Amazing Health Benefits of Onions – Onions belong to the Allium genus of plants, which also includes garlic, shallots, leeks and chives. There are many different varieties of onions, including red, yellow, white and green. The most commonly consumed onion is the yellow onion.
Onions are very low in calories but high in nutrients. In fact, onions contain over 25 different antioxidants and phytonutrients that provide health benefits.15 Amazing Health Benefits of Onions
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Live, Study and Work in Canada. No Payment is Required! Hurry Now click here to Apply >> Immigrate to CanadaOnions contain quercetin and allyl propyl disulfide, which are flavonoid antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Onions are also rich in sulfur-containing compounds that are responsible for their pungent smell and taste.
Sulfur compounds in onions act as blood thinners and may lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Onions also contain prebiotics that feed beneficial gut bacteria.
Consuming onions, whether raw or cooked, provides many impressive health benefits. Here are 15 amazing ways that onions can improve your health.
The 15 Amazing Health Benefits of Onions are:
1. Fight Cancer
Red onions are the most effective type for destroying breast and colon cancer cells. They contain high levels of quercetin and anthocyanin, two powerful compounds that contribute to their anti-cancer benefits.
Research shows that onions activate pathways that provoke cancer cells to kill themselves, a process called apoptosis. They make the environment unfavorable for cancer cells to communicate and inhibit their growth and spread.
Studies have found that people with the highest consumption of onions had the lowest rates of cancer. As a preventative measure, add red onions to your diet regularly. Garnish your burgers, salads, sandwiches and other dishes with sliced red onions to reap their protective effects against cancer.
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2. Improve Heart Health
The flavonoids and organosulfurs found abundantly in red onions can greatly contribute to heart health.
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Live, Study and Work in Canada. No Payment is Required! Hurry Now click here to Apply >> Immigrate to CanadaStudies show that intake of the organosulfur compounds in onions can cut the risk of cardiovascular disease. Onions contain thiosulfinates that act as natural blood thinners to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The quercetin in onions also fights heart disease through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Onions are part of the French Paradox – they are an integral part of French cuisine yet the French have low rates of heart disease, despite their high-calorie diet.Information guide Nigeria
Research demonstrates that onions can improve cholesterol levels by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol in obese individuals, which benefits the heart.
Onions prevent blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots that can lead to heart attacks. They also prevent high blood pressure, another major heart danger. One study on rabbits found that onions could prevent atherosclerosis by enhancing fibrinolytic activity to remove small clots.
Incorporating more red onions into your diet can promote heart health through various mechanisms. Their powerful compounds lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol, inhibit clotting, and more.
3. Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Onions contain allyl propyl disulfide, which has been shown to lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity. They also are very low carb, which makes them a good option for people with diabetes.
In one study, subjects with type 1 diabetes who consumed 100 grams of raw onions per day for 8 weeks experienced significant reductions in blood sugar levels.
Additionally, onion’s powerful antioxidants, including quercetin, have been shown to decrease oxidative stress related to diabetes. Adding onions to your diet may help keep your blood sugar levels in check.
4. Promote Healthy Digestion
The digestive benefits of onions come from inulin, a fiber found in the vegetable. Inulin acts as a prebiotic by providing food for the beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Consuming this fiber helps maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
However, the thiosulfinates in onions have antibacterial properties that may harm these beneficial bacteria. If you are sensitive to the antibacterial effects of onions, consult your doctor.
Another soluble fiber in onions called oligofructose, a subgroup of inulin, was found to prevent and treat different types of diarrhea. The phytochemicals in onions can also reduce the risk of gastric ulcers.
The natural prebiotics in onions can help relieve constipation as well. They are also believed to help treat stomach aches and stomach worms, though more research is needed.Romantic love message
Some people may experience migraine or flatulence from eating onions. If this occurs for you, consult your doctor. Overall, onions can support healthy digestion but may cause issues for sensitive individuals.
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5. Maintain Bone Health
Preliminary research suggests that onions may help prevent age-related osteoporosis. A compound found in white onions called GPCS has been shown to reduce bone loss in animal studies.
Another study revealed that women who ate onions regularly had 5% higher bone mass compared to those who ate less. Onion consumption was also linked to beneficial effects on bone density in women over 50 years old.
The quercetin found in onions can inhibit inflammation-causing compounds like leukotrienes, prostaglandins and histamines. This anti-inflammatory activity may help treat joint pain in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis according to the Arthritis Foundation.
Overall, early research indicates onions contain compounds that may promote bone density and relieve inflammatory joint issues. More studies are needed, but adding more onions to your diet may help strengthen your bones and joints.
6. Prevent Inflammation and Other Allergies
We’ve seen that the flavonoid quercetin in onions prevents inflammation. Onions also treat allergies by stopping cells from releasing histamine, a compound that triggers allergy symptoms.
Cooking with onions can help open and drain sinuses. The antihistamine effects of quercetin in onions also reduce nasal congestion. Even eating a raw onion at night may relieve congestion since sulfur compounds in onions break down mucus.
Onions have antibacterial properties as well. Studies show onion extracts inhibit Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, bacteria that cause dental caries and other allergies. The antibiotic effects of onions can also accelerate wound healing.Good morning My Love Message
Overall, the quercetin and sulfur compounds in onions have anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and antibacterial effects that may help relieve congestion, allergies, infections and speed up healing.
7. Improve Immune System
Onions are a good source of vitamin C, sulfur compounds, and phytochemicals that help boost the immune system.
Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells, your body’s main line of defense. Onions also contain prebiotics that promote the growth of good bacteria that fend off harmful pathogens.
Sulfur compounds in onions have antimicrobial effects that combat harmful bacteria and viruses. In all, eating onions regularly can strengthen your immune defense and help your body fight illness and infections.
8. Cure Ear Disorders
Though limited research exists, many parents swear by using onion juice to relieve earaches and ear infections. This home remedy dates back to the 19th century.JAMB portal
To use this remedy, bake an onion at 450°F until soft, about 15 minutes. Once cooled, cut in half and squeeze the juice into a small bowl. Strain once. Using a dropper, put a few drops of onion juice into the infected ear.
Alternatively, you can place onion packs on the outer ear for relief. While not scientifically proven, many claim excellent results using onion juice or packs on ear infections. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds likely provide relief by inhibiting infection and reducing swelling.
Though more research is warranted, try this time-tested natural remedy for nagging ear troubles. It may just do the trick to alleviate pain and fight infection.
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9. Promote Respiratory Health
According to an American study, fruits and vegetables like onions can benefit people with respiratory issues including asthma and allergic rhinitis.
The anti-inflammatory properties of onions can help relieve respiratory conditions. If you are suffering from a respiratory illness, adding more onions to your diet may aid in treatment and provide quicker relief in addition to your medication.
Simply incorporate onions into your meals like salads, soups, sandwiches and more. The quercetin and other compounds will work to reduce inflammation in your respiratory system. Onions make a healthy, low-calorie addition to any diet, especially for those with chronic respiratory troubles.
10. Improve Sleep
Onions contain prebiotics that promote the growth of good bacteria, which produce serotonin, a chemical that induces sleep and relaxation.
Serotonin helps regulate your sleep cycle. Consume onions before bed to increase melatonin and serotonin levels in your body, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
11. Enhance Eye Health
The sulfur in onions improves the health of the eye lens. It stimulates production of the antioxidant glutathione, which protects against glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts.
Onions also contain selenium which supports vitamin E in the eye to protect eye cells.
One Iranian study found that onions can inhibit growth of common eye flora, indicating they may help cure infections like conjunctivitis and blepharitis. In the study, using onion juice eye drops inhibited eye flora overgrowth. Consult your doctor before trying this remedy.
Onion extracts may also prevent corneal haze formation. The sulfur, antioxidants, and antibacterial effects seem to boost overall eye health in multiple ways. Adding more onions to your diet may help reduce vision issues.
12. Are Good For Oral Health
Onions contain sulfur compounds like thiosulfinates and thiosulfonates that reduce bacteria causing tooth decay. These compounds are most active when onions are consumed raw, as cooking may destroy them.
Onions are also rich in vitamin C which supports healthy teeth. Some claim they relieve tooth pain, but more research is needed.
However, onions can cause bad breath. Be sure to wash your mouth thoroughly after eating them, especially before social gatherings. The antibacterial sulfur compounds clearly benefit oral health, just be aware of onion breath. For maximum dental benefits, enjoy raw onions and cleanse the palate afterward.
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13. Aid In Cholera Treatment
Research shows that onions have an inhibitory effect against Vibrio cholerae, the microbe responsible for cholera infections. This is likely due to the antibacterial sulfur compounds found in onions.
The antimicrobial effects of onions make them a potential home remedy for preventing and treating cholera in its early stages. More studies are needed, but adding onions to your diet could help fend off cholera-causing pathogens.
14. Prevent Blood Clots
Onions contain a flavonoid called rutin that helps prevent blood clot formation. Numerous studies in mice found rutin to be a highly potent anti-thrombotic compound.NYSC Portal
Clots occur in arteries and veins – arterial clots are platelet-rich while venous clots are fibrin-rich. Rutin blocks the enzyme protein disulfide isomerase which is released rapidly when clots form.
By inhibiting this enzyme, the rutin in onions interferes with blood clotting mechanisms. Consuming onions helps prevent the formation of dangerous clots that can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other complications. The rutin in onions makes them a helpful food for improving circulation.
15. Give An Energy Boost
The fiber in onions slows down digestion, leading to a gradual release of energy. This helps maintain stable energy levels rather than quick spikes and drops.
Specifically, the fiber inulin found in onions has been shown to boost energy and stamina. The slow-burning carbohydrates in onions provide your body with sustained energy.
Pairing onions with proteins, fiber and healthy fats can further stabilize your energy. Take advantage of the energizing effects of onions by adding them to your morning omelets, lunches, dinners and snacks.
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Conclusion
Onions provide an impressive number of health benefits. They contain powerful antioxidants that reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and maintain bone health. Onions also have antimicrobial, anti-tumor, and blood thinning properties.
Consuming onions may help lower your risk of several chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Onions promote healthy digestion, immunity, oral health, and sleep as well.
Adding more onions to your diet is simple. Use them generously in recipes, soups, salads, and sandwiches. Implementing more onions into your meals will boost your overall health.
Try different types of onions like yellow, white, red or green for a flavorful nutritional boost. Onions can be consumed cooked or raw, though cooking them may decrease some of their beneficial properties.
Include onions as part of a balanced diet along with other vegetables, proteins and healthy fats. Discover all the diverse ways to enjoy onions and reap their many impressive benefits.
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