1. Helps reduce pain after a bee sting
When you are stung by a bee, it can be a painful and swelling
experience. Applying ice and taking a painkiller can be useful. But, here’s a
tip you may not have tried: Apply a freshly cut onion to the affected area to
reduce pain, according to Dr. Eric Block of the State University of New York at
Albany.
2. Lowers bad cholesterol
Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong show that onions
(especially the red ones) can help reduce the levels of bad cholesterol.
Studies show that consuming half a raw onion daily can help to raise the good
HDL cholesterol by 30%. Chives, garlic, and shallots are also effective. They
all come from the Allium family.
3. Increases your supply of glutathione
Glutathione is one of the most important antioxidants. Our
bodies produce even more of it by eating lots of onions and also other
vegetables, such as cauliflower and broccoli. This antioxidant can ward off
cancer, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Stops colds in their tracks
What do the Roman Emperor Nero and President George Washington
got in common? Both men were absolutely convinced that the best way to
stop a cold and developing sore throat was to eat an onion! Vitamin C is
the responsible culprit.
5. May help keep blood sugar under control
Onions contain allyl propyl disulphide (oil of onion). This oil
acts in a way similar to how insulin helps balance blood sugar levels. Limited
research shows that it helps to reduce blood glucose.
6. Removes dark skin spots (melasma) from skin
Mixing onion juice (obtained by chopping and then squeezing)
with an equal amount of apple cider vinegar can remove dark spots on the skin,
when applied twice a day. Melasma or hyperpigmentation is often caused by sun,
contraceptives, or pregnancy. It is sometimes referred to as a ‘pregnancy
mask.’ Both onions and the cider vinegar help to balance the pH of the skin.
7. Onions are rich in quercetin
It is now established in medical circles that the quercetin
flavonoid is essential in helping to ward off, or cure, the following
troublesome health conditions:
- Blood clots
- Bronchitis
- Hay fever
- Diabetes
- Asthma
8. Detoxifying with onions
One of the most worrying aspects of our environment is how much
we are exposed to some nasty metals (lead, cadmium, and mercury). These metals
do a lot of harm in our bodies. We need to get rid of these by detoxifying. The
best way of doing this is to find foods that have methionine and cystine, which
are sulphur containing amino acids. These act as a magnet for those harmful
metals, and help us excrete these. Guess what? Onions have plenty of these
amino acids so they are really an excellent way of detoxifying.
9. Onions may help prevent cancer
One of the most common cancers among men affects the prostate
gland. Studies published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute
show that regular consumption of the allium family type of vegetable (shallots,
garlic, and onions) may help to reduce the incidence of prostate cancer.
Similar studies show that stomach and breast cancer rates may also be cut by
eating onions.
10. Helps to maintain brain health
Who isn’t worried about memory loss and brain
acuity? Studies show that the consumption of onions can help when the
brain is damaged by a stroke or a clot. It seems to play an important role in
our mental health.