People don’t fancy putting onion in their meal or even cutting an onion as it will leave you crying for no reason and eating it will give you bad breath. Apart from these two known pitfalls, onions has alot of health benefits. Onions have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic qualities and are rich in vitamins A, B6, B-complex and C, as well as iron, folate and potassium.
Onions are so popular as they can go with almost every meal. Below are 6 health benefits of raw onions.
1. It promotes Hair Growth
Onion juice is effective in preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. The sulfur in onions helps promote blood circulation to the scalp and boosts production of collagen necessary for new hair growth. A 2002 study published in the Journal of Dermatology found that people suffering from alopecia areata saw significant hair regrowth after applying onion juice to their scalp twice daily for two months.
Method;
Extract the juice of 1 onion.
Mix it with 1 teaspoon of honey and 2 or 3 drops of lavender essential oil.
Massage it into your scalp.
Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on overnight or at least for 1 hour.
Rinse your hair with water, then shampoo as usual.
Repeat this treatment 2 or 3 times a week until you get the desired result.
2. Regulates Blood Sugar
Onions are good for people who have diabetes. The sulfur compound called allyl propyl disulfide in onions helps increase insulin production and lower blood glucose levels in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. Furthermore, onion juice contains trace amounts of chromium, which helps improve the body’s glucose tolerance level. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food confirmed the antidiabetic effect of onions in diabetic rats. Onion extracts were found to be effective for lowering plasma glucose concentrations and body weight.
Diabetic people should include red onions regularly in their diet.
3. It Prevents Cancer
Onions are found to have beneficial and preventive effects on various cancers, such as lung, ovarian, stomach, bladder, breast, colorectal, prostate, oral, liver and brain cancer. The phenolic and flavonoid content of onions with antioxidant activities help fight cancer cells.
A 2006 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows a positive connection between the frequency of use of allium vegetables (onion and garlic) and reduced risk of several common cancers. If you are at a higher risk of cancer, eat at least 1 onion daily.
4. Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease
Regular onion intake can reduce your risk of conditions like arterial hardening, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. The quercetin found in onions has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are good for your heart health.
A 2007 study published in the American Society for Nutrition shows that quercetin helps reduce blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. Onions even help prevent cholesterol accumulation that contributes to clogging and hardening of the arteries. Start eating onions to boost your heart health.
5. Builds Strong Immunity
Due to their polyphenol content, onions can help boost your immunity by protecting your body against free radicals. Plus, onions contain a trace mineral selenium that helps improve immunity by initiating immune response and also preventing excessive immune response. Furthermore, consuming onions may help reduce allergic reactions in your body by stopping the production of histamine. Its antimicrobial properties also help prevent infections.
Decreased immune function during radiation treatment for cancer is common, but with intake of quercetin-rich foods, you can give a boost to your immunity.
A 2007 study published in Nutrition Research and Practice found that quercetin increased immune function, relieved inflammation and enhanced nutritional status in irradiated mice.
6. Increases Bone Density
Onions help slow the progression of bone loss, making them a very effective natural solution for aging women who are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. The peptide called GPCS in onions has the bone-helping potential. Furthermore, the high sulfur content provides direct benefits to connective tissue.
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