The humble onion has been used in dishes for thousands of years, with health benefits as layered as the onion itself. This month, we pay homage to the little bulb that’s had the biggest impact in the kitchen, as well as celebrate that its lesser-loved breath impact can be a thing of the past, thanks to the Fresh Breath Expert, Clorets.
Family History
Onions belong to the lily family; the same family as garlic, leeks, chives, scallions and shallots. With over 600 species of onions alone, and a staggering 120 different documented uses, this is one multi-talented family!
Health Benefits
Onions have a variety of medicinal benefits. 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 for centuries.
Big word, big benefits
Onions are a very rich source of fructo-oligosaccharides. These carbohydrates stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria and suppress the growth of harmful bacteria in the colon, potentially reducing the risk of tumors developing in the colon.
Heart-warming news
Onions contain a number of sulfides similar to those found in garlic which may lower blood lipids and blood pressure. In India, communities that never consumed onions or garlic had blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels substantially higher, and blood clotting times shorter, than the communities that ate liberal amounts of garlic and onions.
Onions are also a rich source of flavonoids, substances known to provide protection against cardiovascular disease. Their antimicrobial properties mean that onion is effective against many bacteria too – including Salmonella and E. coli.
The more pungent varieties of onion appear to possess the greatest concentration of health-promoting phytochemicals. But is that bad news for your breath? Not if you have Clorets on hand…
Have your onion and eat it
Thanks to their range of intense flavours with proven odour masking ingredients, Clorets will instantly freshen your breath, so you can eat the foods you love and enjoy all their health benefits – no matter how close your company gets! That’s especially good news when you consider what you could win…??
Win a private chef experience – worth R2000!
Clorets not only ensures you can eat the foods you love – now they’re offering you a way to enjoy the finest fare in the comfort of your own home, in the company of your favourite companion and a top chef! Win an unforgettable meal made in your own kitchen, by simply visiting the competition page and answering one easy question. It’s that simple.