Health Benefits Of Onions

By Dr. Reena Prajapat on June 28, 2020

Onions were never recognized as health-promoting food, it is mostly considered as a part of salad which can only provide flavor. But it Turns out that onion has more nutrients than to cry over. They are super healthy and are loaded with many nutrients. Many Botanists believe that onion originated from Asia. It is one of the important, oldest, and widely cultivated vegetable crops, and is grown throughout the world. Egyptians considered onion as a symbol of endless life and eternity, medicinal qualities of onion have been known since ancient times. Onions are high on dietary fibers, they provide flavor and health-promoting phytochemicals.

The characteristic odor and flavor of onion are contributed by the sulfur-containing compounds. Onions are very low in calories, 100 grams of onions is loaded with only 40 calories. They are 89% water, 1.7% dietary fiber, and only 9% carbohydrates. Fibers present in onion are healthy and soluble called fructans. Fructans are also known as prebiotic fibers, they help in maintaining and improving gut health. Onion is also a good source of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, Folate (B9), Vitamin B6, Potassium.

Health Benefits Of Onion

Onions are dense in nutrients; they are high in minerals and vitamins. It boosts the immune system, regulates collagen production, promotes tissue repair, and facilitates iron absorption. Following is a list of impressive health benefits of eating onion.

Heart Diseases

Onion contains an essential antioxidant known as quercetin, this helps in preventing heart diseases. Quercetin is a plant flavonol (plant pigment), it is present in onions is an appreciable amount. It protects the body from free radicals which are the main culprit behind neurological and cardiovascular diseases. It has significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which helps in slowing down the process of aging. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition showed that onions have a considerable effect in lowering hypertension because of quercetin.

Vinyldithiins (are organosulphur phytochemicals) present in onion lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases, it significantly helps in decreasing platelet aggregation, this results in decreased incidence of ischemic stroke or myocardial infarction.

Cancer

Some researches support that consuming quercetin rich food might reduce the probability of having gastric, colon, and pancreatic cancer. Studies also suggest an association between consumption of raw onion and decreased risk of certain cancers, like gastric cancers, colorectal cancers, and prostate cancers.

Promotes Gut Health

Onions are a good source of Fructans, it is a soluble dietary fiber and it exerts significant prebiotic activity. It stimulates probiotic growth and helps in the growth of microflora like bifidobacterium and lactobacillus in the large intestine. Bacteria present in the gut use this fructan as fuel forming a fatty acid known as butyrate. Butyrate is believed to reduce inflammation and improve gut health. Onions assist in preventing gastric ulcers. Disulfides, trisulfides, and vinyldithiins are organosulphur phytochemicals that are formed during the breakdown of Allicin present in onion. These organosulphur acts as potential antioxidants.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, mentions that onions have the potential to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Treats Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a patchy hair loss condition, vitamin C is present in onion, helps in regrowth and maintenance of hair. According to a study mentioned in the “Journal of Dermatology”, applying onion juice on scalp may induce regrowth of hair after 2 – 3 weeks. It was observed that almost 75 % of participate noticed some hair regrowth. Onion is rich in dietary sulfur, has anti-microbial properties. Also, the Flavonoids present in onion protect the body from free radicals produced in the body.

To decrease the pungent odor of onion juice you can add a few drops of essential oils like lavender, rosemary. Apply the freshly prepared juice to the roots and scalp. Apply juice with the help of cotton pads. You can also massage your scalp for a few minutes this will stimulate your scalp, increase blood circulation, and help the absorption of onion juice in your scalp. Keep it for 15 – 30 minutes on your scalp. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo. You can apply onion juice every alternate day for 2 – 5 weeks for good results.

You can also mix onion juice in some coconut oil, apply this mixture to your scalp, keep it for 15 – 30 minutes and wash it with a mild shampoo. Likewise, olive oil, egg whites, and castor oil can also be mixed with onion juice. Always do a small patch test on yourself before applying onion juice to the scalp, also protect your eyes from directly coming in contact with the onion juice, it may cause redness and burning sensation in eyes.

So this summer, make onions an essential part of your plate to avail multiple health benefits.

Dr Reena Prajapat is a dentist, she post graduated in hospital management from Apollo Institute of hospital Administration, Hyderabad. Her strong belief in natural and home remedies lead her to Pursue bachelor in naturopathy.