We all throw away the crisp, flaky outer scales of the onion. But, do not do it because they are good to be used for your health. Some of the healthiest parts of vegetables and fruits get.
Some of the healthiest parts of vegetables and fruits get thrown away, such as the onion skin, melon rind, and orange peel.
According to the latest research, the outer skins of onions are a rich source of flavonoids, especially of quercetin, which is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound.
Benefits of using onion skins:
- Decreases LDL cholesterol and blood pressure
- Fights allergies
- Reduces inflammation
- Supports muscle growth and function
- Treats depression
- Treats some forms of cancer, and other conditions.
Scientists explain that because of the fact plants can’t move around, they produce what they need, to defend, protect, and heal themselves. The compounds plants produce as a reaction to stress can help you if being under similar circumstances.
This explanation adds up that plants would concentrate many of the protective compounds in their outer coverings, which is the point where most environmental assaults can take place.
The skin is not edible, but its benefits can be extracted by adding them in soups and stews and removing them at the end.
The next time you are preparing soup, add a whole onion or two, along with the scales into the pot. This way you will extract quercetin and other beneficial compounds that are included in onions. Also, you can keep the onion scales in a paper bag. In a cut-off leg of a pantyhose or a thin sock put a handful of onion skins and tie it up loosely. When the soup is cooked, throw away the skins.
Other uses for onion skins
Some people recommend a mixture of onion skins which can be used as a soothing wash for the itch of scabies and other skin problems.
Also, the onion skin infusion can be used as a beauty product. The onion broth is a popular softening and smoothing hair rinse. Use it on freshly washed hair and let it air dry.