor and smell.

In an onion, alliinase and the health-promoting sulfur compounds rest on opposite sides of the onions' cell walls until they are cut, and then they react to create a compound that can cause tears to fall.

Other health enhancing compounds found in onions include fructans, a source of soluble fiber shown to reduce rates of colorectal cancers, while onions' flavonoids, such as quercetin, have proven antioxidant activity. Nutritionally speaking, onions are a good source of dietary fiber, are high in Vitamin C and have no cholesterol or fat, the association said.

To reduce your tears, chill onions at least 30 minutes before cutting because refrigeration will slow down the chemical reactions.