Onions have been used for thousands of years as an ingredient in various dishes by many cultures around the world.
These vegetable can be eaten raw, cooked, fried, dried or roasted. They are commonly used as a flavouring and seasoning agent in many dishes.
Apart from added an excellent taste to dishes, onions are also provides many health benefits to its users. In Chinese medicine, onions have been used to treat angina, coughs, bacterial infections, and respiratory problems.
And even the World Health Organization
(WHO) also supports the use of onions for the treatment of poor appetite and preventing atherosclerosis.
Fight Cancer: Onion extract is rich in a variety of sulfides, which provide some protection against tumor growth. Some studies have showed, regular consumption of onions helps to reduce the risk of several cancers such as colorectal cancer, oral cancer, laryngeal cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, and ovarian cancer. It is suggested to consume one onion serving per day (approximately 1/2 cup).
Cardiovascular Benefits: The regular consumption of onion has been shown to lower high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. This is attributed to the sulfur compounds, chromium, and vitamin B6 in onions, which helps prevent heart disease by lowering high homocysteine levels, another potential risk factor for heart attack and stroke.
Reduce Blood Sugar Levels: The regular consumption of onions also have been shown to lower the blood sugar levels. A study found that, onions contain allyl propyl disulfide that helps to reduce the glucose levels by increasing the amount of insulin.
Promotes Gastrointestinal Health: Onions packed with enormous flavonoids, these flavonoids help to reduce the risk of colon cancer. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors in animals and to protect colon cells from the damaging effects of certain cancer-causing substances.
Good for Skin: The onions help in stimulating the circulation of blood in the mucous membrane. It can be applied as poultice to boils, bruises, wounds, etc. Onion juice mixed with honey also can be the best home remedy for acne.
Stimulate Hair Growth: Onion is rich in sulfur which is one of the essential nutrients in promoting hair growth. A study has shown that applying onion juice on scalp twice a week for 2 months will stimulates hair re-growth.
Treats Cholera: Onion is an effective remedy for cholera. Grind about 30 grams of onions with 5-7 black peppers. Have 2-3 times of the mixture a day. This is effective treatment for cholera. On the other hand, this also helps to lessens diarrhoea and vomiting.
Maintain Bone Health: A study revealed that onions also possess the ability of building connective tissue and bone health due to a newly identified substance in it called growth plate chondrocytes (GPCs). Hence onions are very beneficial for women who are at a risk for osteoporosis. There is also evidence to suggest that the risk of hip fracture in menopausal women may be lowered through regular consumption of onions.
Remedy for Cold and Flu: Onion is also a great remedy for cold and flu. The Native Americans used them to ward off the common cold and flu. The World Health Organization has even recognized the onion for its ability to help relieve flu symptoms such as coughs, bronchitis, congestion, and respiratory infections
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