10 Amazing Health Benefits of Onions

Onions are rich in nutrients and components vital to the body.

Onions belong to the allium family of vegetables and herbs, which also includes, garlic, leeks, chives and scallions. Onions vary in their size, shape, color and flavor. The common types are red, white and yellow onions. Flavors vary from sharp, spicy and pungent to sweet and juicy. The flavor depends on the season they are grown and consumed.

Onions are available in almost every part of the world. It is estimated that, annually, about 105 billion pounds of onions are harvested in the world. They are among the most purchased foodstuffs in the market. 

One major characteristic of them is that they bring tears whenever chopped. Apart from that, they have been known to have health benefits to the body.

Here are a few incredible health benefits of onions:

1. They have phytochemicals which improve the working of Vitamin C in the body hence improving the body’s immunity.

     2. They have compounds which help reduce inflammation and heal infections.

     3. They contain chromium which helps in regulating the blood sugar.

     4. They help in the production of High Density Lipoprotein, therefore keeping the heart in a healthy condition.

     5. Onions have a very important compound known as quercetin which is known to play a key role in preventing cancer.

     6. Onions can be used to relief from pain and burning sensation caused by bite from honey bees. The onion juice is applied on the affected area and the pain ceases.

     7. The green tops of the onions are known to have vitamin A. 

    8. They have free radical scavengers hence have the ability to reduce body intoxication caused by radicals. They also reduce the risk of gastric ulcers developing.

    9.  Folate, found in onions, prevents an excess of homocysteine from forming in the body and hence helping reduce depression. Excess homocysteine restricts the production of the feel-good hormones such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, which regulate mood, sleep and appetite.

    10. They help in adequate intake of vitamin C which helps to build and maintain   collagen. Collagen helps provide structure to the hair and the skin.

One way to enjoy onions is to slice them really thin to expose all the beneficial compounds. They can be eaten raw or added to food for flavoring purposes.