Onion also known as the bulb onion is a vegetable that is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium. Onions have a variety of nutrients to offer; Sodium potassium, folates, vitamin A, C and E, calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus. In Africa, most use onions to flavor food while cooking, but science has shown that onions are best consumed raw. Here are 10 benefits of eating onions raw.
- Improve heart health
Onions are rich in flavonoids that help in reducing bad cholesterol and thiosulfinates that act as natural blood thinners and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. As per a report by the Cambridge University Press, the flavonoids in onions help lower levels of LDL (the bad cholesterol) in obese people.
- Fights Cancer
As per a study conducted by the University of Guelph, red onions are the most effective in destroying breast and colon cancer cells. These onions have high levels of quercetin and anthocyanin – two compounds that contribute to this characteristic. Onions activate the pathways that provoke the cancer cells to communicate and inhibit their growth.
- Improve immunity
The antioxidants in onions can help strengthen one’s immunity. According to a study published in the journal of ‘Mediators of Inflammation, onion’s chemical composition is so strong that it helps in immune enhancement.
- Help maintain bone health
According to the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA), one onion contains 25.3 mg of calcium which equals to strong bones. A study revealed that women who ate onions regularly had 5 percent more bone mass than those who ate less. Onion consumption was also found to have a beneficial effect on bone density of women older than 50 years.
- Improves sexual health
According to a study published in the journal ‘Biomolecules,’ onions can help in correcting erectile dysfunction. The study adds that onions help in increasing testosterone in men.
- Help maintain healthy hair
Although there is not much scientific evidence to prove this, many Ayurvedic (Hindu) hair products use onion juice for hair growth. Due to their antibacterial properties, onions help in keeping dandruff and lice away from your scalp.
- Onions enhance good vision
The selenium in onions helps in the production of vitamin E which keeps painful eye problems away.
- Improve oral health
They contain sulfur compounds that help reduce bacteria that cause tooth decay. It is best to eat them raw as cooking may destroy these beneficial compounds. The vegetable contains vitamin C which helps in keeping teeth healthy.
- Gives you glowing and ageless skin
Onions contain vitamins A, C and K that help in maintaining flawless skin. These vitamins help in getting rid of pigmentation and protect you from harmful UV rays.
- Helps in easing menopause symptoms
Onions support the liver and help get rid of waste hormones. They contain calcium which is domineering during this period.
From fighting cancer to acne-free skin, eating raw onions can do so much good to your health and well-being. We’ll change the adage to, an onion a day keeps the doctor away.
