Health Benefits of Onions
Dry onions are a surprising source of fiber and
a rich source of healthy sulfur compounds, similar to those found in garlic. Research on onions
has lagged behind garlic research, but onions appear to have similar
cardiovascular benefits, such as reducing blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels,
at least in the short term.
Onions also contain phytochemicals called
flavonoids, which help vitamin C in
its function, improving the integrity of blood vessels and decreasing
inflammation. All this spells help for your cardiovascular system. One
particular flavonoid, quercetin, may inhibit tumor growth and help keep colon cancer at
bay.
In addition, a newly identified compound appears to rival the prescription drug Fosamax in inhibiting bone loss in menopausal women.
Onions also contain vitamin C and chromium.
Chromium is a mineral that helps cells respond
to insulin,
ultimately assisting with blood glucose control. Green onions, because of their
bright green tops, provide a wealth of vitamin A.
SUMMARY OF THE HEALTH
BENEFITS OF ONION
Anemia: The high content of iron
in onion makes it beneficial for the treatment of anemia.
Anti-coagulant: Just by eating
half a medium raw onion daily can significantly lower cholesterol and help
prevent heart attacks.
Anti-inflammatory: The
anti-inflammatory agents in onion are useful in reducing the symptoms of
inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and gout.
Anti-septic: Fights infection
bacteria, including E.coli and salmonella, and is effective against
tuberculosis and infections of the urinary tract, such as cystitis.
Blood pressure: Whether you eat it
raw or cooked, onions help to lower blood pressure naturally. It also
thins the blood, dissolve blood clots and clear the blood of unhealthy fats.
Cholesterol: Eating half a medium
raw onion daily significantly helps to correct thrombosis, lower the LDL
cholesterol and prevents heart attacks.
Colon cancer, prevention:
Fructo-oligosaccharides in onions stimulate the growth of good bacteria in the
colon and help reduce the risk of tumors developing in the colon.
Constipation and flatulence: Add
plenty onion in your cooking to help relieve chronic constipation and
flatulence.
Diabetes: Chromium in onion helps
diabetics' cells respond appropriately to bringing down the insulin level and
improve glucose tolerance.
Diuretic and blood cleansing: Help
counter fluid retention, urinary gravel, arthritis and gout.
Ear disorder: In some culture,
cotton wool is dipped into onion juice and put into the ear to stop ringing in
the ear.
Immune booster: The pungency
increases blood circulation and causes sweating. Useful in cold weather
to ward off infection, reduce fever and sweat out colds and flu.
Osteoporosis: A compound has
recently been identified in onions that prevent the activities of breaking down
bone. Especially beneficial for women who are at risk for osteoporosis as they
go through menopause.
Respiratory: Mix equal amounts of
onion juice and honey and take 3-4 teaspoons of this mixture daily. It
helps liquefy mucus and prevents its further formation. It is also one of
the best preventive potion against common cold.
Sexual debility: Onion is a potent
aphrodisiac and stands second only to garlic. For this, the white variety
is most effective.
Urinary tract infection: Boil some
onion in water till half of the water evaporated. Sieve the onion water,
leave to cool and drink. The anti-bacterial properties help to relieve
the burning sensation in urination.
USE AND SAFETY
Onions have a universal appeal. They are safely consumed by most
people. However, consuming large quantities of onions can lead to stomach
distress and gastrointestinal irritation that may result in nausea and
diarrhea. There are no known interactions with drugs except that they can
potentiate the action of anticoagulants.
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