Red onion: health benefits and harms

Red onion is a source of a large amount of vitamins and minerals. It has excellent taste characteristics, is used to prepare a variety of dishes and has a beneficial effect on the human body.

How red onion differs from ordinary onion

Red onion has not many distinctive features, but it is thanks to them that it stands out among other varieties:

1. Colour. A saturated red hue with an admixture of purple onions was obtained thanks to the efforts of breeders. The color of red onion distinguishes it from all other varieties and allows you to use it not only as a component of many dishes, but also as a decoration of a festive table.
2. Taste characteristics. The taste of red onions, unlike onions, is more pleasant, rich and slightly sweet. Such taste characteristics provides the composition of this vegetable.
3. Composition. The composition of red onion includes many useful trace elements, including a large number of antioxidants, essential oils, disulfide.

Which bow is better: red or white

Each of the existing onion varieties is suitable for certain dishes. For example, white is an ideal option for stuffing, cooking light sauces, marinades and roasts, and red is great for salads, a variety of side dishes and even baking.

However, if we talk about the beneficial properties of vegetables, then white onions are significantly inferior to red, which is confirmed by many studies. Scientists have proved that red onion has unique, beneficial properties and has beneficial effects on human health. Its regular use helps to improve the protective functions of the body, prevents the development of oncology, contributing to the death of cancer cells and rejuvenation of the whole organism.

Based on these data, we can confidently say that red onions are much better than white. It has not only unique taste characteristics, but also many healing properties.

Composition and calorie content

The unique taste characteristics and beneficial effects of this product on the human body are provided by microelements and vitamins that are part of red onion. 100 g of this vegetable contains:

• 1.0 mcg beta carotene.
• 0.3 mcg of vitamin K.
• 4.8 mg vitamin C.
• 0.1 mg of vitamin B3.
• 5.5 mg of vitamin B4.
• 0.1 mg of vitamin B5.
• 0.1 mg of vitamin B6.
• 23 mcg of vitamin B9.
• 20 mg of calcium.
• 0.5 mcg of selenium.
• 0.3 mg of iron.
• 0.1 mg manganese.
• 9 mg of magnesium.
• 0.1 mg of copper.
• 27 mg of phosphorus.
• 0.1 mg of zinc.
• 119 mg of potassium.
• 8 mg of sodium.

Red onion is considered a low-calorie product. 100 g contains only 42 calories. In addition, it has a low glycemic index, which allows you to use it as a food product not only during a diet, the goal of which is to reduce weight, but also in the diet of people suffering from diabetes.

What is useful red onion

General benefit

Due to its unique, rich composition, red onion has many useful properties, and its regular use will significantly improve health. The micro, macro and vitamins contained in this product help:

• reduce the risk of strokes;
• prevent the development of cardiovascular disease;
• remove accumulations of bad cholesterol;
• improve the human body;
• improve the functioning of the immune system;
• reduce blood sugar;
• remove accumulations of toxins and toxins;
• prevent the development of cancer;
• improve the functioning of the nervous system;
• completely remove or reduce the symptoms of allergies;
• remove excess fluid from the body, preventing the formation of edema;
• prevent the development of vitamin deficiency;
• improve liver and kidney function.

For women

Elements that make up red onions have a beneficial effect on the female body. The introduction of this unique product in the daily diet helps:

• improve the functioning of the female reproductive system;
• prevent the formation of cysts and malignant tumors;
• suppress inflammatory processes;
• align the hormonal background;
• eliminate malfunctions in the menstrual cycle;
• improve the condition of the skin;
• return an attractive look to hair;
• strengthen your nails.

In addition, regular consumption of red onion nourishes the female body with a huge amount of vitamins, macro- and microelements, which, in turn, help to cope with constant stress, prevent the development of vitamin deficiency and stop premature aging of the skin and the whole body.

For men

Red onion has a positive effect on the male reproductive system. Regular use of this product helps to establish the production of testosterone, restore sexual desire, increase sperm activity and the quality of an erection.

However, you should not expect changes after a week's consumption of this product. Doctors note that red onion exerts its positive effect on the male body only 1-2 months after its introduction into the daily diet.

During pregnancy

Doctors do not recommend excluding red onions from the daily diet and during the period of bearing a child. Regular consumption of this product will help the expectant mother:

• reduce the risk of colds;
• cope with stress;
• saturate the body with the elements that are necessary for the proper development of the fetus;
• get rid of edema.

However, it is worth noting that red onion can manifest its unique properties only if the pregnant woman has no contraindications to its use.

When breastfeeding

But during the period of feeding the baby with breast milk, it is better to refuse the consumption of this product. According to children's doctors, its components can provoke the development of intestinal colic in a newborn, which will lead to a baby’s anxiety.

Pediatricians recommend that women enter red onions in their daily diet only after the child reaches six months of age. However, this should be done with extreme caution and begin to introduce onions in a small amount, controlling the condition of the child. In case of allergic reactions and other undesirable manifestations, you need to abandon its use for another month.

For kids

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of red onion for the child's body. It has beneficial effects on bone tissue and promotes the formation of strong, healthy teeth.

In addition, regular consumption of this product will help:

• strengthen the immunity of the child;
• increase stress resistance;
• reduce the risk of allergic reactions;
• prevent the development of vitamin deficiency.

Despite the great benefits of this product, pediatricians advise parents to use it with caution in their children's diet.In case of adverse reactions after its use, you should exclude it from the child’s daily menu for a while and seek the advice of your doctor.

When losing weight

Red onion includes components that contribute to the breakdown of fat cells, thereby accelerating the process of weight loss. In addition, this unique food product has a beneficial effect on the whole body and has many beneficial properties. Its inclusion in the diet menu helps:

• speed up the metabolism;
• lower blood cholesterol;
• improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• normalize the water-salt balance;
• remove excess fluid from the body.

All these properties of red onion not only help to get rid of extra pounds, but also contribute to improving overall well-being.

Red onion in medicine

Traditional medicine confirms the healing properties of red onion. Many doctors advise using this product as an adjuvant during the treatment of common diseases.

Onion therapy in combination with traditional medicines helps to cope with the unpleasant manifestations of diabetes, colds, vitamin deficiency and even some liver diseases.

With diabetes

Doctors recommend including red onion in the daily diet for those patients who suffer from diabetes. Regular consumption of this product will help reduce blood glucose levels, remove harmful cholesterol, toxins, toxins from the body, and reduce excess weight, which often affects diabetics.

The systematic use of red onions will protect a person suffering from diabetes:

1. From colds - it increases the body's resistance to viruses attacking it.
2. Avitaminosis - saturates the body with many minerals and vitamins.
3. The formation of edema, which often occurs with this disease.

According to experienced therapists, red onions will be beneficial in any type of diabetes. It can be used both fresh and cooked. An exception to this rule can only be called fried onions, since when frying it uses oil, which increases the calorie content of the product.

Important: glycemic index of red onion - 15 units.

With gastritis

Gastritis is a disease characterized by the development of acute or chronic inflammatory processes on the gastric mucosa. During its treatment, patients are shown not only complex, drug therapy, but also a strict diet, which implies the complete or partial exclusion of certain foods from the daily diet. These include raw red onions.

With inflammation of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, raw onion acts as an irritant and provokes acid production, which leads to aggravation of the general condition of the patient and the development of the disease. For this reason, gastroenterologists strongly recommend that their patients completely exclude raw onions from the daily diet during an exacerbation of the disease.

However, during a period of persistent remission, red onion is able to have a beneficial effect on the body:

• strengthen the immune system;
• improve metabolism;
• provide redox processes;
• improve adrenal function;
• remove harmful cholesterol;
• saturate with vitamins.

Doctors note that even in the period of remission, red onions should be used with extreme caution and only after consultation with a treating gastroenterologist. In this case, most often, patients are allowed to diversify the diet with onions, boiled for several minutes. This method of heat treatment allows you to save most vitamins, trace elements and reduces the negative impact on the mucous membranes.

For the liver

Paradoxical as it may sound, red onion is an indispensable product for liver health. It is used to treat many diseases of this vital organ, including cirrhosis and hepatitis.

However, doctors do not recommend deciding on the feasibility of such therapy on their own, as in some cases, treatment with onions can have the opposite effect.

The use of red onions in cosmetology

For face

The rich composition of red onion allows you to use it not only to treat many diseases, but also to improve the appearance, healing and rejuvenation of the skin. There are many recipes that improve the condition of the skin, but the following options are the most popular and effective.

Mask that improves the color of the skin
To prepare this amazing tool you will need such components:

• Red onion;
• cabbage;
• black radish;
• dill;
• garlic.

Grind all the ingredients to a mushy state, mix them in equal amounts and apply the mixture to cleansed face skin. Remove the mask from the skin after 25 minutes. Do this with cold water, without using soap or other cleansers.

Anti-aging cosmetic
To make this amazing mask, prepare the following components:

• onion juice;
• white lily juice;
• honey;
• white wax.

Mix the ingredients in equal amounts and heat over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove the mask from the heat when all the ingredients have dissolved. After complete cooling, apply the mixture to the skin of the face and soak for 1 hour. Wash off the mask with warm water, using soap or any other cleanser.

Onion-based moisturizer
To prepare a moisturizer, take the following components:

• 5 ml of onion juice;
• 5 ml of cucumber juice;
• 250 ml of water.

Mix the ingredients in the indicated amount and use the resulting liquid as a moisturizing lotion. Wipe the skin with this tool 2 times a day and enjoy its softness and attractive appearance.

Onion juice whitening agent
To remove freckles and whiten the skin of the face will help the product, which includes such components:

• 5 g of calendula flowers;
• 100 ml of boiling water;
• 5 ml of onion juice.

Pour the calendula with the indicated amount of boiling water and infuse the mixture for 40 minutes. After the specified time, strain the infusion, add the onion juice and wipe it with the skin 4 times a day.

For hair

Means, which include red onion, are also used to improve the condition of the hair and skin of the head.

Anti-dandruff and greasy shine
To prepare the product, prepare the following components:

• onion juice;
• vodka.

Take the same amount of onion juice and vodka, mix and apply the resulting liquid to the skin before washing your hair. Use the product no more than 3 times a week.

Hair Loss Prevention
A tool that helps prevent hair loss and awakens sleeping bulbs, is prepared from the following ingredients:

• onion peel;
• boiling water.

Mix 1 part of onion husk with 20 parts of boiling water, leave to cool completely and rub the resulting infusion into the scalp 2-3 times a week.

Nourishing Onion Mask
To prepare this tool you will need such components:

• 10 ml of onion juice;
• 1 egg yolk;
• 10 ml of castor oil;
• 10 ml burdock oil;
• 1 ampoule of vitamin A;
• 3 drops of lemon oil.

Mix all the ingredients in a small, glass container, rub the resulting mixture into the hair roots and leave for 30 minutes. After the specified time, rinse off the mask with the usual shampoo. To get rid of the smell of onions, you can rinse your hair with a solution of vinegar.

Onion nourishing hair mask
This tool is prepared from the following components:

• 20 ml of onion juice;
• 5 ml of honey;
• 10 ml of yogurt;
• 10 ml of burdock oil.

Place all ingredients in any small-sized container and mix thoroughly. Rub the resulting mask into the hair roots, and then distribute with a comb along the entire length. Wash off the mask after 60 minutes using the usual shampoo and balm.

Beauticians do not recommend using natural cosmetics without a preliminary test for the presence of allergic reactions. Apply a small amount of any home remedy on the inside of the wrist and leave for 5-7 minutes. After the specified time, wash the product off the skin. If in its place there is redness, a rash or severe itching, it is better to refuse the use of such home-made cosmetics. Otherwise, a serious allergic reaction may follow, which will require long-term treatment.

Cooking Red Onions

Red onion is widely used for cooking many dishes. It is a component of many soups, salads, side dishes, fish, meat dishes and can be served in stewed, pickled, baked form. However, only that red onion that was grown under the right conditions will have amazing taste properties.

Is it possible to fry onions

According to experienced chefs, red onions, like any other, can be fried. However, it is worth considering the fact that during frying this vegetable will lose its attractive color and acquire a blue, dark brown hue, which may negatively affect the appearance of the first courses. To solve this problem and preserve the beautiful color of red onion, it must be mixed with tomato paste during frying.

Can I add red onion to the soup

Red onions can also be used during the preparation of soups. It will help transform the taste of a familiar dish and make it unique.

Is it possible to add red onions in cutlets

Red onion goes well with all kinds of meat. It can be used not only during the preparation of soups, side dishes and salads, but also replace it with ordinary onions in cutlets, zrazy and other meat dishes.

Harm and contraindications

The benefits of red onion for the human body are undeniable. However, in some cases, the effect of its use may be the opposite.

Doctors strongly recommend abandoning the use of this product to those people who suffer:

• from violations in the work of the kidneys;
• some liver diseases;
• high acid content in the stomach;
• sluggish or acute inflammatory processes occurring in the stomach or intestines;
• peptic ulcer disease;
• pancreatitis
• flatulence.

In addition, an individual intolerance to this vegetable and the first six months after childbirth is considered a contraindication to the use of red onion, provided that the baby is breast-fed.

Therapists draw the attention of their patients to the fact that neglect of contraindications can provoke a deterioration in the general condition, an increase in the symptoms of certain diseases and the development of serious complications that will require long and serious treatment.

How to choose and store red onions

Experts note that only high-quality vegetables have useful properties. Therefore, when buying red onions, it is important to know how to choose a high quality product.

When choosing a red onion, you should pay attention to such parameters:

1. Weight. The weight of a quality onion must match its size. Light weight indicates that the product is spoiled or parasitized.
2. The color of the husk. The presence of dark spots indicates that the onion is spoiled and not suitable for consumption.
3. Integrity. A quality bow should be free of any damage or cracks.
4. Density. Good quality onions should not be soft.
5. The aroma. The presence of a pungent odor indicates that the product is not suitable for consumption. The aroma should be light, without impurities.
6. Shine. The presence of shine on the husks of red onions indicates its high quality.
7. The presence of moisture. The damp surface of the onion suggests that it has begun to deteriorate. The use of such a vegetable can lead to poisoning.
8. The size. Onions, the size of which exceeds 5 cm, may have low taste.
9. The presence of mold. Mold on the surface of onions indicates that the vegetable is spoiled and not suitable for consumption.

Experienced housewives advise you to refuse to buy red onions, on which there is too little husk, since it will not be stored for long. In addition, assessing the quality of such a product is extremely difficult.

When buying a large amount of red onion, it is important to know how to store it properly, because if the storage standards are not observed, it loses its useful properties, taste characteristics and may deteriorate too quickly.

Following a few simple rules will help to maintain the beneficial properties and taste characteristics of red onions for a long time:

1. Observe stable temperature conditions. Red onions should be stored at a constant temperature not exceeding 18 degrees Celsius.
2. Control the humidity. Humidity in a room intended for storing red onions should not exceed 60%.
3. Remove spoiled bulbs. Onions that have been stored for a long time should be periodically sorted. Throw out spoiled bulbs to prevent spoilage of all vegetables.
4. Choose the right containers for storage. Onions should not be stored in plastic bags. Ideal option are small wooden boxes.

Following these simple rules will help keep the red onion for a long time.

How to Pickle Red Onions

Pickled onions are an excellent appetizer, used as a complement to many meat dishes and for making delicious sandwiches.

To prepare pickled red onions you will need:

• red onion - 3 pcs.;
• sugar - 1 small spoon;
• salt - half a teaspoon;
• wine vinegar - 40 ml .;
• garlic - 2 cloves;
• red pepper - 7 peas;
• allspice - 5 peas;
• rosemary - 2 small branches;
• water - 300 ml .;
• olive oil - 30 ml.

Method for preparing pickled onions:

1. Rinse the onions under clean running water, removing dust and other impurities.
2. Peel.
3. Cut into rings.
4. Place chopped onions in a large colander and pour over boiling water.
5. Pour plenty of cold water.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 again. This will help remove all bitterness and pungency.
7. Peel the garlic.
8. Cut it into several pieces.
9. Place the onions in a marinating bowl.
10. Add the rest of the ingredients to it and fill it with the indicated amount of hot water.
11. Mix well.

Pickled onions will be ready in 2 hours and can be stored for 7 days.

How to color eggs with red onion husk

Many housewives find application not only for onions, but also for their husks, and stain them with eggs for Easter. To color eggs with husks from red onions, prepare the following components:

• the right amount of eggs;
• onion peel;
• water;
• salt.

Painting eggs with onion husks consists of several stages:

1. Training. Remove the eggs from the refrigerator, wash them thoroughly under running water and let them warm to room temperature. This will prevent them from cracking during cooking. Prepare a large enameled pan, the volume of which will correspond to the number of eggs.
2. Preparation of natural dye. Put the husk in the pan, fill with water, add 1-2 teaspoons of salt and simmer for at least 45 minutes.
3. Staining. Place the eggs in a pan, increase the heat and cook for 10 minutes. For uniform coloring they need to be turned periodically.
4. Cooling. Cool the painted eggs in cold water, dry and grate with vegetable oil. This will help to give them a beautiful shine and make their appearance even more attractive.

Interesting facts about onions

Every second person knows about the beneficial properties of onions, but few people know about such facts:

1. The scientific name of the onion sounds like "alium."
2. The name "alium" was given to the bow by Karl Linnaeus.
3. To date, more than 900 varieties of onions are known. Vegetable crops include only 228 varieties.
4. According to many researchers, the homeland of onions is Asia.
5. In Europe, onions were known as a food product in the Bronze Age.
6. The Egyptians knew about the existence of onions 3,000 years before our era.
7. On the border of Tutankhamun, researchers found an image of a bulb.
8. In China and India, onions began to grow about 5,000 years ago.
9. Onion was introduced to the territory of modern America by Christopher Columbus.
10. Libya is a leader in the consumption of this vegetable.
11. In all cities of India, not a single meal is complete without onions.
12. Onions are called "onions" because of their resemblance to regular turnips.
13. The national symbol of the well-known Wales is leek.
14. This unique vegetable contains more natural sugar than pears and apples.
15. Onion helps to cope not only with colds, but also with many other diseases.
16. There is a special onion diet that helps to quickly get rid of extra pounds.
17. Eating half of the bulb per day, a person protects himself from colds and increases immunity.
18. Onion has analgesic properties. Rubbing the juice of this vegetable in the bite of a bee, wasp or bumblebee will remove the pain in a few seconds.
19. Onions can improve appetite.
20. This vegetable is an excellent antiseptic.

Red onion is a unique vegetable, the regular use of which will help to cope with many diseases, contributes to the healing and strengthening of the whole body. However, do not neglect contraindications and use it in excessive quantities. Such actions will reverse the effect and can cause the development of serious diseases.

Photo of red onion