Onions have been in our kitchens for a long time, as they’re an all-time favorite for countless recipes. They give fantastic flavor, but the actual onion skin always gets tossed out. But that’s because people aren’t aware of how healthy the skin can be and how it helps our bodies in different ways. Here are some great benefits you should keep in mind the next time you open your trash can!
Improve Digestion With an Onion Skin
According to Anna Cacon, MD, onion skins are rich in fiber, which is a natural digestion aid, and may also help improve your blood sugar levels. You might be amazed by the findings of a recent study, but it turns out that the largest portion of dietary fiber is found precisely in the skin of the vegetable. So, if you’re having problems with elimination, don’t throw away the skin!
Boost the Immune System
Among the various beneficial compounds in onion skins are antioxidants, which can boost your immune system. Such compounds are associated with reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which is when you suffer an imbalance in the production of free radicals. The skin neutralizes these radicals and protects immune cells from damage.
Lower Bad LDL Cholesterol
The potent antioxidant quercetin, found in the skin is a great aid in lowering harmful LDL cholesterol. This antioxidant inhibits the liver’s production of cholesterol and reduces the absorption of that from the intestines. Research from The British Journal of Nutrition suggests that only after about six weeks, this compound noticeably reduced LDL in patients.
Speed Up the Process of Weight Loss
If you’re always looking for a quicker way to lose weight, you might want to incorporate onion skins into your diet. All you need is a supplement of skin extract, and you can noticeably reduce your waistline within 12 weeks, as was found in a recent study. The extract increases calorie burn while the body is at rest.
Help With Taming Allergies
This may be one of their greatest benefits – they help with the fight against indoor and outdoor allergies, which is a great relief for those who struggle with that. Quercetin has a natural antihistamine action that can ease symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and eye irritation.
There are three of the best ways to quickly and effectively absorb the helpful compounds of onion skins: You can make a broth from the skins, you can make tea, and you can even turn it into powder. Enrich your body in different ways with helpful compounds!
It’s Time to Color the Diet: Spring into Mental Well-Being
The last two years have taken a toll on us and our mental well-being. Now as things seem to be under control and spring has sprung, it’s time to take care of ourselves and try to keep anxiety at bay. Here are some tips on how to do that!
Spring Is a Colorful Time!
Now is the perfect time to try a healthier diet and fill your plate with the colors of the rainbow. Veggies, fruits, and whole grains provide fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. All of these will improve your mental health. You should aim for around 10 portions of veggies and fruit per day, but let the main focus be on vegetables.
Don’t Forget the Vitamins
It’s very important to incorporate Omega-3s in your diet, as well as some crucial vitamins. To get the Omega-3, eat oily fish like salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and herring. If you are vegan try flaxseeds, linseeds, walnuts, chia seeds, and/or supplementation. Cold-pressed olive oil and avocados are also amazing.
The essential vitamins that will support your mental health and well-being are B12, vitamin D, and magnesium. Since the main source of B12 is animal products, vegans and people with deficits should supplement. As for vitamin D, sunlight is the best source, as we all know, but you can also get it through the aforementioned oily fish, tofu, egg yolks, and some fortified foods like fortified mushrooms, yogurt, nut milk, and cereal. During the winter, it is recommended to supplement but in spring you can start getting it with more sun exposure. Magnesium can be sourced from dark, green leafy vegetables and nuts and seeds, particularly sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin.
Limit Brain Drains
Most people love a sweet little treat. Sugary things usually give an energy boost but they are followed by a crash, which contributes to mood swings, sleepiness, and hunger. This is not good news for mental wellness and overall wellbeing. Try switching the sweets with whole fruits. Caffeine is also one of those things that make you feel good quickly but then you can feel a major crash in your mood. Try non-caffeinated drinks and hot water instead of tea or coffee.
Lifestyle Changes
Physical exercise is good both for the body and the mind all year round, but it’s a good thing to start this spring. This doesn’t mean you need to spend hours at the gym but a quick exercise session at home can do miracles for your mental health. Combine that with a good night’s sleep and you will see a world of a difference! Turn down the lights an hour before bed to wind down better and avoid TV programs, stressful conversations, and too much stimulation. Sleeping in a dark room with a comfortable temperature is also advised.