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 will probably be surprised to know that onions are also in the class of foods that do improve 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.
