Onion first cultivated in Asia over five thousand years
ago, onions were ubiquitous among the ancient Egyptians,
Indians, Greeks and Romans, for both food and medicinal purposes. Ancient
Egyptians even buried onions in the tombs of their pharaohs, for them to eat in
the afterlife.
There are two main varieties of bulb onions: storage onions, which are available year-round, and
seasonal onions which are harvested in the spring and summer. Storage onions
include yellow, white, red and Spanish onions; seasonal onions include sweet
Vidalia and pearl onions, which are a smaller type that are often pickled.
Onions have an amazing nutritional profile
When you eat onions, your body will benefit from the
following:
·
Biotin
·
Chromium
·
Copper
·
Fiber
·
Folate
·
Manganese
·
Phosphorus
·
Potassium
·
Quercetin
·
Vitamins B1 and B6
·
Vitamin C
Besides this amazing nutritional profile, here are 17
other reasons why you should love onions!
Onions help you sleep
While it sounds a bit bizarre, onions are even said to
cure insomnia. Just cut into a raw onion and take five to 10 deep breaths of
its aroma. For the best results, place it into a glass jar and put it beside
your bed — take a whiff just before lying down.
Onions eliminate dark spots on the skin
To remove dark spots, slice a red onion and rub it
directly onto dark areas of the skin after cleansing. Used on a daily basis it
can help lighten hyperpigmentation.
Onions soothe menstrual cramps
Onions are known as one of the best soothing agents for
menstrual cramps. Consuming raw onions 4 to 5 days before your period can help
ease the pain.
Onions improve sex drive
The agent that gives onions their strong smell, allicin,
is also responsible for increasing blood flow to the sexual organs, resulting
in increased sex drive.
Onions strengthen the immune system
Along with a potent punch of antioxidants and flavonoids,
which have various anti-inflammatory properties, onions are one of the best
sources of the trace mineral selenium. One study found that selenium plays an
important role in both the initiation and regulation of immune response to
infection.
When immune cells lack an adequate supply of selenium,
they are less efficient at producing proteins and transporting calcium. They
are also more easily oxidized, which results in an overall weakened immune
system.
Onions stop a nosebleed
If you get a nosebleed, as soon as possible after it
starts, slice an onion and hold it just underneath your nose. The fumes from
the onion act as a natural coagulant to stop the bleeding.
Onions support bone health
Research has found that onions can help increase bone density, providing special benefits to menopausal women who
are at risk of developing osteoporosis and are experiencing loss of bone
density. There is also evidence that women who have passed the age of menopause
may be able to lower the risk of hip fracture by regularly consuming onions.
Onions help with detoxification
Onions’ sulfur-containing amino acids have a detoxifying
effect. They help the liver process things like caffeine and acetaminophen, as
well as convert pesticides, lead and dry-cleaning solvents into forms that are
less toxic and easier for the body to eliminate.
Onions keep your teeth and mouth clean
Chewing raw onions for several minutes can help prevent
tooth decay and oral infections by killing harmful germs present in the mouth.
To get rid of the smell of onion on your breath, just brush your teeth and use
mouthwash afterward. Chewing a fresh sprig of parsley can also help.
Onions help reduce blood sugar levels
Onions are one of the richest sources of chromium, a key
trace mineral that is responsible for the body’s response to insulin. Research
has found that onions can very well help reduce blood sugar levels in diabetic animals. Current research is limited
to lab animals, but the effect is promising enough that researchers suggest
onion extract may help diabetic patients manage blood sugar as much as
medication.
Onions help prevent cancer
Research shows that organosulfur compounds, found in both
onions and garlic, prevent the development of cancers by detoxifying
carcinogens and stopping cancer cell growth. High onion intake has been
associated with a 56 percent lower risk of colon cancer and a 25 percent lower
risk of breast cancer compared to no onion intake. In addition, onion
consumption has been linked to a lower incidence of stomach and
colon cancer.
Onions eliminate blemishes
Rubbing half an onion on your face daily can help to
eliminate blemishes without leaving acne scars or the long list of side effects
that can come with acne medications.
Onions prevent blood clots and lower cholesterol
Turns out onions may be good for your ticker. Onions,
like garlic, are members of the allium family which contain high quantities of
flavonoids and antioxidants. Onions are particularly high in the flavonoid
quercetin, which has been shown to help prevent blood clots from forming.
Researchers have found that individuals who eat a diet
high in quercetin-rich foods reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular
disease. This heart-healthy flavonoid also helps lower cholesterol and
triglyceride levels in the blood.
Onions fight infections
An onion a day keeps infection away. The sulfur compounds
in onions have several antimicrobial properties. When combined with quercetin,
onions become a powerhouse for keeping infections at bay including
dangerous Salmonella and E. coli.
Onions help reduce coughing
Onion juice mixed with some raw honey is a fantastic remedy for an annoying cough. Due to
its anti-inflammatory properties, the onion juice helps reduce irritation and
swelling, which are the causes of coughing.
Onions ease the pain of insect bites
Not only is onion extract an effective insect repellent,
but it also soothes bites. You can use onion juice or onion paste to reduce the
pain and swelling caused by bites. Simply dab a little on as frequently as
needed for relief.
Onions are truly an amazing food — use them frequently in
your meals and keep extras on hand at all times! They’re one of the most
versatile vegetables and can be consumed raw or cooked, imparting a unique
flavor to almost any recipe.
Source:
https://thealternativedaily.com/health-benefits-onions/
—Susan Patterson
