Food Focus: Onion

Onion: Onions (Allium cepa) belong to the lily family, the same family as garlic, chives, and shallots.

Health Powers: Onion is effective against many bacteria including Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella, and E. coli. Onion extracts, rich in a variety of sulfides, provide some protection against tumor growth; and are used in relief treatment of colds, asthma and bronchitis, and to repel insects. In Chinese medicine, onions have been used to treat angina, bacterial infections, and breathing problems.

Daily Dose: Onions can be eaten raw, cooked, fried, dried or roasted. They are commonly used to flavor dips, salads, soups, spreads, stir-fry and other dishes. Dice a small onion or shallot, saute in olive oil. Stir in Basmati rice or any type long grain rice into onion or shallot mixture and finish cooking with chicken or vegetable broth.