Onions – they’re our favorite excuse for crying in the kitchen. Okay, okay, we’re kidding – they’re one of our least favorite things to eat as kids, and become something of an acquired favorite as we grow up. Whether it’s served fresh, pickled, sauteed, or caramelized, there’s a culinary niche that Onion likely has filled at some point.

We don’t always appreciate onions, though, in that they’re a healthy food item that’s reasonably accessible and readily available to us. The fast metabolism diet takes a quick dive into the heart of the matter: how healthy are onions?

A LITTLE BIT OF BACKGROUND

The uniquely flavored onion has made itself familiar with many cultures’ cuisines. Ranging from the French onion soup and onion gravy to cebolada and kachumbari, it’s almost unimaginable to live without this bulbous plant in our kitchens.

Onions are thought to have originated – or at least first domesticated and cultivated – in central Asia, from where it spread throughout the globe through trading routes. The onion is such a popular ingredient within Asian cuisines that you would be hard-pressed to find a recipe without the onion featuring in some way.

The medicinal properties of the onion aren’t neglected by history, either. From being a disinfectant to a remedy for sore throats, many Asian cultures have documented uses for the onion. Many of these cures have found medical validation today, as onions are rich in quercetin and biotin, two powerful antioxidants with proven links to lowering the risks of certain types of cancer. 

GETTING INTO THE DETAILS

Fun fact: the very first layer under the paper-thin skin of the onion is the most nutritious part of the onion. That doesn’t mean the rest of the onion isn’t nutritious, though!

Raw onions have very low calorie count, rounding up to only 40 calories per 100 grams serving. To wit, the onion is 89% water, 9% carbohydrates, and 2% nutrients like fiber, protein, fat, and sugars.

Don’t let this make you think it’s not nutritious, however: raw onions contain folate, potassium, and vitamins B6 and C. It also has a number of healthy plant-based compounds, like anthocyanins, quercetin, sulfides, and thiosulfinates, all of which are converted into antioxidants once our body has metabolized them.

THE VERDICT

Onions are great food, no doubt, and they fit right in especially well with the fast metabolism diet food list during Phase 1. Because onions also store pretty well, they can last for some time, they’re good food to stock up on while the COVID-19 pandemic continues on.

Do you have a favorite healthy dish that uses onions and fits well with the fast metabolism diet? Let us know about it in the comments!