Onions - 10 Medicinal Properties, Benefits And Harms

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 02:10

Onion

Bulb onion is a perennial plant belonging to the lily family. The shape of the bulb can be completely different, from round to oblong. Onions are available in yellow, red, white and purple colors.

Onions are a plant with a specific smell and taste. It does not exist in the wild. All of Russia grows this medicinal plant that helps against many diseases and ailments.

Almost no dish is complete without adding onions. There are many subspecies of this popular vegetable, but the most common and best known are the following:

• Yellow onion. Its distinctive characteristics are: white flesh, thick brown skin and a pronounced sulfur smell.
• Sweet onion. Its skin is light, dense, the vegetable itself is thick and large.
• White onion. Its skin is light, reminiscent of paper, and the taste of the pulp is sweeter and softer than that of yellow onions.
• Red onion. The vegetable has a sweetish flavor, so it can be eaten fresh. The skin and flesh are reddish.
• Green onions. This is an immature form in which the bulb has not yet formed.
• Leek. It looks like an overgrown green onion, has a long neck and a miniature onion. This vegetable is used for making sauces and first courses.

Content:

• Composition and calorie content
• Which onion is better to eat - raw or boiled?
• Useful properties of onions
• Benefits of onions for hair and skin
• Why do tears flow from onions and how to deal with it?
• Can you get rid of the onion smell from the mouth?
• The use of onions in traditional medicine

• Harm and contraindications to use

  Harm of onions to animals

• Selecting and storing onions
• Onion soup - a delicious French recipe

Composition and calorie content

Onion contains two active phytochemical components - alium and allyl disulfide. After entering the body, these substances are converted into allicin, which, according to a number of studies, has antitumor activity ^[1].

In addition, allicin has a positive effect on the state of blood vessels, making their walls less rigid, which makes it possible to correct blood pressure by lowering it. Yellow onions, shallots and leeks have these positive properties.

• Fats: 0.2 g
• Proteins: 1.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 10.4 g
• Water: 87.0 g
• Ash: 1.0 g
• Cellulose: 3.0 g

Flavonols are most abundant in onions and are present as their glycosides, that is, quercetin and kaempferol, at higher concentrations (28-40 mg / 100 g) than in other vegetables (for example, 10 mg / 100 g in broccoli, 5 mg / 100 g in an apple).

Vitamins	amount	% RDA
Quercetin	Fresh: 28-40 mg	sixteen%
	Oilcake: 60 mg	24%
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)	8-10 mg	eleven%
Vitamin B9 (folic acid)	24-53 mcg	nine%
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)	0.131-0.214 mg	6%

Heat treatment of onions does not affect the content of quercetin in it. When cooked, it simply goes from vegetable to broth.

Minerals (in 100 g):	amount	% RDA
Rubidium	476 μg	476%
Boron	200 mcg	286%
Cobalt	5 μg	50%
Silicon	5 mg	17%

It should be noted that red onion is the leader in anthocyanin content (25 mg / 100 g), but yellow onion is the richest in chemical composition.

Other important connections:

• Purines - 4 mg (3% of the RDI)
• Oxalic acid - 3 mg (0.8% of the RDI)

Complete chemical composition ➤

Which onion is better to eat - raw or boiled?

Eating raw onions saturates the body with sulfur, and boiled ones - with copper and fiber. Plant fiber is essential for the proper functioning of the digestive system, and copper is an essential element for the brain.

Surprisingly, even after pickling, onions retain their beneficial properties. However, you need to choose it correctly, having carefully studied the composition, since many manufacturers add harmful components to the marinades.

To get the maximum benefit from a vegetable, peel off the top layer from it in moderation, since it is in it that contains the most flavonoids.

Useful properties of onions

Onions contain organic acids, essential oils, amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, phytoncides and trace elements. The plant has a stimulating effect on the secretion of glands, improves digestion, and helps relieve sore throat. Onions have preventive properties, so they are used for coughs, sore throats, flu and runny nose.

1. Onions are an antibiotic. Onions have antibiotic activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae and Echinocerius bacillus) ^[2].

   The component that destroys bacterial flora is quercetin. Its extract, extracted from the peel of yellow onions, can inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus.

2. Onions are good for the heart. The antioxidants found in this vegetable have anti-inflammatory properties. Their regular intake in the body helps to reduce the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, prevents the formation of blood clots, lowers blood pressure, which is an excellent prevention of heart disease.

   Onions are rich in quercetin, which has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and prevents the development of hypertension, as proven in a scientific experiment with 70 people who are overweight and have high blood pressure. ^[3]

3. Onions lower cholesterol. In a clinical study of nutritional hyperlipidemia, onions prevented increases in plasma cholesterol and fibrinogen levels. Onion and garlic juice can help prevent elevated serum cholesterol levels ^[4]. The main active components, apparently, were sulfur-containing compounds, mainly allylpropyl disulfide and diallyl disulfide.
4. Onion hemostatic effect. In pharmacological and in vitro studies, onion and onion extract, alone and in combination with other products, have demonstrated hemostatic effects including inhibition of platelet aggregation, decreased plasma viscosity, decreased hematocrit, and increased fibribolytic activity ^[5], ^[6].

5. Onions are a source of antioxidants. It contains more than 25 of them. For example, red onion is rich in anthocyanins and flavonoid plant pigments that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in men and women ^[7], ^[8].

   Scientists have been able to prove that anthocyanins protect the body from the development of certain types of cancer and prevent the onset of diabetes mellitus ^[9], ^[10].

6. Onions prevent the development of cancer. Numerous in vitro, animal, and epidemiological studies show that onions prevent cancer, including gastrointestinal cancer, ovarian cancer, and skin cancer.

   Scientists have found that people who consume a lot of onions are 22% less likely to experience stomach cancer and 15% less likely to have colorectal cancer ^[11], ^[12].

   The anticancer activity of onions is provided by the sulfur-containing compounds included in its composition. When they enter the body, they slow down the rate of tumor development and prevent the spread of lung and ovarian cancer. Substances such as fisetin, quercetin, and flavonoid antioxidants inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

7. Onions are good for diabetes. Eating it helps control blood sugar levels. Already 4 hours after its entry into the body, this indicator decreases by 40 mg / l, which was determined experimentally ^[13].

   In one study, the onion group experienced a significant 50% reduction in blood sugar ^[14].

   Quercetin and sulfur compounds have antidiabetic effects. Reacting with the cells of the small intestine, pancreas and liver, they regulate blood sugar levels, having a positive effect on the body as a whole.

8. Onions improve bone mineral density. In a study involving women entering the menopausal period, it was shown that daily intake of 100 ml of onion juice increases bone mineral density ^[15].

   Eating at least 1 onion per day can increase overall bone density by 5% ^[16]. Moreover, older women who regularly include onions in their diet are 20% less likely to experience a hip fracture ^[17].

   Scientists hypothesize that onion compounds reduce the effects of oxidative stress on cells, increase antioxidant levels in the body, inhibit bone loss, and prevent osteoporosis from developing.

9. Antimutagenic effect. In a study of six healthy, non-obese women (ages 20–44), fried onions increased the resistance of lymphocyte DNA to DNA strand breakage ^[18].

10. Onions are good for digestion. Onions are a source of indigestible fiber and prebiotics, which are essential for normal bowel function. Its beneficial properties for the digestive tract:

    • Improving intestinal microflora.
    • Removal of inflammation.
    • Improving digestion.
    • An increase in the number of lacto- and bifidobacteria.
    • Improving the absorption of minerals, in particular calcium, which is essential for bone health.
    • Enhancing immunity by improving the intestinal microbiome.

Onions are a valuable and affordable food product. It improves the taste of any dish, it can be eaten raw, cooked, combined with other vegetables, added to salads, scrambled eggs, broths, soups and more.

Benefits of onions for hair and skin

Onions and their husks can be used to care for hair and skin:

• Get rid of dandruff, strengthen hair. To prepare the mask, use onion juice, a decoction of burdock roots and brandy in a ratio of 4: 6: 1. The composition is rubbed into the scalp and left for 2 hours. To enhance the effect, use a shower cap.
• Prevention of hair loss. Onion juice is rubbed into the scalp in its pure form. The procedure is performed 2 times a week.
• Strengthens hair and gives it a golden hue. For this purpose, a decoction of onion peel is used, rinsing the hair with it after washing.
• Getting rid of freckles. For the recipe, you need a decoction of calendula flowers. They, in the amount of 1 teaspoon, are poured with 100 ml of boiling water and insisted for 40 minutes. When the composition has cooled down, add 1 teaspoon of onion juice to it. The resulting product is rubbed onto the face 3 times a day. The treatment is continued until the freckles become less noticeable.
• Skin whitening. To prepare the mask, you will need: onion juice - 50 ml, olive oil - 75 ml, honey - 10 g, apple cider vinegar - 25 ml, yolk - 1, apple - 1/2 part, vitamin C - 5 ml ampoule. The components are connected to each other, the finished composition is applied to problem areas. The exposure time is 15 minutes.
• Skin rejuvenation, getting rid of fine wrinkles. To prepare the recipe you will need: a teaspoon of onion juice and 2 tablespoons of honey. The mask is applied to the face for 20 minutes.

Read more: Onion juice is the most effective remedy for hair!

Why do tears flow from onions and how to deal with it?

The onion pulp contains amino acids and enzymes that are tightly sealed until the integrity of the vegetable is compromised. When it is cut, they bond to each other to form the substance 1-sulfinylpropane. It is this that irritates the mucous membranes, causing lacrimation.

There are several ways to prevent onions from irritating your eyes:

1. The less damaged the cells of the onion, the less the substances contained in it will irritate the lacrimal glands, which means that the person will cry less. You can achieve this effect if you use a knife with a thin blade to cut and act as quickly as possible.
2. Another way to reduce watery eyes when cooking onions is to chill them by placing them in the refrigerator for half an hour.
3. You can also rinse the slicing knife regularly under cool running water.
4. Or you can simply blow off the 1-sulfinylpropane that is released. With this knowledge in mind, advice on whistling while chopping onions seems reasonable. The blown air will prevent the deposition of corrosive volatile components on the mucous membrane of the eyes.
5. The Japanese completely solved this problem radically. They were able to develop a special type of onion that does not release the components that cause watery eyes, giving it the name "Smiling Ball". This became known in 2016 thanks to the publication in the tabloid The Daily Mirror. It is noteworthy that scientists have spent more than 20 years on breeding a new variety. Outwardly, the new onion is similar to an apple, has a sweetish taste and costs about $ 4.3 for 2 pieces.

Can you get rid of the onion smell from the mouth?

Another problem faced by onion lovers is the persistent smell of sulfur from the mouth. It will not be possible to cope with it with the help of rinsing and even brushing your teeth, since its source is not in the mouth, but in the lungs.

When the onion is chewed, its constituent amino acids are mixed with enzymes that transform into disulfides. These substances are absorbed by the intestines and reach the lungs with the blood stream, being released with carbon dioxide during breathing.

Rinsing the mouth cannot be called a useless exercise, it can reduce the intensity of the odor. You can also drink a cup of green tea, water with lemon juice, or milk.

The onion smell of parsley, vegetables and fruits is well neutralized. Alternatively, you can use chewing gum or drink peppermint infusion.

The use of onions in traditional medicine

Onions are the best bactericidal agent, especially during epidemics of flu and colds. It is also used for bronchitis and eyesore. Onion juice can get rid of insomnia, rheumatism and neurasthenia. Dermatitis and Trichomonas disease can be cured with onion gruel. Fresh onions can relieve headaches by simply placing chopped onions to your temples. Tincture of onion alcohol has a diuretic and mild laxative effect on the body. The same tincture is a warning against constipation, it also dissolves sand and small kidney stones. Bow fights scurvy. This plant is used as a remedy against worms.

Onion juice. Onion juice is rightfully considered an effective natural antibiotic that protects the human body from infectious and colds. This plant helps to activate metabolism by cleansing the blood and stimulating digestive processes. Also, the effect of onions has a beneficial effect in the treatment of neurasthenia. Juice made from onions with the addition of honey helps to expand blood vessels and make capillaries stronger. Onions are used as an agent that enhances the motor and secretory functions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Fresh onion juice for the flu. You just need to inhale the onion through your nose for three minutes, 3 times a day. Or you can take tampons, soak them in fresh juice and put them in both nostrils for 15 minutes three times a day.

Infusion of onions from worms. Take 1 onion and pour 200 ml of boiling water over it, leave to infuse for 8 hours. You need to take such an infusion on an empty stomach, 100 ml, and after 3-4 days there will be no worms.

Infusion of onions for bronchitis. To prepare this medicine, you need to take 250 grams of onion and chop it. Add a glass of sugar and 25 grams of honey to it. Mix everything and pour 500 ml of water into this mixture. Put the mixture on low heat for 3 hours. When the composition has cooled down, it must be filtered and the pure infusion is poured into a bottle. It is recommended to take the infusion 5 times a day, 1 tablespoon. The course of treatment is 1 month, after which a break for a month is required. And then we repeat the course again.

Onions for hypertension. Take the juice from 1 kg of onion and mix it with 160 grams of honey. Add 8 grams of nut films to this. Fill everything with vodka. Leave it to infuse for 10 days and take the finished medicine 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.

Onion syrup. To prepare it, take 1 onion and chop it, add 3 tablespoons of sugar to it. We fill everything with 125 ml of water and put on low heat for 5 minutes. Let it brew for 2-3 hours. After the finished infusion has been squeezed out, you can apply the medicine 2 teaspoons 5 times a day.

Decoction of onion peels. It is no secret that rubbing the onion gruel into the scalp strengthens the hair and also promotes its rapid growth. In order to obtain such a healing agent, it is necessary to boil 5 tablespoons of the crushed husk for five minutes, and then let the broth settle for at least 4 hours, strain it and rinse the hair with it. After this procedure, the hair will look shiny, and the dandruff will disappear (on the topic: onion juice is the most effective remedy for hair!).

Onion tincture. In folk medicine, onion tincture is often used for general weakness, hypertension, and also to increase potency in men. It is also recommended to use onion tincture for hemorrhoids and gastritis. In addition, it is an excellent antihelminthic agent.

Cough onions. In order to get rid of an unpleasant cough, it is necessary to peel the onion and grate it, and then mix it with goose fat. This mixture is rubbed into the center of the chest area, as well as the neck, after which you should close the chest and neck with a warm handkerchief. In addition, it is recommended to take this mixture by mouth 1 tablespoon on an empty stomach every morning.

The benefits of onion oil. Essential onion oil is no less useful, which exhibits antibacterial activity and acts as an antiseptic.

Onion and garlic are a great combination. Useful properties of this "pair" for the body:

• Blood thinning.
• Removal of inflammation.
• Reducing pain.
• Dealing with stress.

Harm and contraindications to use

Onions irritate the stomach and intestines, so it should not be consumed in large quantities by people suffering from diseases of the digestive system. Fresh onions are contraindicated for people with gastritis, inflammation of the pancreas and stomach ulcers.

It should not be included in the menu for people with diseases of the liver, kidneys and excretory system. It is imperative to consult a specialist for persons suffering from bronchial asthma and respiratory system disorders.

Onions are not recommended for patients with coronary artery disease, heart rhythm disturbances, hypertension and heart defects. A direct contraindication to its use is individual intolerance and allergy to the product. For children, onions should be introduced into the diet carefully, starting with small doses.

Harm of onions to animals

Onions lead to intoxication of the body in cats and dogs, therefore it is forbidden to offer them the product. The organic sulfoxides included in the vegetable, decomposing into sulfur compounds, contribute to the destruction of red blood cells in animals, which threatens the development of anemia. To start pathological processes, 5 g of onion per 1 kg of body weight for cats and 15-30 g per 1 kg for dogs is enough.

At the same time, pets themselves can eat this product with pleasure. Its toxic effect does not manifest itself immediately, but over time. It often happens that a pet brought out of town feasts on onions in secret from the owner, and after a few days he develops acute poisoning, which is difficult to associate with the animal's hikes to the onion garden. Symptoms of intoxication caused by this vegetable: loose stools, vomiting, refusal to eat, heart palpitations and breathing, pallor of the mucous membranes.

Selecting and storing onions

High-quality onions are dense, there are no spots, damage or holes on their husks. White onions are best used for baking fillings, red and purple for salads and pickles. Frying Spanish and yellow onions is recommended.

The onion is kept in a braid, in a suspended state. In this form, it is well ventilated, does not rot or deteriorate, and it is also convenient to separate it. It is necessary to protect the ligaments from direct sunlight. The optimum storage temperature is between 18-24 degrees. You can also stack vegetables in a perforated box or wicker basket.

Subject to all storage conditions, the shelf life of onions is 9 months. At the same time, it must be regularly sorted out, timely removing rotten specimens. Sweet onions have the shortest shelf life. It is stored for no longer than 5 months.

In the refrigerator, the onions soften, but when cut, they remain edible for 3 days. So that it does not lose moisture, it must be wrapped in plastic wrap, or placed in a jar, tightly closing it with a lid. This will prevent premature spoilage and prevent other foods from being saturated with its strong odor. Do not store chopped onions at room temperature, as there is a risk of an increase in the number of dangerous microbes.

Onion soup - a delicious French recipe

[Video] After this video, you will love onion soup forever:

The author of the article: Kuzmina Vera Valerievna | Endocrinologist, nutritionist

Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University named after NI Pirogov with a degree in General Medicine (2004). Residency at Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).