Onions are cultivated and consumed around the world. This can be eaten raw as well as cooked and are used in salads and pickles. These onions have very strong and pungent smell. Also known as bulb onions or common onions, they are vegetables and the most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium. Other related vegetables include garlic, leeks, chives, shallots, and Chinese onions. The onion plant has bluish-green leaves, and the bulb at the base begins to swell after a certain period. Compared to many expensive super foods, onions are also relatively cheaper. Onions as a super food are still not well known. But they contain one of the highest concentrations of quercetin and Ontario onions boasts particularly high levels of the compound compared to some parts of the world. Quercetin is a potent antioxidant located near the skin of the onion which helps lower bad cholesterol, prevents blood clots and also fights asthma.

Several Types Of Onions

There are several types of onions, but here we talk about the most common ones.

Yellow Onions

They have ivory white flesh that is surrounded by heavy brown skin. They have a strong and sulfur-like aroma.

Sweet Onions

They have a lighter, less-opaque skin that surrounds a larger and slightly fatter body of the vegetable. These onions have a little less of a bite to them than the yellow or white onion, and they taste a little on the sweet side.

White Onions

They are a little more tender with a thinner skin. White onions have a slightly more sharp flavor than the yellow version. They’re also great simmered in soups and stews and added to a salsa.

Red Onions

They are mild and sweet enough to be eaten raw. The exterior skin and flesh are a deep magenta.

Stunning Health Benefits Of Onions

Cancer Prevention

Due to the high amount of antioxidant properties found in red onions compared to white or yellow, red onions provide stronger protection against certain types of cancer, such as stomach, colorectal, oral, laryngeal, esophageal and ovarian cancer. For the most benefits, it is recommended that we eat at least 3 onions each week (or half an onion a day). The quercetin abundant in red onions have been shown to reduce inflammation and is beneficial for both the prevention and treatment of cancer. Sulfur components in onions will help to fight against the free radicals and prevents cancer. Onions activate the pathways that provoke the cancer cells to kill themselves. They make the environment unfavorable for cancer cells to communicate, and this inhibits their growth. The researchers have also recently determined onions are effective at killing breast cancer cells.

Avoid Infections

It acts as an antibiotic as well as antiseptic. These properties of onion help in protecting us from different infections. Onion acts as an immediate cure for fever, cold or allergies. Even works against the side effects of fever. Just keep a small piece of onion on the forehead it will help you out within no time. The bactericidal property of onion helps to prevent oral infection as well as tooth decay. According to recent research, if one chews raw onion for 2-3 minutes it will kill all the germs which cause oral problems. If you have a toothache, then place a piece of onion on that tooth. You will get relief. So, don’t avoid onions just because it makes you cry or due to the bad odor.

Maintains Healthy Heart

Regular consumption of onions will help you to maintain healthy heart. Raw onions will help to stimulate the production of good cholesterol in your body and prevent the formation or spreading of bad cholesterol. This often results in controlling your blood pressure and preventing certain types of heart issues. The sulfur found in onions acts as a natural blood thinner and it prevents blood platelets from clotting, which may help to lower blood pressure and the risk of heart attack or stroke. Better have a CPR Certification Cleveland if your loved ones are prone of heart disease so you do know how to perform cpr in case of emergency.

Weight Loss Benefits

100 grams of onions contain only 44 calories which are mostly complex carbohydrates and this serving size provides you with 1.4 grams of dietary fibre. This indicates the health benefits of red onions for weight loss. Red onions have significant blood sugar lowering action comparable to prescription drugs. There are many compounds present in red onions which lower glucose by competing with insulin for breakdown sites in the liver. This increases the lifespan of insulin in the blood. The high water and fibre content of red onions can keep you full longer. As satiety increases, the food intake reduces. The pungent odor of raw onions may put you off but it is totally worth it since their consumption can in still satiety and keep you full. The best part of using onion in a weight loss diet is that it’s quercetin content is not reduced even when the onions are cooked. It is recommended that you use low heat method for making soups and stews with onions so as to preserve its antioxidant benefits.

Provides Anti Ageing Benefits

Onion consists of antioxidant vitamins A, C and E which provide anti-ageing benefits. Vitamin E helps to protect us from the damage caused by UV rays. Onion is power bank of quercetin, which acts as an antioxidant and prevents wrinkles. Massage your skin with onion juice, it will improve your skin appearance and increase blood circulation.

Helps in Treating Acne

The anti bacterial and anti microbial property of onion will work on your skin. It will avoid acne and other skin problems. Take one tablespoon of onion juice and one tablespoon of olive oil and mix them. Apply it on your face and leave for 15- 20 minutes and rinse with water. Consuming onion regularly will help to prevent acne as well.

Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

Onions are a rich source of biotin. Single serving of onion is loaded with 27% of required biotin to your body. Biotin is the important mineral required to maintain and regulate blood sugar levels and decrease the insulin resistance in your body. A combination of biotin and chromium may help to improve regulating blood sugar levels and even decrease insulin resistance.

Detoxification Effect of Red Onions

The high organic sulfur content of red onions is beneficial for the liver and helps detoxify the body. Sulfur containing amino acids like methionine and cystine found in red onions help chelate heavy metals from the body. These amino acids latch to heavy metals like mercury, chromium, lead and cadmium and literally escort them out of the body. The high Vitamin C content of red onions also removes cadmium and arsenic from the body.

Healthy Digestion

Onions are rich source of dietary fibers that acts as natural laxative in your body and supports proper bowel movement. The fibers in onions will help to cleanse your intestine and remove waste from your body. Regular consumption of onions will also help to relieve you from stomach ache and cramps. The natural prebiotics in onions can also help ease constipation. They are also believed to help treat stomach ache and stomach worms, though more research is warranted.

Supports Hair Growth

Apart from maintaining healthy diet with protein rich foods, the hair mask made by onions will promote hair growth and acts as good remedy for dandruff too.Mix onion juice with little amount of yogurt and apply it as mask on your hair and leave it for more than 20 minutes. Wash it off with cool water; it results in strengthening your hair and cleansing your scalp.

Helps in Treating Dark Patches

Now a day’s many people are suffering from dark patches and pigmentation. Here is a trick to get rid of all these problems. Apply onion and turmeric juice on the affected areas and you will see the results. By mixing onion juice and yogurt in equal amount and add a few drops of essential oil in the mask and massage for 10 minutes in the circular motion with the pack. By adopting this step, you will get a positive result for dark spots.

The most abundant part of the onion containing antioxidant flavonoids is in the outer most layers of the onion. Remember, the antioxidants are concentrated in the layer closest to the onion’s skin. So avoid removing top layers and make sure you use these layers in your recipes.