ThePoliticalCat: Health: Onions Reduce Arterial Inflammation

Auntie Beeb reports that research shows foods rich in flavonoids can reduce thickening of the arterial wall, which is caused by chronic inflammation. One such compound is quercetin, found in onions, apples, tea, and red wine.

The research found that, in the case of one inflammatory process, a lower dose of the compounds - achievable by eating 100g to 200g of onions - actually had a bigger impact.

Bridget Aisbitt, a nutrition scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation, said: "Inflammation is an important process in the furring up of arteries that can lead to heart disease and stroke and this study gives us clues as to why a diet rich in fruit and vegetables appears to reduce the risk of these conditions.

A lot of people have a tendency to throw great gobs of semi-raw onion into their food. We here at Casa de Los Gatos like our onions outright raw (when eating fatty foods like bacon and hamburgers), or caramelised till all their starches are turned to sweet, sweet sugars, and the sharp burning taste is gone.

To caramelise onions, slice an onion in half, and then slice each half into thin half-moons. Heat a tablespoon or more of a healthy oil (canola or olive is good) in a pan until almost smoking, add the onion, stir once or twice to coat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook for about 15 minutes. Remove cover to check. Caramelised onions are a rich deep brown, and quite soft. If not completely caramelised, stir once more and cover for an additional 15 minutes. Drain on paper towels, patting gently to remove excess oil, if you want to serve them with cooked food like burgers, sausages, or in a sandwich. You can also use them to top cooked rice, cous-cous, or any other grain. I don't add salt to my food, but you certainly can, if you want.

If adding to food you intend to cook further, you can omit the draining and just add the food that needs cooking. Caramelised onions with apples are very tasty on pork chops, if you cook the apples down with a little sugar and some spices or herbs.