Can Onions Improve Vision?
Can Onions Improve Vision? - The role
of nutrition in improving vision health is well documented in many scientific
research studies. There are certain foods that protect the health of the eyes
and also reduce the incidence of eye diseases such as macular degeneration and
cataracts. When it comes to a class of vegetables that improve our vision it is
easy to think about vegetables such as broccoli, kale, spinach, carrots and
Brussels sprouts.
However, you
might be surprised to learn that onions are also included in a food class that
improves vision health.. Onions have often earned a bad reputation as some
people tend to loathe them because they burn your eyes when you slice them up.
Nevertheless,
did you realize that this food for your eyes is actually full of nutrients,
vitamins and minerals that support healthy vision? In case you didn't know,
here are some health benefits of onions for better vision health.
Onions are part
of the family of vegetables known as alliums. This eye food is known as one of
the most commonly cultivated class of vegetables with close cousins such as
chives, garlic and Chinese onions to name a few.
These vegetables
come from a subcategory of phytochemical rich foods. They possess medicinal
healing properties that protect the heart and the immune system from free
radicals that destroy healthy cells in the body. Here are some vision health
benefits of onions:
EYE HEALTH BENEFITS
Onions possess
sulfur compounds that are responsible for making an essential antioxidant that
is vital in protecting eye health called L- Gluatathione. This particular
antioxidant protects against oxidative damage in the eyes by protecting and
strengthening the eye lens.
This antioxidant
protection reduces the incidence for eye diseases such as cataracts, macular
degeneration and glaucoma. Due to the fact that eating onions increases L-
Glutathione levels, the antioxidant action of this master antioxidant
safeguards the health of the eye lens and reduces the risk for cataract
formation.
Additionally,
red onions consist of quercetin; another essential vision promoting nutrient
that plays a role in improving poor eyesight and preventing cataract formation.
GENERAL HEALTH BENEFITS
Onions possess a
nutrient called quercetin that promotes heart health and reduces the risks for
cancer. Onions have also shown promise in terms of hypoallergenic properties.
For instance, in scientific lab research studies, they play the role of
anti-histamines that help to prevent allergic reactions in the body. Onions
also have an ingredient called inulin.
This substance
is a water soluble form of dietary fiber which has a positive effect on
supporting the healthy function of the digestive system thereby preventing many
digestive issues. This is due to the fact that it nourishes beneficial bacteria
in the digestive tract. Research shows that eating flavonoid rich foods like
onions actually reduces bacteria in the stomach that leads to stomach ulcers.
Therefore, onions are a good nutritional remedy for stomach ulcers.