Italian experts have verified that the onion can alleviate colds and flu, and even cure them completely.  It also helps to combat the ageing process.  It contains vitamin C which has an anti-haemorrhagic effect, strengthens the cells, tonifies the veins and arteries and helps defend against infections. Also to be pointed out is the fact that the onion contains iron and keeps the number of red blood corpuscles in the blood at the right level.  Furthermore, its effect as a sedative is such that it is conducive to sleep;  it also acts as a diuretic and reduces high blood pressure.  Recent studies on senility and on the prevention of cancer have underlined the importance in a daily diet of vitamin E, Selenium, Iodine, Zinc and Magnesium.  In onions these elements are all present in varying quantities. Experts such as Kendal, Menom and Newal suggest its use in treating chronic rheumatism and  consider it  beneficial in the treatment of obesity.  They have also proved that it can stimulate virility and has anti-sclerotic powers, thus having a beneficial effect on the heart and arteries. Eating these onions can be considered a valid help, therefore, in the fight against cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks.  It is no coincidence that in Calabria, where people eat a large quantity of onions, the number of deaths from heart attacks is very low. The onions are used in salads, sauces, cooked in the oven, boiled, fried and, above all, eaten raw. With good reason, therefore, the onion can be defined as an excellent vegetable, to be included in one’s daily diet for its therapeutic effects. 

How to prepare the red onion omlette

Ingredients:  1 kg of red onions from Ricadi  4 eggs, parmesan cheese  half a glass of olive oil salt and pepper.

Thinly slice the onions and cook in frying pan until softened;  then take off the heat and leave to cool. Break eggs into a bowl, whip with a fork until fluffy and add salt, pepper and parmesan to taste;  add the warm onions and mix  well. Pour oil into frying pan and add the mixture.  Leave to cook on moderate heat.  Finally, cut the omlette into slices and serve warm.