More good health news for a change.  Word has it that an old standby, the trusted red onion, just may be a potent cholesterol fighting vegetable. Red onions are delicious in my book. There are so many ways to include them in the diet. These onions, sweeter than regular white onions, are easy to incorporate into many recipes. And, they are just as popular raw as they are cooked. Red onions are popular in Mediterranean and Indian cooking. Red onions are always available in the supermarket and are relatively inexpensive as well.

In recent years, studies have touted the addition of brightly colored vegetables in the diet. The news regarding red onion certainly aligns itself with that belief. The red onion arrives on the scene to herald in the news. Look at me, I am shiny, and red on the outside; red striped and sweet on the inside. Yes, you are red onion. I use red onion often, here's a sample.  

My favorite uses for the delectable and healthy red onion.

Lox sandwich - I love this sandwich of lox on a sprouted grain bun. Begin with Alaskan wild caught sliced smoked salmon. A must have, Food for Life brand Ezekiel brand buns. Spread both sides of a lightly toasted split Ezekiel bun with Vegenaise. Add thinly sliced red onion and thinly sliced smoked salmon.Yum Vegenaise can be purchased locally at Shaws in Bristol and most health food stores locally as well.

Salsa - I make a quick salsa with whatever tomatoes I have from my garden, the local farm stand or your favorite local market. To the diced tomato, I add a chopped large red onion, diced chilies and I prefer chopped fresh parsley to cilantro.  Keep it in the fridge and you can add it on top of a variety of dishes. This summer I used it quite a bit on potato and egg omelets. The warm omelet and the cold salsa is an appetizing luncheon dish...or anytime.

Potato salad - I use baby red potatoes, some finely chopped celery, sliced hard-boiled eggs and red onion, I thinly slice the onion, cut in half once so they are still sizeable pieces. Place in a large bowl; toss it all together with about a cup of Vegennaise. I have mentioned Vegenaise in other articles; it is my preference to mayo. It’s made from grape seed oil, its heart healthy and delicious.I use it in my favorite 'anything' dip.

Cold pasta salad - Cook your favorite pasta al dente, chill, and add your favorite ingredients. I add chopped red onion, black olives (halved), chick peas, very small raw broccoli florets, grated carrot, chopped green and red pepper,  and cherry tomatoes (cut in half). I add fresh herbs such as oregano and parsley and toss it all together with an olive oil and wine vinegar dressing. Salt and pepper to taste Chill

Steak sandwich- add thinly sliced and crispy red onion

Hamburger- ditto

I have included an interesting video I happened to come across about the red onion. Although I cannot say I know its origin it certainly has some interesting points to make. It refers to a sidebar article however, It could not be located on the site.Enjoy