.jpg "The impressive health benefits of onions")
The impressive health benefits of onions include their role
in substantially treating and preventing a number of diseases including cancer,
heart disorders, and diabetes. They also treat the common cold, asthma,
bacterial infections, respiratory problems, angina, and cough. Onions are also
known to repel bloodthirsty insects too. In other words, you may say
that these vegetables are a true gift of nature, even if they make you
cry.
What are Onions?
Onions are vegetables, which have the scientific
classification of Allium cepa. They contain a number of antioxidant
compounds that are very effective in neutralizing the free radicals present in
the human body. They have been used for medicinal purposes for millennia.
Onions have been a staple plant in the diet of humans for
more than 7,000 years and during much of that time, they were cultivated.
There are still wild species in certain areas of Asia, but overall, onions are
a globally grown and cultivated plant. Throughout history, they were
worshiped by certain cultures, like the Egyptians, who buried them with their
pharaoh. This fascination with onions could have stemmed from their versatility
and availability or from their medicinal and beneficial properties.
The antibacterial properties of onion include extensive
antifungal applications, which have made it a household name in antifungal
relief. Onion plants can be grown in well-drained and moist soil. You can even
grow it in your backyard or garden to reap its health benefits. Onions form an
important part of many culinary preparations in cuisines around the world and
they are also known as ‘companion plants’, which means that they grow well
around other vegetables and plants.
Onions have been known to possess curative value since
ancient times. Even the World Health Organization confirms that
they are beneficial for people with a reduced appetite and those suffering
from atherosclerosis. Health experts acknowledge the fact that onions provide
great respite for patients with chronic asthma, allergic bronchitis and common
cold-related cough syndromes.
Onions Nutrition Facts:
Onions have many valuable medicinal applications because of
the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds contained in them.
These include the presence of sulfuric compounds and quercetin too. These
vegetables also contain mineral components such as calcium, magnesium, sodium,
potassium, selenium, and phosphorus, also they are a good source of vitamin C,
B6, and dietary fiber too.
Health Benefits of Onions:
Onion, being such an adaptive plant, is a great source of
essential nutrients our body needs. Let’s explore the most valuable and
well-known health benefits of onions.
Oral Care;
Onions are often used to prevent tooth decay and oral
infections. Chewing raw onions for 2 to 3 minutes can potentially kill all the
germs present in the oral area and surrounding areas like the throat and lips.
Boost Immunity;
The phyto-chemicals present in significant amounts in onions
act as stimulants for vitamin C within the body. Vitamin C boosts
your immune system by fighting against toxins and various foreign
bodies that can lead to diseases and illness.
Treat Heart Ailments;
Onions act as anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners,
which prevent the red blood cells from forming clumps. These blocks and clots
can lead to heart disorders or cardiovascular diseases.
Manage Diabetes;
Onions contain chromium, which is a relatively unusual
mineral to be found naturally in food. Chromium helps the body manage blood
sugar levels and ensures a slow, gradual release of glucose to the muscles and
body cells. Therefore, eating them can help modulate the blood sugar
levels, which is vital for diabetic patients.
Used as Insect Repellent;
You can apply onion juice to reduce the pain caused by
honeybee stings. Fresh onion juice or paste can be used for external
applications on insect bites and scorpion stings. The smell of onions also
causes insects to flee, which is why they can be used as insect repellents
as well as a form of sting treatment.
Prevent Cancer;
Onions are rich in active compounds that successfully
inhibit the development and spread of cancerous cells. They have a significant
amount of quercetin, which is a very powerful antioxidant, consistently linked
to the prevention or reduction of the spread of cancer.
Vitamin C, present in onions, is also a strong antioxidant
that can reduce the presence and impact of free radicals in the body. Free
radicals are the chemical by-products of cellular metabolism and they can cause
healthy cells to mutate into cancerous cells. Therefore, any food rich in
antioxidants, which neutralize these free radicals, is beneficial for everyone.
Relieve Earaches;
A few drops of onion juice may prove immensely beneficial to
individuals suffering from an acute earache. The ringing sound in the
ear may be cured by applying onion juice through a piece of cotton wool.
Skin Care;
Onion juice mixed with honey or olive oil is said to be
the best treatment for treating symptoms or signs of acne. It is also
anti-inflammatory in nature, so the active compounds can reduce the redness and
swelling that is commonly associated with skin conditions like acne. Onions
also help reduce the associated pain and inflammation of conditions like gout
and arthritis.
Treat Cough;
Consuming an equal mixture of onion juice and honey can
relieve sore throats and coughing symptoms.
Boost Sexual Drive;
Onions are said to increase the urge for a healthy sex life.
One tablespoon of onion juice along with one spoonful of ginger juice, taken
three times a day, can boost libido and sex drive.
Treat Anemia;
Even anemic conditions can be improved by eating onions
along with jaggery and water because this adds to the mineral content of
the body, especially iron, which is an essential part of producing new red
blood cells. Therefore, anemia, also known as iron deficiency, can be
prevented by including onion in your diet.
Relieve Stomach Aches;
Onions have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
properties that can relieve an upset stomach and related gastric
syndromes. This is due to the saponins that are found in them. These
saponins have anti-spasmodic capabilities, which ensure that stomach
disturbances do not continue and that your bowels are clear and smoothly
functioning.
Treat Urinary Disorders;
For those suffering from a burning sensation during
urination, onions can provide considerable relief. People suffering from
this condition should drink boiled water with 6 to 7 grams of onions.
According to Peace Health, onions have long been used for
treating various diseases such as tumors, persistent cough, and cold. Medical
practitioners consider this plant form as a perfect home remedy for relieving
various metabolic disorders and diseases. Peace Health further states that
onion consumption can even help in the prevention of stomach and breast cancer.
Relieve Asthma;
Medical studies have revealed that these sulfuric compounds
stop biochemical chain formations that possibly lead to asthmatic
conditions. The sulfuric content of onions facilitates the melting of
phlegm in a patient suffering from severe coughing. Fresh onion juice is
recommended for patients, who have lost consciousness, because of its aroma and
inhalant qualities, which can induce immediate vigor and energy.
Culinary Uses;
In terms of the role of onions’ in various culinary
delights, they have been used for thousands of years in many food preparations.
They are especially used for preparing non-vegetarian food in order to cover up
the harsh taste and smell of the meat. These bulb-like vegetables can be
consumed raw, pickled in vinegar, fried in oil, baked or boiled.
They are certainly a boon to mankind and while they make us
cry sometimes, the multiple health benefits make up for it!