Most people just throw away the onion skin without knowing the amazing health benefits it can provide. Scientists have discovered that onion skin is rich in powerful antioxidants that are very beneficial for the health. Onion skin contains numerous nutrients such as antioxidants, fiber and flavonoids that are essential for the health of the skin. Keep reading to find out how to use onion skin to obtain the health benefits it provides.
The skin contains more antioxidants than the onion itself
Quercetin is a plant pigment found in onion skin that can reduce hypertension and also prevent artery blockage. The onion skin also has antioxidant, antifungal, anti-bacterial and even anti-cancer properties that can improve your health on many levels.
Consuming onion skin can significantly reduce your risk of:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Colon cancer
- Obesity
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Type 2 diabetes
How to prepare onion skin tea
Onion skin tea is a simple and easy to prepare detox drink. Brew the onion skin in water, then strain the liquid and consume it daily. You can keep a stash of onion skin in a glass jar that you can use whenever you need.
Put the onion skin in boiling water and let it steep for about 15 minutes. Strain the liquid and consume it before bedtime. This tea should be consumed before going to bed because quercetin has mild sedative effects.
Onion skin in soups and stews
Even though you can’t eat the onion skin it can be included in your soups or added as a stew base. The main ingredient of the onion skin, quercetin is a potent antioxidant that can fight cancer. This powerful antioxidant’s levels are highest near or in the onion skin.
Onion skins are rich in dietary fiber according to a study
One study confirmed that onion skin contains insoluble fiber that is excellent for regular bowel movement and can be included in any diet. The insoluble fiber is also excellent for normalizing the pH levels of the intestines and also for cleansing the colon from toxic waste. This way onion skin prevents the formation and growth of cancer cells. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is excellent for the health because it reduces the risk of health conditions such as: type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and colon cancer.
IMPORTANT: Breastfeeding or pregnant women should NOT consume onion skin in any case.