10 Little-Known Benefits of Raw Onions for Your Body
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Onions are a versatile vegetable with a range of unique uses for your body beyond just being a flavorful addition to your meals and ‘making you cry’. One of the most remarkable things about onions is their natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make onions effective in treating various health issues, from ear infections to acne. They can also help soothe a sore throat, relieve congestion, and promote healthy hair growth.
Raw onions have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help improve your overall health. This article will explore some of the unique uses and benefits of onions for your body .
Soothing a Sore Throat
Onions have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe a sore throat. Cut an onion half and place it in a bowl with a tablespoon of honey. Cover the bowl and let it sit for a few hours. The honey will draw out the onion’s natural juices, creating a soothing syrup you can take with the spoonful to ease your sore throat.
Treating Ear Infections
Onions have natural antibacterial properties that make them effective for treating ear infections. Cut an onion in half and place it in a clean cloth. Microwave the sock for 15-30 seconds or until the onion is warm but not too hot. Place the fabric on the affected ear and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. The onion’s natural antibacterial properties will help to fight the infection and reduce inflammation.
Natural Hair Dye
Onions can be used as a natural hair dye to enhance your hair’s color and shine. Boil a few chopped onions in water for 30 minutes, strain the liquid, and let it cool. Apply the liquid to your hair and let it sit for 30-60 minutes before rinsing it. The natural pigments in the onions will enhance your hair’s color and add shine.
Treating Acne
Onions have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that effectively treat acne. Cut an onion in half and rub it directly onto your acne-prone skin. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it with warm water. The onion’s antibacterial properties will help to kill acne-causing bacteria, while its anti-inflammatory properties will help to reduce redness and inflammation.
Removing Splinters
Onions can be used to remove splinters from your skin. Place a slice of onion over the splinter, securing it with a bandage. Leave it on overnight, and the onion’s enzymes will help to draw out the splinter, making it easier to remove in the morning.
Preventing Hair Loss
Onions can help to prevent hair loss by promoting hair growth. Cut an onion into small pieces and blend it into a paste. Massage the onion paste into your scalp and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it. The onion’s sulfur compounds will help to improve blood flow to your scalp, promoting healthy hair growth.
Relieving Congestion
Onions can help to relieve congestion and other symptoms of a cold or flu. Cut an onion into small pieces and place them in a bowl. Cover the bowl with a towel and inhale the steam for a few minutes. The onion’s natural compounds will help to loosen mucus and relieve congestion.
Improved Skin and Hair Health
Raw onions are rich in sulfur compounds essential for maintaining healthy skin and hair. Sulfur compounds help promote collagen production, which maintains skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles.
Moreover, sulfur compounds help improve blood circulation to the scalp, promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. Regularly consuming raw onions can help improve the overall health and appearance of your skin and hair.
Improved Bone Health
Raw onions are a good calcium source, essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Calcium helps build and maintain bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Moreover, onions are rich in vitamin K, which is essential for the synthesis of osteocalcin, a protein that helps to bind calcium to the bones. Consuming raw onions regularly can help enhance bone health and lower the incidence of fractures.
Lowered Risk of Cancer
Raw onions are rich in flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and damage your DNA, leading to cancer.
Studies have shown that regular consumption of onions may reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including stomach, colon, breast, and ovarian cancer. The flavonoids in onions have been found to inhibit cancer cell growth and prevent tumor formation.
How to Incorporate Raw Onions into Your Diet
If you want to reap the health benefits of raw onions, it’s important to incorporate them into your diet. Here are some easy ways to do so:
- Add raw onions to your salads: Raw onions can add a crunchy texture and a tangy flavor to your salads. You can chop them into small pieces, slice them thinly, and toss them into your salad.
- Use raw onions in sandwiches: Raw onions can add a zesty flavor to your sandwiches. You can slice them thinly and add them to your sandwich fillings.
- Use raw onions in salsas and dips: Raw onions can add a delicious flavor to your salsas and dips. You can chop them finely and add them to your favorite salsa or dip recipes.
- Add raw onions to your stir-fries: Raw onions can add a sweet and savory flavor to your stir-fries. You can slice them thinly and add them to your stir-fried vegetables.
- Use raw onions in marinades: Raw onions can add a depth of flavor to your marinades. You can chop them finely and mix them with other ingredients such as olive oil, vinegar, and herbs.
Caution When Taking Raw Onions
Is raw onions good for you? Yes, but caution should be taken when consuming them. Raw onions contain a high amount of a compound called alliinase, which can irritate the digestive tract and cause discomfort or even stomach upset in some people. Additionally, onions may contain harmful bacteria or fungi, which can cause foodborne illness if consumed raw. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly wash and peel onions before consuming them raw and to handle them carefully to avoid cross-contamination with other foods.
It is crucial to thoroughly rinse your mouth after consuming raw onions to prevent the unpleasant breath they can cause.
Bottom Line
If you’re interested in using onions for their health advantages, it’s important to bear in mind that they can be rather potent. While using onions topically, some people may have skin irritation or other negative consequences. Moreover, onions can conflict with certain drugs, so it’s crucial to consult your doctor before taking them as a remedy.