10 Beauty And Health Benefits Of Raw Onions

Cutting an onion will leave you teary and eating it will give you offensive breath  – apart from these two drawbacks, onions are a treasure house of health and beauty benefits.

Onions have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic qualities. These are also rich in vitamins A, B6, B-complex and C, as well as iron, folate and potassium. They are excellent sources of sulfuric compounds, flavonoids and phytochemicals.

Onions are probably one of the oldest cultivated herbs, onions are put into so many dishes because of its distinct flavor that make people love.

Here are the top 10 beauty and health benefits of raw onions.

1. Promotes Hair Growth

The juice from an onion can help people who are dealing with hair loss or are try to grow their hair. The sulfur in onions will help the blood circulation in the scalp which will help the production of collagen.

A study that was published in 2002 in the Journal of Dermatology discovered that people who are dealing with alopecia areta saw amazing results in hair re growth just by applying onion juice on their scalp two times a day for two months.

1. The extract juice from 1 onion.
2. Mix it together with 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 drops of lavender.
3. Massage your scalp with this mixture.
4. Its best if you leave this in your hair over night with a shower cap over it
5. Wash your hair as you would usually
6. Do this 2 to 3 times a week

2. Regulates Blood Sugar

Onions are good for people who have diabetes. The sulfur compound called allyl propyl disulfide in onions helps increase insulin production and lower blood glucose levels in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. Furthermore, onion juice contains trace amounts of chromium, which helps improve the body’s glucose tolerance level.

A 2009 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food confirmed the anti- diabetic effect of onions in diabetic rats. Onion extracts were found to be effective for lowering plasma glucose concentrations and body weight.

Diabetic people should include red onions regularly in their diet.

3. Prevents Cancer

Onions have been known to prevent and soothe the effects of different cancers like lung, ovarian, stomach, bladder, breast, colorectal, prostate, oral, liver and brain cancer.

A study that was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition explains the positive links from using allium vegetables and the lower risk one could have from different types of cancer.

If you are at risk already its best to consume 1 onion daily.

4. Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease

Regular onion intake can reduce your risk of conditions like arterial hardening, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. The quercetin found in onions has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are good for your heart health.

A 2007 study published in the American Society for Nutrition shows that quercetin helps reduce blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. Onions even help prevent cholesterol accumulation that contributes to clogging and hardening of the arteries.

Start eating onions to boost your heart health.

5. Builds Strong Immunity

Due to the polyphenol property that onions have it can boost your immunity and protect your body from any free radicals. Onions contains selenium that will help boost your immunity as well.

Having an allergic reaction can be horrible and by consuming onions it can help stop the production of histamine. The antimicrobial properties that it contains will prevent any future infections.

Lowered immune functions during radiation treatment for cancer happens really often, but when you consume foods high in quercetin it may give your immunity a boost.

A study performed in 2007 was published in Nutrition Research and Practice discovered that a boost in immune function can reduce inflammation and enhance nutritional status.

6. Increases Bone Density

Onions help slow the progression of bone loss, making them a very effective natural solution for aging women who are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.

The peptide called GPCS in onions has the bone-helping potential. Furthermore, the high sulfur content provides direct benefits to connective tissue.

A 2009 study published in Menopause found that daily intake of onions improved bone density in women who were going through or finished menopause as compared to those who never ate onions. Also, researchers found that it helped lower the risk of hip fractures in women by 20 percent

7. Treats Asthma

Onions can also improve symptoms of asthma and other breathing problems. According to a 2013 study published in the American Journal of Physiology, quercetin was found to help relax the airway muscles and relieve asthma symptoms.

Furthermore, their sulfur content works as an effective anti-inflammatory agent. This helps provide relief from asthma symptoms.

However, if you are allergic to asparagus, you are likely to be allergic to onion as well, in which case you should not take it.

8. Supports Oral Health

Even though anyone who eats onions knows that they can make your breath smell horrible, they can actually help your oral health. Raw onions contain amazing antibacterial properties, which can lower the amount of harmful bacteria’s that cause cavities and gum disease.

Onions can also reduce gum pain and strengthen your teeth just by chewing on a raw piece of onion every day for 2 to 3 minutes.

9. Makes Skin Healthy

Raw onion juice can help make your skin healthy and glowing. It can reduce dark spots and pigmentation of your skin as well as treat acne.

Being rich in quercetin, one of the most powerful antioxidants, onions can keep your skin wrinkle-free. Furthermore, the vitamins and sulfur in them protect the skin from harmful free radicals, while keeping it supple and smooth.

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of onion juice in ½ tablespoon of yogurt.
2. Apply this paste on your skin and neck area.
3. Wait 10 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
4. Use this face mask once or twice a week.

10. Kills Head Lice

You can use raw onion juice to get rid of head lice. Onions contain high amounts of sulfur that can kill head lice and nits. A study that was performed in 2014 in the Journal of International Academic Research for Multidisciplinary discovered that onion juice can kill head lice.

1. Extract the juice of 2 to 3 onions.
2. Apply it on your scalp, massaging the roots thoroughly.
3. Cover your hair with a shower cap for 2 to 3 hours.
4. Shampoo your hair and rinse with lukewarm water.
5. Let your hair air dry, and then comb your hair with a nit comb to remove the dead lice and nits.
6. Repeat daily for 3 days, and then do it once a week for a few months to prevent a recurrence.