Does onion really improve eyesight? this is one question that has proved controversial amongst lovers of onions. Why many use it to spice up their dishes, others argue that onion could be therapeutic when applied to some health conditions, especially those dealing with the eyes. This is even made more glaring in African and Nigerian societies where the consumption of suya (barbecued meat) is characterized with a heavy dosage of onion slices. But does onion really improve eyesight? the following is what a respondent Kukogho Iruesiri Samson, who carried out a research on the issue, has to say:
"Several times I have had arguments with people over the truth in the widely held belief that onions can help improve eyesight.
Because
I dont eat onions, at least not the sliced ones, and I have perfect
eyes sight, I have always believed that eating or not eating onions have
nothing to do with eyesight. Well, after my research for today's FACT
101, I discovered that onions do help improve eyesight.
"What
some people don’t know is that onions are loaded with sulfur which is
used by the body for making the lens stronger and more durable. Hence,
the chance of damage to the eyesight is minimized," says Health Me Up.
The sulphur in onions is one of the reasons it is so good for your eyes.
"Sulphur-rich
garlic and onions are important for the production of glutathione, an
important sulphur containing protein that acts as an antioxidant for the
lens of the eye. Raising glutathione levels can be instrumental in both
prevention and resolution of visual problems like macular degeneration,
glaucoma or cataracts," the Huffington Post wrote in one of its articles.
Also, Dr. Maoshing Ni says,
"Foods rich in sulfur, cysteine, and lecithin help protect the lens of
your eye from cataract formation. Excellent choices include garlic,
onions, shallots, and capers."
A conscious look
at our diets composition might be a good idea because the foods we put
into our body have both positive and negative effects on our overall
health. Our body relies on vitamins and nourishing supplements found in
the foods we consume. The eyes are no different than the other organs of
your body.
Though there are lots of ways to
improve your eye health, the best way to improve your eyesight is
through the foods you eat - and juicy onions are one of those foods.
This advice is echoed by an online health magazine.
"Eating
raw onions, garlic and soy will help prevent the formation of cataracts
and improve the lens health of your eyes. Furthermore, these foods are
naturally anti-inflammatory, so they help reduce inflammation throughout
the body, including any inflammation in and around the eyes that might
cause problems," it said.
Red onions in
particular can help you to prevent poor eyesight and they contain
quercetin, an antioxidant that is believed to prevent cataract.
So if you have been avoiding eating onions like me, eHow has an advice for you.
"Incorporate
garlic, onions, shallots and can capers, which contain sulfur that the
body uses to produce glutathione, an antioxidant that benefits the lens
of the eye. Garlic and onions also help maintain circulatory health,
which benefits the eyes."
