The wonder culinary plant

 ONION

And it's health benefits

By Obasi Kelechi

Introduction

Onion, (Allium cepa), herbaceous biennial plant in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae), grown for its edible bulb. The onion is likely grown throughout the world, chiefly in the temperate zones.

Onions are valued for their flavour and are used widely in cooking. They add flavour to such dishes as stews, roasts, soups, and salads and are also served as a cooked vegetable.

Onions, an amazing vegetable that is in almost every meal, it's more than just a tasty culinary plant. Onions are much more than most people think it is, because they contain nutrients which are beneficial to health either when consumed raw or used in cooking.

Onions non-arguably are a major ingredient in almost every meal and it packs tons of health benefits. Below are the benefits derived from onions.

Health Benefits

Onions have great nutritional benefits which include; rich in antioxidants, reduces the risk of cataracts, fights against cancer, improves digestion, helps to stimulate the immune system, lowers blood sugar level, it enhances the brain, boost energy, relieves earache, nourishes the skin, treatment of acne and pimples.

• Rich in Antioxidants

Onions contain an antioxidant known as quercetin which eliminates the chances of inflammation and as well helps in preventing the body cells from damaging due to too many oxidation processes.

• Reduces the Risk of Cataracts

Onions are good for the eyes, they contain sulphur which is known to be one of the minerals that helps improve the eye, this is so because the sulphuric compound is known as Allyl Propyl Disulfide. 

This is what causes the tear ducts to get irritated when cutting onions thereby washing the cornea as well as stimulating the effective production of glutathione (protein) which helps to reduce the chances and risks of cataracts, glaucoma and the rest.

• Help Relieves Cold Symptoms

The presence of manganese in onions is good for the body because it contains anti-inflammatory abilities which help to relieve cold as well as flu.

• Fights Against Cancer

Eating onions, mainly the red onions, can effectively help in the fight against cancer because of its high content of quercetin, and the presence of organ sulfur found in onions can as well help improve the heart conditions and reduce the chances of cardiovascular diseases.

• Improves Digestion

It helps to improve digestion because of its fiber content. The body contains some healthy bacteria, and onion fiber helps in keeping the level of such bacteria normal.

Onion contains oligofructose, a special soluble fiber that promotes good bacteria growth in the intestines.

• Helps to Stimulate the Immune System

Selenium present in onions helps to stimulate the proper functioning of the immune system and to also maintain a normal level of an immune response.

The anti-inflammatory properties of onions make it good for the respiratory system as it helps in the prevention and treatment of colds, asthma, pneumonia and other respiratory issues. Onions contain polyphenols that act as antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals so as to maintain a strong immune system.

• Lowers Blood Sugar Level

Onion is an effective ingredient that lowers the level of blood sugar in the body, this is so because it contains what is called Allyl Propyl Disulfide which may help to increase the insulin amount in the body by decreasing the glucose levels.

A study on onions clearly showed that eating red onions can help in reducing the risk of getting Type 1 & 2 diabetes due to its ability to lower the level of glucose within 4 hours.

• Enhances the Brain

A Sulfur compound found in onions named di-n-propyl trisulfide helps to increase memory impairment, therefore enhancing brain memory and overall health.

• Boost Energy

The dietary fiber in onions slows digestion and keeps the energy levels active. It helps to increase the bulk stool due to adequate digestion thereby preventing the risk of constipation.

• Relieves Earache

Although not scientifically proven, Onion juice helps to cure health problems by heating it up in the oven and squeezing out the juice, then adding a few drops to the infected ear. Onion juice is great medicine for curing ear ailments that many people aren’t aware of.

• Nourishes the Skin

Onions are richly endowed with nutrients such as Vitamin A, C, and E, all of which promotes skin health. These vitamins protect the skin from free radicals and bacteria that cause premature aging. Studies indicate that vitamin C helps to keep the skin glowing and radiating.

This antioxidant also fights against the damages caused by the harmful ultraviolet rays on the skin and keeps it wrinkle-free. It protects the skin and leaves it radiating and soft.

Also applying fresh onion juice to the skin helps to boost blood circulation in the body and as well remove skin impurities due to the richness of phytonutrients and antioxidants.

• Treatment of Acne and Pimple

Onion extract or cream that contains onion can be used in the treatment of acne and pimple on the face because it contains antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory properties.

Onion juice as well is used to treat dark spots and pigmentation.

• Beneficial for Stronger Hair Growth

Onion Juice is beneficial for hair growth due to its rich content of sulfur and keratin. This sulfur helps to stimulate collagen which promotes stronger hair growth and treating dandruff by killing the bacteria that causes the growth of dandruff.

Apply fresh onion juice on the hair and scalp basically for about 10 to 15 minutes and rinse with a shampoo and lukewarm water, it helps to increase blood supply to the hair follicles which helps to thicken the hair.

Onion juice also serves as a hair conditioner and scalp infection treatment, but in some cases where the smell of onion makes you uncomfortable, try to replace them with garlic as that also works well for hair growth.

• Keeps the Teeth Healthy

Onions contain Sulphur compounds named thiosulfinates and thiosulfonates that help to reduce bacteria which tend to cause tooth decay. Its advised that eating them raw seems to be best,cooking it loses its beneficial compounds.

• Improves Sleep and Reduces Depression

Onions contain folate and homocysteine, which studies show that it improves sleep and reduces depression. It also prevents chemicals from accumulating in the brain cells. Excess homocysteine collides with serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine that enhances sleep and mood.

• Helps to Prevent Blood Clotting

A chemical compound named rutin is found in Onions which helps to prevent blood clotting in the body. Several studies on rats indicate that rutin is the most potent anti-thrombotic compound.

Clotting occurs in the arteries and veins, and in arteries, the clot is rich in platelets while in veins they are rich in fibrin.

• Bites and Stings Treatment

Onions are also an active medicine for treating stings and bites. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce pain and healing wounds faster so as to avoid swelling and itching.

For this process, just slice the onion and place it in the area of the bite or sting and it will go a long way in healing the wound faster.

• Oxidative Stress Protection

Onion juice helps to moderate oxidative stress in the body. The quercetin onion juice helps to prevent diseases that relate to oxidative stress and protects the DNA against damage caused by oxidative stress.

A recent study indicates that onions also help to lower diabetes which is an accumulated oxidative stress in the body.

• Improve Sexual Health

Onion Juice benefits a lot to men as it increases their fertility level especially when mixed with honey. It helps in erectile dysfunction and managing of sexual impotence.

Nutritional Value of Onions

Nutrients contained in onions include folate, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin C, iron, selenium, vitamin B6, manganese, calcium, sulfur etc. Some of these nutrients are contained in small properties and some in larger proportions.

Conclusion

Prebiotics such as oligofructose is one of the soluble fibers in onions that prevent diarrhea, ease constipation and stomach ache.

Also, eliminate the chances of gastric ulcers but it is also good to know that the same onions contain thiosulfates which act as antibacterial properties and can as well cause harm to those beneficial and healthy bacteria.

It has been debated severally whether onions is good or bad for the human health, but the truth is that generally, onions are good for the body but when taken in excess can decrease the rate at which lithium is expelled from the body which can cause twitching, confusion, diarrhea, slurred speech and more.

Eat healthy, stay safe.

DISCLAIMER

This post is for enlightenment and should not be used as a replacement for professional medical diagnosis and treatments. Remember to always consult your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions for any medical condition.

Obasi Kelechi.