The onion is a member of the lily family, a close relation of garlic. It is often called the “king of vegetables” because of its pungent taste.
There are many varieties of the onion¾white, yellow, red and green globes. They also differ in size, color and taste.
Onion is a powerful anti-septic that is rich in vitamins A, B and C. It is a potent source of folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chromium, iron and dietary fiber.
Ancient records reveal that onions have been used as far back as 4000 B.C. as a cure-all for many illnesses. In WW II, the vapors of onion paste was used to reduce the pain and accelerated the healing of soldiers’ wounds.
Benefits of Eating Onion
Cure Anemia
The high content of iron in onion makes it beneficial for the treatment of anemia.
Anti-coagulant
Just by eating half a medium raw onion daily can significantly lower cholesterol and help prevent heart attacks.
Anti-inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory agents in onion are useful in reducing the symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and gout.
Anti-septic
Fights infection bacteria, including E.coli and salmonella, and is effective against tuberculosis and infections of the urinary tract, such as cystitis.
Blood pressure
Whether you eat it raw or cooked, onions help to lower blood pressure naturally. It also thins the blood, dissolve blood clots and clear the blood of unhealthy fats.
Immune booster
The pungency increases blood circulation and causes sweating. Useful in cold weather to ward off infection, reduce fever and sweat out colds and flu.
Osteoporosis
A compound has recently been identified in onions that prevents the activities of breaking down bone. Especially beneficial for women who are at risk for osteoporosis as they go through menopause.
Respiratory
Mix equal amounts of onion juice and honey and take 3-4 teaspoons of this mixture daily. It helps liquefy mucus and prevents its further formation. It is also one of the best preventive potion against common cold.
Sexual debility
Onion is a potent aphrodisiac and stands second only to garlic. For this, the white variety is most effective.
Urinary tract infection
Boil some onion in water till half of the water evaporated. Sieve the onion water, leave to cool and drink. The anti-bacterial properties help to relieve the burning sensation in urination.
Cholesterol
Eating half a medium raw onion daily significantly helps to correct thrombosis, lower the LDL cholesterol and prevents heart attacks.
Colon cancer, prevention
Fructo-oligosaccharides in onions stimulate the growth of good bacteria in the colon and help reduce the risk of tumors developing in the colon.
Constipation and flatulence
Add plenty onion in your cooking to help relieve chronic constipation and flatulence.
Diabetes
Chromium in onion helps diabetics’ cells respond appropriately to bringing down the insulin level and improve glucose tolerance.
Diuretic and blood cleansing
Help counter fluid retention, urinary gravel, arthritis and gout.
Ear disorder
In some culture, cotton wool is dipped into onion juice and put into the ear to stop ringing in the ear.
Prevent Hair loss
A study has shown that applying onion juice on scalp twice a week for 2 months will cause hair regrowth. Definitely cost much less that those hair tonic.
