DEAR DR. GOTT: If whole, unpeeled onions are placed in a bowl around a room, will this keep people from catching the flu or any other contagious virus? This is an old wives tale but is there any truth to it?
DEAR READER: The reported virtues of onions as reported by old wives and ancient cultures are countless. An onion is extremely low in calories and fats, yet rich in soluble dietary fiber. The particular fiber in an onion MAY LOWER your chances for stroke, heart attack and heart failure. I’m not sure here who knocks door to door to take a census of onion eaters, but that is an issue for another day! Studies reveal that two phyto-chemical compounds convert to allicin when the bulb is crushed, cut, cubed, or sliced. And, it’s these compounds that are believed to have anti-diabetic properties and protect people from cancer and hypertension. They help reduce inflammation and are beneficial for sufferers of vertigo, bronchitis and neuritis. The onion acts as a diuretic and is believed to promote healthy hair, fingernails and toenails. It is believed to lower the production of cholesterol and decrease the stiffness in blood vessels through the release of nitric oxide. It is believed to have anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, as well. The onion provides an excellent source of anti-oxidants, the mineral manganese and vitamin C. It is touted to provide relief from the common cold, flu, bronchitis, insomnia, bacterial infections, and asthma. It is high in vitamin B, prevents osteoporosis and helps the brain maintain GABA levels.
You’re not the first person to ask about the benefits of onions. History going back to ancient Egypt’s inhabitants believed the spherical shape and rings symbolized eternal life. In Greece, athletes were known to eat great quantities of onions because they were believed to lighten the balance of blood. In the Middle Ages people paid their rent with onions and gave them as gifts. In years past doctors prescribed onions to help with bowel movements, coughs, infertility, hair loss, and to relieve headaches. Even today, in many parts of the undeveloped world it is believed onions heal blisters and boils. I’ve even promoted them as a means of reliving the itching associated with the bite of a mosquito.
The onion can cause us to cry while slicing it and can irritate our skin as we cut into it. Reactions occur because of the release of allyl sylphide gas that is expelled during the chopping/slicing process. It is believed to avoid symptoms, an onion should be immersed in cold water before altering it in any way to avoid the unwanted side effects.
The onion is easily grown, transported and stored. It is available at local grocery stores year-round in a great number of varieties. Even farm markets sell them. We are so creative we now have the liberty of purchasing ones that are mild, sweet, pungent or spicy. We can buy them fresh, dehydrated and even canned for that delicious creamed onion dish at Thanksgiving time.
Onions should be stored in a cool, dark location away from moisture. While they can be kept in a refrigerator, they should be used promptly once they reach room temperature since they have a tendency to spoil rather rapidly. Problems arise when the flesh turns black. It’s at that stage the vegetable should hit the trash bin.
So, with all this unofficial testimony, how can I say onions won’t cure everything? It certainly sounds as if those little bulbs can do just that. How many of you readers are old enough to remember our mothers dropping the skins in boiling water to color eggs at Easter time? Such versatility. I certainly do. My only comment after all this is that you ask about an unpeeled onion. Everything I’ve read points to the ingestion of a peeled onion in terms of its healing properties. I’d say if you choose to leave your unpeeled onions around the house in bowls, go ahead, but you’d likely have a better chance repelling vampires with garlic bulbs in those bowls instead but that’s just my guess.
