Why you cry when chopping onions

Though it is a valued spice for preparing mouth watering delicacies, onions have a bad habit of making you cry first before you enjoy your meal. Today you will learn how they can make you cry even if you are a masculine man who has sworn seven times that you will never cry.

Onions produce a chemical irritant called propanethial-S-oxide. This stimulates the eye's lachrymal glands to produce tears. It occurs in the following steps:
1. Lachrymal factor synthase is released into air when we cut an onion.
2. The synthase enzyme converts the amino acids sulfoxides of the onion into sulfenic acid.
3. The unstable sulfenic acid rearranges itself into syn-propanethial-S-oxide .
4. Syn-propanethial-S- oxide is volatile hence rise up the air and comes into contact with our eyes.
5. lt reacts with water in our eyes to form H2SO4 hence causing a mild burning effect and this stimulates the eyes to produce tears to wipe the tears away.

PREVENTION/ CONTROL
1. Refrigrate the onions to slow down internal reactions.
2. Cut the onions inside water.
3. Wear googles when chopping onions.

Related articles:
✓Health benefits of onions

Comments

Vaginitis; symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and home remedies

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching and pain. The cause is usually a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria or an infection. Vaginitis can also result from reduced estrogen levels after menopause. The most common types of vaginitis are: Bacterial vaginosis , which results from overgrowth of one of several organisms normally present in your vagina Yeast infections, which are usually caused by a naturally occurring fungus called Candida albicans Trichomoniasis , which is caused by a parasite and is commonly transmitted by sexual intercourse Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis), which results from reduced estrogen levels after menopause Treatment depends on the type of vaginitis you have. SYMPTOMS Vaginitis signs and symptoms may include: Change in color, odor or amount of discharge from your vagina Vaginal itching or irritation Pain during intercourse Painful urinat...

Health benefits of watermelons

Watermelon is a huge fruit with red succulent endocarp. It's seeds are also edible and are believed to contain zinc which increases fertility. One watermelon can serve an entire family hence eliminates chances of some members not being given their share. Suppose you are alone and the idea of buying a whole fruit for yourself doesn't go well with you, then opt for roadside vendors who sell sliced watermelons for as low as $0.2 . Quick facts about watermelons . Scientific name: Citrullus lanatus. Origin: Kalahari dessert. Inner colour: Red. Outer colour: Alternation between green and white colour. Plant type: Vine. Abundant content: 92% water. Nutritional content Watermelon flesh, raw Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) Energy 127 kJ (30 kcal) Carbohydrates 7.55 g Sugars 6.2 g Dietary fiber 0.4 g Fat 0.15 g Protein 0.61 g Vitamins Quantity %DV † Vitamin A equiv. beta-Carotene 4% ...

RECIPE: Pumpkin protein granola

Festive Spice Pumpkin Protein Granola INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp that protein I Heart Pumpkin Protein 1/4 cup water 3 tbsp maple syrup 1/2 cup pumpkin purée 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 cups jumbo oats 1/2 cup buckwheat groats 1/2 cup nuts, dried fruit & seeds 2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp ginger 1/4 tsp ground cloves 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp salt HOW TO PREPARE Preheat your oven to 190c. Combine that protein pumpkin protein powder and water in a small bowl, let sit for 5 minutes to let the chia seeds soak up the liquid. Then add the maple, pumpkin purée and vanilla. In a large bowl add the oats, buckwheat, dried fruits/seeds/nuts, spices & salt. Add the wet into the dry and combine well. Spread in a thin even layer (over 2-3 baking sheets) and bake for 20 mins, remove and toss the granola on the tray. Put back in the oven for 10 minutes. Then again, remove and toss it around. Repeat thi...

Being a vegan

Veganism is the practice of abstaining from use of animal products, especially in diet and an associated philosophy of completely avoiding animal products. A vegan is therefore a follower of the diet or the philosophy. Dietary vegan refrains from consuming meat, eggs, dairy products and other animal- derived substances. Ethical vegans not only follow vegan diet but also opposes the use of animal products for any purpose. Environmental veganism - Avoidance of animal products on the basis that farming of animals is environmentally unsustainable. It is imporntant to note that dietary veganism can lead to ethical veganism. There are vegans who totally avoid everything related to animals including meat, honey, milk, eggs, and even their corresponding processed forms. Some even go to an extent of avoiding clothing made of animal fur, leather or feathers. Reasons for being a vegan 1. Some are opposed to killing of animals for meat - The brutal murder of animals in slaughterhouses is...

Health And Fitness

Search This Blog