Page 70 - Cityview_Jan_Feb_2014

WELLNESS SPOTLIGHT
Spring onions, also known as scallions, green

onions, or baby onions, never fully develop the

bulb that we eat from other species of onion.

preventing cardiovascular diseases,
cancers, and some neurodegenerative

diseases. both onions and garlic are
natural anti-clotting agents and can

improve circulation and lower choles-
terol and high blood pressure due to

their content of sulfur, chromium, and
vitamin b6. both onions and garlic are

especially high in quercetin, a flavonoid
protecting against heart disease, stroke,

and some types of cancer. Quercetin is
an anti-allergenic element and, when

combined with vitamin C and isothio-
cyanates, abundant in alliums, has an

anti-inflammatory effect.
onions can prevent ulcers by absorb-

ing damaging intestinal gasses and
preventing the growth of ulcer-forming

microorganisms. In addition, onions Known for its content of sulfur Adding on the family’s protective
have been used in traditional medicine (more than 70 different compounds), powers, leeks provide vitamins C, b6,

around the world to treat earaches and calcium, potassium, zinc, selenium, and K, as well as manganese and iron.
respiratory disorders. A newly discov- and iron, garlic also exhibits unique Vitamin C helps with wound healing

ered compound in onions might help health-enhancing characteristics. gar- and collagen formation, while vitamin
prevent osteoporosis. high in iron and lic contains germanium, a substance b6 is important in efficient energy

easy to assimilate in the body, onions that promotes healing by alerting the utilization. Vitamin K is a coagulant,
can help treat anemia, delivering the body’s immune system to harmful and it also stimulates growth of bone

fully recommended daily dosage in only substances and free radicals. garlic also and connective tissues. Manganese
100 milligrams. fresh onion juice, mixed emits a type of ultraviolet ray known
combines with proteins that are useful

in with a bit of vinegar, can help allevi- to stimulate cell growth and rejuvena- for many reactions in the body, while
ate the sting of a bee or other minor skin tion. In addition, garlic is anti-fungal iron is important in the formation of

irritations. onion juice can also help and anti-viral. There are more than 70 hemoglobin. Leeks can also play an
form scar tissue, thus speeding the heal- different infections that garlic can help important role in the prevention of

ing process.
prevent or cure!
cardiovascular diseases. Leeks have a
high content of folic acid and provide

a flavonoid called kaempferol; both are
responsible for protecting blood vessels

against harmful free radicals.
All in all, the allium family can re-

ally benefit your health, if not your
breath. The bad after-taste comes from

allicin, a powerful and volatile chemi-
cal released when the vegetable is

consumed. but fear not: there are ways
to rectify that socially offensive side

effect. Try rinsing with lemon juice and
warm water—or chew on an orange

peel! other natural remedies include
anise, fennel, or dill seed. Try accompa-

nying allium consumption with carrots
or fresh apples to neutralize the allicin.

Remember all the positive contribu-
tions of onions, garlic, and leeks—and garlic has been used by humans for more than

invite the allium family to your table!
7,000 years. though we most commonly use
the bulbs, the leaves are also edible.

68 cityviewmag.com maRcH aPRiL 2014