The benefits of onions extend beyond their texture and taste. It is characterized by a strong aroma and a pungent spiciness. Onions are rich in vitamins B6 and C, folic acid, iron, and potassium. They contain allium and allyl disulfide. These compounds can reduce cancer risk, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and treat infections.
This article discusses the top 30 incredible facts about onions:
1. Nutritious
Onions are rich in nutrients, especially minerals and vitamins. Average-sized onion bulbs are low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by called free radicals.
Onions are also rich in B vitamins, such as folic acid (B9) and pyridoxine (B6), which play important roles in metabolism, red blood cell production, and nerve function. Onions are also a good source of potassium.
2. Contributes to heart health.
Onions contain antioxidants and compounds that help to fight inflammation, lower triglycerides, and lower cholesterol. These can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Their powerful anti-inflammatory properties also help lower high blood pressure and protect against blood clots.
Onions have also been shown to lower cholesterol levels.
3. Rich in antioxidants.
Antioxidants inhibit oxidation, a process that causes cell damage and contributes to diseases.
Onions are an excellent source of antioxidants. In fact, they contain over 25 flavonoid antioxidants. Red onions especially contain anthocyanins. These are special plant pigments from the flavonoid family that gives red onions their deep color. Anthocyanins have also been found to protect against certain types of cancer and diabetes.
4. Contains anti-cancer compounds.
Consuming allium vegetables, such as garlic and onions, can reduce the risk of cancers, including stomach and colon cancer.
Onions also contain fisetin and quercetin, flavonoid antioxidants that may inhibit tumor growth.
5. Blood sugar control
Eating onions can help lower high blood sugar because onions contain many beneficial compounds. Certain compounds found in onions, such as quercetin and sulfur compounds, have anti-diabetic effects.
Quercetin interacts with cells in the small intestine, pancreas, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and liver to control blood sugar regulation throughout the body.
6. Can increase bone density.
In addition to the health benefits of onions, they have the ability to support strong bones.
In a study of 24 middle-aged and postmenopausal women, women who consumed 3.4 ounces (100 ml) of onion herb juice daily for eight weeks had better bone density and antioxidants than the control group. Additionally, the study showed that older women who ate the most onions had a more than 20% lower risk of hip fracture compared to those who ate none. Onions are also thought to reduce oxidative stress, increase antioxidant levels, and reduce bone loss. It can prevent osteoporosis and increase bone density.
7. Antibacterial.
Onion extract can inhibit the growth of Vibrio cholerae, a bacterium that is a major health concern in developing countries.
Quercetin, extracted from onions, appears to be a particularly effective antibacterial agent.
8. Boosts digestive health.
Onions are a rich source of prebiotics that promote digestive health, improve the bacterial balance in the gut, and benefit the immune system. Prebiotics are indigestible fibers that are broken down by beneficial intestinal bacteria. Gut bacteria feed on prebiotics to produce short-chain fatty acids like acetate, propionate, and butyrate.
Studies have shown that these short-chain fatty acids promote gut health, boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion. , which increases probiotics such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria strains, which aid in digestive health. A diet high in prebiotics can help improve the absorption of important minerals such as calcium, which improves bone health.
9. It’s a good natural solution for acne.
If you want to fight acne, onions are a great natural solution to get rid of the blemishes that bother you most! Thanks to its benefits and nutrients, you can achieve optimal results for your skin. Just grind the onion with a little water and put it on the affected area for a few minutes as a mask. Then rinse with water.
10. Great for treating mosquito bites.
Onions have antiseptic properties, making them the perfect natural supplement for treating and relieving mosquito bites. It works wonders!
11. You can charge your iPod with an onion.
One of the interesting facts about the bulb that got our attention the most is that it’s the new iPod charger. And it’s a combination of electrolytes extracted from isotonic drinks and the properties of onions that produce electricity that makes you want to listen to your favorite tunes.
12. Prevent inflammation and other allergies.
We’ve already seen that quercetin (and other flavonoids) in onions help prevent inflammation. Onions also treat allergies by preventing cells from releasing histamine.
Cooking with onions helps open and drain your sinuses. Quercetin’s antihistamine properties may also help relieve nasal congestion. Eating raw onions at night can also help relieve constipation – the sulfur compounds in onions can break down mucus. Onions also have antibacterial properties. In one study, onion extract worked against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, bacteria that cause tooth decay and other allergies. Onions also have antibiotic effects that speed wound healing.
13. Cure ear diseases.
According to reports, although research is limited, most parents swear by onions to cure ear problems. Heat an onion, extract some juice, and pour a few drops into the infected ear. And this treatment dates back to the 19th century. Put the onions in a 450°F oven. Let stand for 15 minutes or until softened. Remove the onion, let it cool, cut it in half, squeeze the juice, and put it in a small bowl.
You can strain the juice once and use a dropper to pour a few drops of the juice into the infected ear. Another method is to place a packet of onions on the infected ear. Although this treatment has not been scientifically proven, some believe it may work.
14. Promote respiratory health.
American studies show that patients with respiratory diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis can benefit from certain fruits and vegetables, including onions.
The anti-inflammatory properties of onions also help alleviate respiratory ailments. If you have a respiratory ailment, simply adding onions to your diet (in addition to your medication) will help you get relief more quickly. Include onions in your salads and various other foods.
15. Improve sleep.
Onions contain prebiotics that may even improve sleep and reduce stress. When the good bacteria in the gut digest the prebiotic fiber, they can proliferate and improve gut health and, more importantly, release metabolic byproducts. These byproducts can affect brain function and induce sleep.
16. Improve eye health.
Sulfur in onions improves eye lens health. It stimulates the production of a protein called glutathione, which acts as an antioxidant. Higher glutathione levels mean a lower risk of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts. An Iranian study found that onions may inhibit the growth of normal eye flora. This suggests that onions may be a potential treatment for common eye infections such as conjunctivitis and blepharitis. In this study, onion juice was used as an eye drop and found to be effective. You can try it too, but it’s best to consult your doctor first. Onion extract can also help prevent the development of corneal opacities.
17. Promote hair growth.
The main reason onion juice is good for hair growth is that it contains sulfur, which is also found in amino acids. Keratin (an important protein) is also high in sulfur and is necessary for strong hair. When applied to the scalp, onion juice supplies extra sulfur to make hair strong and thick. This sulfur can also stimulate the production of collagen. It helps produce healthy skin cells and hair growth (also used as a standard treatment for hair loss).
Applying onion juice to the scalp increases the blood supply to the hair follicles and improves hair growth. In a study, participants who washed their hair with onion juice had more hair growth than those who did not. However, further research is needed. There’s no harm in using onion juice for your hair. Simply massage the fresh onion juice into your scalp and hair.
18. Maintain hair color.
Applying onion juice to your hair will give it a beautiful coppery hue and make your hair shiny. However, if you want to maintain your hair’s natural color, you can mix appropriate amounts of onion and mustard oil and apply them to your hair. Mustard oil will reduce the lightening effect of onions.
19. Helps reverse gray hair.
There’s no research on this, but some proponents claim it works: Just boil five onions in 1 liter of water for about 10 minutes. After cooling, strain the mixture. Apply to the scalp with shampoo. If you don’t mind the onion smell, you can wash your hair the next morning. After two months, hair shine will improve. Graying can also start to reverse.
20. Remove dark spots and treat skin pigmentation.
Onion juice is great for removing blemishes and pigmentation. The rich array of phytonutrients and antioxidants found in onions nourishes the skin and eliminates blemishes. You can make an onion face mask by mixing equal amounts of onion juice and fresh yogurt. Add some drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent. Apply this mixture to your face in gentle circular motions for 10 to 10 minutes. Massage for 15 minutes. For best results, this should be done daily.
21. Treat wounds.
Onions can be used to relieve stings and insect bites. All you have to do is place a slice of onion on your sting or bite. The anti-inflammatory properties of onions help reduce burning, itching, and swelling from insect bites and stings.
22. Help to remove moles.
You can also use onion juice to remove moles. The acidity of onion juice and the chemicals it contains can also cure moles. Dab some fresh onion juice on the mole. In most cases, treatment has been found to remove moles within a month. However, each mole is different, so if you are not getting the right results, talk to your doctor.
23. Fights the effects of aging.
Onions have anti-aging effects. Antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E fight damage caused by harmful UV rays and prevent damage caused by free radicals that cause premature aging of the skin. Onions have quercetin, the most powerful anti-wrinkle antioxidant in the skin. Meanwhile, vitamins and sulfur protect the skin and keep it soft and supple. The anti-aging properties of onions can be attributed to the presence of sulfur-rich phytochemicals. Massaging the skin with fresh onion juice promotes blood circulation and improves the skin.
24. Ease menopause symptoms.
Onions help with menopause by supporting the liver and removing waste hormones. Calcium intake is also essential during this time. Onions also contain calcium, which helps in this regard.
25. Reducing oxidative stress.
A Chinese study found that drinking onion juice helps regulate oxidative stress. Another study found that onions may also reduce oxidative stress caused by diabetes. Quercetin in vegetables prevents diseases associated with oxidative stress. It also protects DNA from damage caused by oxidative stress.
26. Cure fever.
Onions can be used as an ingredient to cure fever. It can also prevent or treat nosebleeds due to the natural vapors that help the blood to clot (from the outside).
27. Improving brain health.
Sulfur-containing compounds found in onions can slow age-related memory loss. Onion extracts have been found to protect the hippocampus. However, some of these memory-fighting properties can be lost during cooking. So do your best to eat it raw. Another sulfur compound in onions called di-n-propyl trisulfide improves memory loss. Onions are thought to treat dizziness, epilepsy, and vertigo, but research on this is limited.
28. Improved sexual health.
Onions are herbal medicines used to treat sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction in western Uganda. Consuming onion juice with honey is known to increase male fertility.
29. Refuel
Onion fiber slows digestion and stabilizes energy levels. Inulin, found in vegetables, helps maintain stamina.
30. Helps cure cholera.
Onions have been shown to have an inhibitory effect on Vibrio cholerae, the microorganism that causes cholera. This is due to the antibacterial action of vegetables.
Bottom line
Onions are rich in prebiotics and various other nutrients. These were the 30 most incredible facts about onions. Thank you!
