¡Las increíbles CEBOLLAS!

Cocino casi todos los días en casa, y cuando lo hago uso cebollas como ingrediente principal en mis recetas. Además del gran sabor que este vegetal le da a mis comidas, también proporciona nutrientes increíbles. Quiero compartir con ustedes la información que hallé sobre el valor nutricional de la cebolla. Sé que después de que lea esta información, usted cocinará más con cebollas:

La cebolla es una de las fuentes más importantes de antioxidantes en la dieta humana de acuerdo a los reportes del profesor adjunto Rui Hai Lui de la Universidad de Cornell. Estos antioxidantes le otorgan a la cebolla su sabor dulce y su aroma distinguido. Al consumir cebolla su cuerpo obtiene fibra soluble y flavonoides, que son compuestos de antioxidantes que combaten los radicales libres. Estos flavonoides actúan como anticoagulante, disminuyen la inflamación y combaten el cáncer.

El tipo Western Yellow contiene 11 veces más antioxidantes que el tipo Western White y otorga la protección más fuerte contra la producción de células cancerosas en el hígado. Las cebollas e Western Whites contienen la menor cantidad de antioxidantes entre las diferentes variedades de cebollas y ofrecen la menor cantidad de protección contra las células cancerosas. Las cebollas Shallots, Western Yellow, Northern Red and las cebollas amarillas amargas colaboran en la inhibición del crecimiento de células cancerosas, lo que puede ayudar en la protección contra el desarrollo de cáncer de colon y de hígado.

La inflamación en el cuerpo puede causar graves síntomas de asma, artritis, y enfermedades del corazón. De acuerdo a un estudio publicado en el 2010 en “Los Aspectos Moleculares de la Medicina,” el consumo regular de compuestos órgano sulfuros provenientes de las cebollas y del ajo, pueden prevenir el desarrollo de enfermedades del corazón.

Las cebollas actúan como anticoagulantes en la sangre, debido al contenido de tiosulfatos, agentes que proveen las cebollas con su olor amargo que causa ojos lagrimosos al estar en contacto con este vegetal. De igual manera, este componente de sulfuro previene que las plaquetas se unan operando como un anticoagulante natural. Cuando las plaquetas se agrupan en la sangre, el riesgo a un derrame cerebral o a un ataque al corazón aumenta de gran manera. Para obtener un máximo contenido de tiosulfatos, consuma la cebolla cruda, ya que al cocinarlas, la cantidad de este componente se disminuye. Si usted toma medicina anticoagulante, consulte con su doctor sobre el consume de cebollas y su medicina, ya que usted no quiere que su sangre se haga muy delgada.

De igual manera, las cebollas contienen una forma especial de fibra soluble llamada fructan (polímero de la fructosa). Al consumir fructan, esta fibra soluble se convierte en una sustancia parecida a un gel en el colon que se transforma en ácidos grasos. Estos ácidos grasos actúan como un laxante natural, estimulando el funcionamiento de los intestinos. Este polímero también promueve el crecimiento de bacteria buena en los intestinos, lo que puede ayudar a combatir infecciones en el colon.

¿Qué le parece? ¡Yo creo que las cebollas son increíbles!!

Ines

The Incredible ONIONS!

I cook almost every day at home, and when cooking I use onions as the main ingredient in my recipes. Besides the great flavor this vegetable add to my meals, it also provides wonderful nutrients. I want to share with you the information I found about the nutritional value of onions. I know that after reading this information you will cook more with onions:

One of the most significant sources of antioxidants in the human diet is onions, reports Cornell University Associate Professor Rui Hai Lui. These antioxidants provide this vegetable with its sweet flavors and distinct aroma. Consuming onions supplies your body with soluble fiber and flavonoids, antioxidant compounds that fight free radicals. These flavonoids assist in thinning your blood, decreasing inflammation and fighting cancer. 

The Western Yellow type contains 11 times more antioxidants than the Western White type and provides the strongest protection against the production of liver cancer cells. The Western Whites contain the least amount of antioxidants among onion varieties and offer the least protection against cancer cells. Shallots, Western Yellow, Northern Red and pungent yellow onions assist in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, which may protect against the development of colon and liver cancer.

Inflammation in your body can cause and exacerbate symptoms of asthma, arthritis and heart disease. According to a 2010 study published in “Molecular Aspects of Medicine,” regular consumption of organosulfur compounds from onions and garlic can prevent the development of cardiovascular disease.

Onions may assist in thinning your blood, as they contain thiosulfinates – the agents that provide an onion with its pungent odor and cause teary eyes when you come in contact with this vegetable. Additionally, this sulfur compound prevents platelets in your blood from aggregating and operates as a natural blood thinner. When platelets cluster in your blood, your risk for experiencing a stroke or heart attack significantly increases. Eat your onions raw for maximum thiosulfinate content, as cooking onions significantly decreases the quantity of this compound. If you take a prescription blood thinner, consult with your physician about consuming onions in conjunction with your medication, as you do not want your blood to become too thin.

Onions also contain a special form of soluble fiber known as fructan. When you consume fructan, this soluble fiber turns into a gel-like substance in your colon and converts to fatty acids. These fatty acids act as a natural laxative, stimulating bowel movements. The fructan in onions, inulin fructan, promotes the growth of good bacteria in your intestines, which may combat any infections in your colon.

So, what do you think? I think onions are amazing!

Ines

Potassium, Magnesium and Sodium are very important in your body!

How much Potassium should I have? What are the sources and how it works in my body? These are frequent questions during our classes. People also ask the same questions about Sodium and Magnesium. Here is quick information about each of these minerals:

Magnesium is found in more than 300 enzymes in your body. Enzymes are body chemicals that help regulate many bodily functions, including the production of energy, body protein and muscle contractions. It also plays a role in maintaining healthy bones and a healthy heart.

Magnesium is a major mineral, meaning it exists in your body in significant amounts. The average person needs to consume between 300 and 400 milligrams of magnesium a day.

Foods rich in magnesium include green leafy vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts. Fresh fruits and vegetables also provide a modest amount of magnesium.

Potassium is a mineral that the body needs to work normally. It helps the nerves and muscles communicate. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. A diet rich in potassium helps to offset some of sodium’s harmful effects on blood pressure. Each day a person should eat 4.7 grams of the nutrient.

Most people get all the potassium they need from what they eat and drink. Sources of potassium in the diet include: Leafy greens, such as spinach and collards; fruit from vines, such as grapes and blackberries; root vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes and citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit.

Sodium is used in your body to control blood pressure and blood volume. Your body also needs sodium for your muscles and nerves to work properly.

Sodium occurs naturally in most foods. The most common form of sodium is sodium chloride, which is table salt. Milk, beets, and celery also naturally contain sodium. Drinking water, also contains sodium, but the amount depends on the source.

Healthy adults should limit sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day. Adults with high blood pressure should have no more than 1,500 mg per day. Those with congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and kidney disease may need much lower amounts.

These minerals are important for body functions. Just remember to consume 5 to 7 servings of vegetables and fruits every day, whole grains, and nuts to obtain the dairy intake of these minerals!