Do you wish to learn about the advantages of eating onions? Here are specifics regarding the benefits of onions.

The advantages of the onion go far beyond its flavor and texture. They used to make pickles, curries, sandwiches, soups, and other foods.

Onions, garlic, shallots, and leeks are all members of the Allium genus. During the summer, eating raw onions is advised because it can keep you cool and provide many benefits for the body.

The average person consumes 20 pounds of this vegetable annually, whether they eat it raw, cooked, pickled, or powdered.

One of the simplest ways to make your meals tasty and nutritious is to add raw onions. I add onions to nearly all my savory dishes!

How to use onions?

It is a fact that onions, whether eaten raw or cooked, are incredibly beneficial. However, raw onions have organic sulfur compounds in quantities that offer several advantages.

Also advantageous are boiled onions. They are an excellent supply of copper and fiber. Copper improves brain communication while fiber helps prevent stomach issues.

According to a clinical nutritionist, Dr. Lovneet Batra, raw onions are better because they have more sulfur and antioxidants.

Health benefits of onions:

Onions have many nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are also known to have several health benefits.

Onions play a significant role in maintaining our health and making our taste buds tingle.

They contain allyl disulfide and allium, which help to control cancer, keep blood sugar levels in check, calm inflammation, and treat infections. The onion is a superfood. Here we will provide you with details about raw onions’ benefits.

1. Lowered risk of stroke and heart disease

Onions are a great source of thiosulfates and flavonoids. These substances are to blame for onions’ acrid, overpowering flavor and odor.

Thiosulfates maintain blood consistency, and sulfur compounds are known to decrease cholesterol levels in your body. It helps to reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Medical professionals say that eating onions raw or cooked to acquire the most sulfur compounds from onions is the best strategy. 

2. Blood sugar levels remain under control

Nowadays, blood sugar has become a common disease. So blood sugar as a health strategy should be taken seriously by everyone. A study shows that onion extract helps reduce blood sugar levels.

A study was done on diabetic rats to demonstrate this, and the results were promising. This is due to certain chemicals in onions, such as quercetin and sulfur compounds, which have anti-diabetic properties.

As a result, eating onions can help people lower their blood sugar. However, onions have a beneficial effect only when used with the anti-diabetic drug metformin.

basket of yellow onions and more onions and knife on wooden cutting board

3. Raw onions are best for the respiratory system.

There is an anti-allergen in onions. Since allergies are frequently a contributing factor in respiratory issues, onions’ anti-inflammatory characteristics can also aid in relieving respiratory discomfort.

Since onions can relax the muscles of the isolated trachea, adding them to your diet prescription will help you feel better faster. Asthmatics can breathe more readily as a result.

According to an American study, patients with respiratory issues like asthma and allergic rhinitis can benefit from certain fruits and vegetables, onions being one of them.

4. Great for eye health

Onions include selenium, which helps the eye’s vitamin E function (which protects the cells in the eye).

According to a study from Iran, onions can stop the development of healthy eye flora. It raises the prospect that onions could treat blepharitis and conjunctivitis, two common eye illnesses.

Onion juice has been tested and has many benefits. You can also try it, but we advise that you speak with your doctor first.

Onions’ sulfur improves the condition of the lens in the eye. During this process, an antioxidant protein called glutathione is stimulated.

Lower risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma is associated with higher glutathione levels.

5. Onions are good for strong bones

Onions are excellent for building strong bones, which improves overall bone health. Antioxidant properties include lowering oxidative stress, increasing antioxidant levels, and reducing bone loss, and this protects against bone-related illnesses.

According to Swiss experts, a substance found in white onions called GPCS helps prevent bone loss.

Another study found that women who frequently consumed onions had 5% higher bone mass than those who did not. Additionally, eating onions improved bone density in women over 50.

The Arthritis Foundation claims that the antioxidant quercetin in onions can reduce the inflammatory effects of leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and histamine in people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is a reality that eating onions can relieve joint discomfort.

6. Promotes intestinal health

Onions are very helpful for the intestines. The gut is a tube that extends from the mouth to the anus. It can also be referred to as the digestive system.

It aids in regulating digestion within the human body. Carbohydrates, and fiber, are necessary for preserving intestinal health. Since onions are high in dietary fiber, they help boost digestive health.

7. Skin benefits

You need all of the vitamins A, C, E, and K found in onions for perfect, beautiful skin. These vitamins shield you from damaging UV radiation in addition to helping you get rid of pigmentation.

They shield the skin from accelerated aging brought on by free radicals. The vegetable’s potent antibacterial properties also allow it to protect the skin from harmful microorganisms.

Do you know that you may use a face pack with a dash of onion juice for soft, acne-free skin?

8. Make your skin glow

According to a study, vitamin C is crucial for giving the skin a healthy glow.

All you need for this onion face mask is 2 teaspoons of gram flour, 1 1/2 tablespoons of freshly extracted onion juice, 1/2 teaspoon of water or aloe juice, and a dash of nutmeg.

Combine all the ingredients and stir until thick paste forms. In case the pudding gets too thick, you can add more milk.

You can also add a drop of lavender essential oil to the pack if the smell of onions is too overpowering, but avoid this if you have sensitive skin.

Apply the mask evenly to your face and neck after cleansing your face, after the mask has dried, which could take 20 minutes, gently massage milk over the skin to remove it.

This mask exfoliates your skin while also enhancing your skin’s radiance.

9. Strengthen the immune system

The antioxidant content in onions can also help you strengthen your immune system. According to a study in the journal Mediators of Inflammation, onions have powerful chemical properties that boost immunity and have anti-cancer effects.

Selenium, found in onions, stimulates the immune system. Minerals also protect against an overactive immune response, which can have negative consequences.

Onions play a role in the growth and reproduction of immune cells that are deficient in selenium. These cells also struggle to make important proteins and transport calcium.

In Russia, onions are often used as a natural remedy for colds and flu.

Here, we also want to discuss a common remedy: sleeping with onions in your socks under your feet. Is there any benefit to it?

According to some sources, it hydrates your body and kills infections. Your immune system will be stronger if you do this.

Small bowl of diced red onions with whole red onions on wooden background

Also, you can make onion tea to get rid of a cold. This tea increases your immunity, which also helps in preventing diseases.

The simple steps to making tea include chopping an onion, boiling it in water, and then drinking the juice. It works as a quick remedy for your cold and other ailments.

For flavor and more benefits, you can also add additional ingredients like ginger. The anti-inflammatory properties of onions can help with asthma.

Even onion and honey syrup are effective in treating cold symptoms. Just chop an onion and add it to the pot. Add half a cup of honey to it.

Heat the onions slowly until they become transparent and soft. Consume one teaspoon of this syrup every three to four hours.

During flu season, you can take 1 or 2 teaspoons for prevention. For comparable results, combine honey and white onion.

10. Digestive system

Are raw onions gastrointestinal-friendly?

Yes, onions are a good source of prebiotics, which support good digestion, enhance gut bacterial balance, and maintain regularity.

It has enough inulin fiber to help your body maintain healthy levels of beneficial bacteria. Onions contain thiosulfinates, which can kill these helpful microorganisms.

Therefore, talk to your doctor if you are susceptible to the antibacterial effects of onions.

In addition to easing constipation, onions’ natural prebiotics are effective in treating stomach aches and worms. Onions’ natural prebiotics not only help with constipation but also with stomach aches and worms.

But remember that some people have reported experiencing migraines and flatulence after eating onions. If this occurs, speak with your doctor.

11. Sexual health

According to a study published in the journal Biomolecules, onions are one of the herbal remedies used to treat erectile dysfunction and sexual impotence in western Uganda.

Additionally, it aids in raising men’s testosterone levels. The benefits of fruit or vegetables for men, despite other factors, are well known. Men’s fertility is known to rise when taken with honey and onion juice.

12. Oral health

Onions contain a lot of vitamin C, which can help maintain the health of teeth and reduce the number of bacteria that cause tooth decay.

It is recommended to eat them raw because cooking may remove some of these healthy ingredients. Many people avoid eating them because of the unpleasant breath they leave behind.

They might cause unpleasant breath as a result. So, especially if you’re going to a social gathering, thoroughly brush and rinse your mouth out after eating onions.

13. Improve sleep

Apart from this, onions are also very important for sleep. These include prebiotics, and one study suggests they may promote sleep and even reduce stress.

Prebiotic fiber helps promote good bacteria in the gut and promote gut health, but more importantly, you can consume raw onions regularly for restful sleep.

How to choose onions?

You will find picking onions very easy.

Onions, both dry and green, are served year-round. When you’re shopping, choose clean, well-shaped onions without open necks.

They should have a bright, crisp, dry exterior that is firm. They should not have a thick wooden cover, and their necks should be securely closed.

How to store onions?

You can store dried onions for several months.

Onions should be kept in a cool, dry, and ventilated environment. You can keep these onions for later use. To keep them fresh for use within two to three days, they should be wrapped in plastic or stored in a tightly closed container.

Onions need to be inspected routinely after proper storage. Onions that are thin or discolored should be discarded.

So far, we have seen everything about the benefits of onions. But hey, this humble vegetable has some side effects too.

basket of red and yellow onions

Possible side effects of onions:

Here you will see the possible side effects of onions in detail.

1. Bad breath

Bad breath is often caused by the pungent smell of onions; it can be attributed to their high sulfur content.

2. A drastic drop in blood sugar levels

Onions lower blood sugar levels, so diabetics should check their blood sugar levels before consuming them as it may cause their blood sugar levels to drop too low.

3. A burning sensation in the chest and stomach

Uncontrolled consumption of onions can lead to heartburn. It can cause adverse effects on people with heart disease. Such situations require immediate medical attention.

4. Stomach irritation

Although onions are used in the treatment of many gastrointestinal disorders, excessive consumption can cause stomach irritation, vomiting, nausea, and heartburn.

If you experience any of these conditions regularly with onion consumption, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider.

5. Skin irritation

Some people may experience irritation and rashes on their faces or skin after applying onion juice to the skin. Therefore, it is advisable to test it on a small area of your skin before using it.

6. An increase in lithium

Onions can reduce the body’s ability to get rid of lithium. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor before taking any lithium medications while eating onions.

7. Pregnant and lactating women

Pregnant and lactating women should limit their intake of onions as they often cause heartburn during these stages.

8. Increased sensitivity

People who are allergic to onions should not take aspirin and onions together, as aspirin increases sensitivity to onions.

9. Anticoagulant property

Consuming onions can prevent blood clotting because of their anticoagulant properties. Combining onions with other anticoagulant medications can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.

Therefore, one should be aware of this serious side effect of onion consumption.

10. Blood pressure

Onions can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Therefore, people who take blood pressure medication should be careful in their use.

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