Onions are some of the post commonly available root vegetables in the market. Their versatile culinary applications make onions a must-have for any kitchen and no lunch, dinner, or soup taste complete without some onions thrown inside.
However, onions offer more than just their pungent aroma. In fact, many health benefits have been identified with regards to incorporating onions into daily diets. More importantly, onions can be used to make various kinds of home remedies that work just as effective as other medical treatment options available.
Here is a look at some of the health benefits of onions and how you can use them to maximize these benefits.
Onion Nutrition Health Benefits
Onions share the same family (allium) as garlic and tend to have many health benefits shared by members of this family. Onions also have independent benefits derived from their rich nutritional content.
They are rich in Vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, folate, and magnesium. Onions have also been shown to have a high amount of the antioxidant quercetin.
A combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is the right nutritional mix for improved health and onions can help you effortlessly incorporate these nutrients into your diet.
1. Anti-Disease Benefits
The antioxidant quercetin is linked with a number of anti-disease health benefits. Besides stimulating immune response, quercetin protects the body against various kinds of cancer and treats cataracts.
It also increases blood flow, improves heart health, and reduces the risk of heart diseases. Yellow onions have the highest percentage of quercetin (more than white and red onions). Quercetin is only one of the ingredients that help to protect you from diseases.
2. Sulfuric Compounds
Onions are rich in sulfuric compounds, which they acquire and manufacture from the ground. These compounds can kill E coli and salmonella. They also prevent heart disease and can help kill cancer cells and tumors.
3. Germ Trapping Smell
In the recent past, onions were highly recommended to kill germs in the house. Placing a bowl of onions around the room is said to absorb all nearby germs and kill them.
4. Improving Bone Density
With their many minerals, onions will improve bone density and have been particularly associated with the prevention of osteoporosis.
5. Improving Oral Health
Chewing on raw onions will not only kill all the germs in your mouth but will also help to relieve tooth ache and protect your gums from disorders. It also heals tooth disorders.
6. Improved Digestion
Onions are rich in fructooligosaccharides, which are known to help the good gut bacteria flourish and improve digestion. They also target and kill harmful bacteria.
Onions have various other anti-disease benefits and have been recommended to lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin.
In one research study conducted on the delivery of quercetin, the natural antioxidant associated with numerous heart health benefits, onions were shown to increase the levels of this antioxidant by up to ten times in one serving.
Home Remedies Made From Onions
Over the ages and even in traditional medical practices, onions have been used to make homemade remedies for different conditions and ailments. Some of the natural home remedies you can make with onions include the following:
1. Onion Poultice For Congestion Relief
Onions have the ability to break down congestion and mucus that block the breathing pathways in the chest.
They work like expectorants and can also reduce spasmodic coughs. This works best when the onion is first heated. To quickly make onion poultice, simply slice or dice it, add one tablespoonful of water and heat until all the water evaporates.
Wrap the onion in a small tea towel and place on your chest or back to sooth the symptoms. You can let the temperature drop to a comfortable one before placing the poultice on your chest. The warmth and smell will quickly decongest your chest for instant relief.
2. Onion Honey Syrup For Flu
Onion and raw honey syrup can help you get rid of seasonal flu without taking any pills. Simply slice onions into small pieces and place in a saucepan.
Pour a cup of raw honey and warm under medium heat (lower than 115 degrees) until the onions are translucent. Take a spoonful of this syrup every 3-4 hours.
You can also take one per day to prevent the flu altogether during peak seasons. Remember not to take more syrup than recommended as this may cause digestive issues.
3. Onion Juice To Treat Ear Infection
Much like garlic, onions can be used to treat ear infections. A cooled baked or roasted onion half can be placed on the ear to fight viral or bacterial infections and soothes painful ear inflammation.
You can also squeeze onion juice and put a few drops in the ear. Make sure you strain it first to remove any pieces and never use drops of any kind if you suspect eardrum rupture.
4. Onions For Sprains And Sore Muscles
Onions can be used to relieve sprained, sore, or strained muscles. The Greeks rubbed onions to relieve muscle sprains and sores, and you can also use them to achieve the same purpose.
Onions are natural rubefacients that draw blood to the skin’s surface and increase supply to sub-surface areas. You can apply an onion poultice on the affected area or use raw onion to relieve rheumatism symptoms.
There are several other ways in which onions are used for home medical care. It is one of the ingredients used in fire-cedar immune booster, an age-old way of strengthening immunity by adding aromatic plants such as onions, garlic, horseradish, cayenne pepper, and others to apple-cedar vinegar.
Final Words On The Health Benefits Of Onions
The health benefits of onions are quite obvious and straightforward. You can always tell medicinal plants just by their smell and soothing properties.
Onions have been part of traditional medical practice for many decades and are still used today to alleviate various symptoms and diseases.
You should use fresh raw onions from your trusted supplier to get these benefits. Pick round onions instead of grass onions and remember to rinse thoroughly with clean water before you start using them.
