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The Onion's Rite of Passage: From Praise to Vilification to Esteem
Author: Jayne Lytle
The Onions Rite of Passage: Initially Praised then Vilified Now Esteemed
In fashion similar to so many others the onions reputation has race the gamut from being worshipped ancient Egyptians believed that its spherical shape and concentric rings symbolized eternityto being maligned for its pungent flavor and aroma, to having regained favor due to that same flavor and its medicinal qualities.
Although not as high as garlics, onions sulfur content has been shown to effectively assist fight infections of the respiratory and digestive systems. It has been used world wide to combat colds, flu and coughs. Digestion is augmented by onions ability to stimulate the liver, bladder and pancreas. According to the National Cancer Institute, onion contains antioxidants that assist block cancer and lower cholesterol. Used externally the juice can relieve insect stings and reduce warts. And for those avoiding onions because of the social stigma attached to having onion breath, hold in mind onions established aphrodisiacal qualities.
Laughter, it is said is the best medicine and onions contribute to that mode of treatment as well. According to author Samuel Johnson, the law is the last result of human wisdom acting upon human experience for the benefit of the public. After reading a few of the laws associated with onions the reader may disagree with his assessment.
Northfield, Connecticut prohibits its residents from eating raw onions while walking down the street. Citizens of Dyersburg, Tennessee arent allowed to enter a movie theater within four hours of having consumed raw onions. Four hours seems to be the agreed upon time for onion inferior breath dispersal as an old law in Headland, Alabama mandates that no man can place his arm around or kiss an unchaperoned woman without a worthy and lawful reason, if hes eaten any raw onions within four hours of the proposed interaction.
If you like to munch on raw onions and drink buttermilk youd better consider limiting your visit to Hackberry, Arizona to six or fewer days. Partaking of that gastronomic combination on the Sabbath will get you in trouble. Abstain, if passing through Rock Springs, Wyoming, from chewing raw onion while driving a pickup down the street, its illegal. In Spades, Indiana if you neglect to purchase needed onions before 6 p.m. you will have to get a doctors prescription or do without until the following day. In order to enjoy onions in Budds Creek, Maryland one must be over 21 with written permission from their dentist.
Believed to have originated in Asia and belonging to the lily (Liliaceae) family onions recorded use dates to 3500 BC. Its nice to see that some worthy things do stand the test of time and adversity.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/the-onions-rite-of-passage-from-praise-to-vilification-to-esteem-112108.html
About the Author:Jayne Lytle is a freelance writer whose work is showcased on http://www.wordedrhythms.com. Specific information on gardening and herbs can be found at http://www.wordedrhythms.com/html/le_noire_chat_herbal.html, or in her book Herbal Rhythms: Deciphering Herbal Codes.
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Keywords:
onions onion