Onions: benefits and harm to the body

Onions are one of the most common foods. It is used in the preparation of salads, soups, main dishes, and is also used for cooking. It gives dishes a special aroma, taste, even despite the bitter taste and unpleasant odor. In addition, onions are good for health and help to cope with colds.

What is the difference between red onion and ordinary onion

Distinguishing two types of onions is quite simple.

1. They primarily differ in appearance. Plain onion has a golden hue. Red onion was named precisely because of its rich color. It also happens to be purple with a red tint.
2. The taste qualities of these products also vary. Bitter onion, harsh. Red does not have such bitterness, softer and slightly sweet. A similar taste is due to the presence of antacids.
3. They differ in their composition. Red onions contain more substances that help slow down the development of cancer cells. Thus, it is he who is recommended to patients at risk of cancer.

Both of them are used for prevention with an increased incidence of influenza and SARS, as they contain a lot of vitamin C. Also, the vegetable has good antibacterial properties.

What is more useful

Experts still argue about which onions are healthier. According to research, it was found that red tends to slow down the pathological processes that occur in the body, including the development of cancer.

But onions perfectly cope with pathogenic microorganisms, destroying them, and increases immunity due to the content of a sufficient amount of vitamin C. Thus, it is impossible to determine which onion is better, since each has its own beneficial properties.

Composition and calorie content

Onions are popular both in cooking and in folk medicine. The benefit of a product is determined by its chemical composition. It contains:

1. Retinol It is the main vitamin that supports the health of the visual apparatus. In addition, he has the excellent ability to eliminate rashes, relieve irritation on the skin. Vitamin A helps eliminate the first signs of aging and slow down the natural process. That is why it was widely used in cosmetology and is part of some products for the face and hair.
2. Vitamin C. Increases human immunity, necessary in the flu season and colds. It is contained in onion enough, therefore, the product is used for the preparation of healing infusions.
3. Vitamins of group B. This group includes several vitamins at once, which are necessary for many systems and organs. They help control the functioning of the nervous system, normalize the digestive tract, take part in cell division and cell metabolism.
4. Vitamin PP Also called nicotinic acid.It is necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin in sufficient quantities is found in both red and onions.
5. Saccharides. They are a source of glucose. She, in turn, gives the body strength and is natural energy.
6. Fiber and organic acids. Fiber is required by the body to control weight, nutrition of beneficial bacteria. It also helps control blood cholesterol, which over time is deposited on the walls of blood vessels and causes stagnant processes.
7. Iodine. Required for normal thyroid function. It produces a huge number of different hormones involved in the work of almost all organs.

Also, onions in ordinary onions contain minerals such as ash, zinc, iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and others. All of them fulfill their special role in the human body, are indispensable components that allow you to control many processes.

Onions are used in many diets for weight loss, as they have a small calorie content. It is only 41 kcal per 100 grams of product. If used in small quantities, it will not harm the figure.

What is useful for onions

General benefit

The product should be included in the daily diet of each person, regardless of their type and method of preparation. This is due to the fact that it has many useful properties, rich in vitamins and minerals. In traditional medicine and cooking, onions are valuable due to the following properties:

1. It has an anti-inflammatory effect. The substances that make up it help to destroy pathogens, fungi and bacteria. That is why it is used to treat a number of diseases that develop as a result of their reproduction.
2. Helps to destroy parasites that can develop in the intestines. They are called worms. The substances that make up the onion have a detrimental effect on them, which allows you to get rid of such a disease.
3. Regulates cholesterol due to fiber content. With its high content, cholesterol begins to accumulate on the walls of blood vessels, slowing blood circulation. As a result, a stagnant process occurs, which can lead to a stroke or heart attack.
4. Helps to eliminate irritation on the skin. In folk medicine, onions are widely used to treat hives, irritations, rashes.
5. Promotes the removal of harmful substances and waste products of pathogenic microorganisms. Accumulating, these substances cause unpleasant symptoms of poisoning.
6. It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Also, the substances and microelements that are part of the composition contribute to the alignment of blood pressure indicators.
7. Normalizes sleep. Onions can be eaten 2-3 hours before bedtime. A few days later insomnia, anxiety.
8. Relieves of anemia due to the sufficient content of iron in the product. Such a condition can be dangerous for the body, especially during pregnancy.
9. It has a positive effect on the kidneys and liver. That is why it is used to prepare various infusions in the presence of kidney and liver diseases.

Onions are used in folk medicine to prevent gout, as it eliminates the deposition of salts on charters.

Thus, onion brings invaluable benefits to the human body and has been widely used not only in cooking for preparing various dishes, but also in traditional medicine, cosmetology.

For women

The normal hormonal background is important for the female body. The capabilities of the reproductive system, women's health and beauty depend on it. It is on it that the onion affects, since it contains a large amount of vitamin B9.

Regular use of onions eliminates the discomfort that occurs during menstruation, and prevents the development of diseases of the reproductive system.

Onion also benefits beauty. It has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and hair. The use of various masks and tinctures helps to cope with brittle hair, nail plates, as well as eliminate some skin problems.

For men

Regular onions are also good for men's health.

1. It positively affects the reproductive system. Also, with its regular use in any form, an improvement in potency is observed.
2. The substances that make up the product help to improve the genetic material, make sperm more mobile.
3. Onions also have a positive effect on prostate adenoma. It is used to relieve inflammatory processes, reduce pain.
4. Onions can prolong a man’s life, helps prevent stroke and heart attack due to the ability to control cholesterol levels.

During pregnancy

Onions contain folic acid, which is necessary for the female body during pregnancy. It is an important component in the formation of the fetus and neural tube. It is on its quantity that the further development of the child depends.

Pregnant women can safely consume one onion per day. Its beneficial substances will protect the weakened body from colds, viruses and help cope with inflammatory diseases. In this case, onions will not harm the fetus.

When breastfeeding

But when breastfeeding, onions should be handled carefully, as it can cause some harm to the baby’s body. In newborns, an allergic reaction to the product often occurs. It is expressed in the appearance of a rash, irritation and redness of the skin.

All substances contained in onions affect not only the composition of breast milk, but also its taste. This can cause the baby to refuse to breast.

Introducing onions into your diet, like all foods, should be gradual. In the event that the newborn has signs of allergy, it is necessary to abandon its use and consult a specialist.

For kids

Onions should be introduced into the diet of a child from the age of three. It is also added to various dishes, but in small quantities, gradually. It will be of great benefit to a baby immature body, help strengthen the nervous system, improve digestion and increase immunity.

Up to 3 years of age, onions can harm the body. This is due to the fact that the vegetable is able to negatively affect the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and cause an allergic reaction. That is why it should not be given fresh at an early age.

When losing weight

Onions have a small calorie content. That is why it is used in various diets for weight loss. In addition, he is able to fight body fat.

Nutritionists recommend introducing the product into your diet, as it helps to remove harmful substances from the body, improve the metabolism and speed up the absorption of a number of minerals and vitamins into the blood, from where they enter the organs and tissues.

Onions are recommended as a complement to light vegetable salads, soups and main dishes.

In what form is onion healthier

Many are interested in the question of what form of onion is more useful. It is difficult to answer this question, since in each case, during heat treatment, a part of useful substances is also preserved.

Boiled

Onion, which is added to soup or aspic, aspic, gives all its nutrients to the broth. Some of them are lost due to temperature.

But traditional medicine says that the decoction in which the onions were boiled helps to cope with a runny nose and sinusitis, if inhaled. Thus, even after cooking, onions will benefit the body.

Fried

Onions after frying have practically no beneficial properties. High temperature robs him of many components. After frying, onion has only a more pleasant aroma, golden color and mild taste.

Baked

Like fried or boiled, baked also goes through heat treatment, but at the same time it retains some of the nutrients. This is due to the fact that it is not cooked in oil, but baked in its own juice. Baked onion is a great addition to meat dishes, it has a pleasant taste and aroma.

Raw

Fresh onions are most useful, since all useful substances are stored in it. It can be used in salads. In combination with vegetables and herbs, its benefits are increasing.

But fresh onions have a bitter taste and an unpleasant aroma. Eating it separately from other vegetables is unpleasant. In addition, after eating there is a smell from the mouth. It is difficult to eliminate it with chewing gums. This requires brushing your teeth.

Useful properties of onion juice

Onions can be used not only in their entirety. In alternative medicine, its juice is also used, since it also has a number of useful properties.

First of all, it has a positive effect on the condition of the teeth and gums, strengthening them. Onion juice is an excellent remedy for scurvy.

Before using drugs in medicine, the treatment of various diseases was carried out with onion juice. It brings invaluable benefits to the body and has the following properties:

1. Improves digestion. Onion contains a large amount of fiber. It not only allows you to control the amount of cholesterol, but also activates the development of beneficial bacteria that are in the intestines. As a result, microflora improves significantly. Inulin juice is also present in the onion juice, which has a positive effect on the performance of the gastrointestinal tract. It can reduce the risk of certain gastrointestinal diseases.
2. Reduces the likelihood of an allergic reaction. Onion and its juice have a naturally occurring antihistamine. This substance is necessary to relieve the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Due to this, onion juice in folk medicine is used to eliminate various kinds of redness, rashes on the skin. Inulin is easily absorbed into the intestine, retains its properties even after a few hours.
3. Helps with cough, cope with a cold. Onion juice is known in folk medicine as an expectorant. It is widely used for therapy in the presence of respiratory diseases. The product also contains oils. They remove sputum and mucus. In folk medicine, onion juice is used to get rid of colds, bronchitis, flu, cough. It is also recommended for angina.
4. Strengthens bones. According to recent studies, experts have found that onion juice contains special substances that are involved in the structure of bones. Thus, the tool can be used in folk medicine for the treatment of diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis and others, characterized by bone damage.
5. Lowers blood glucose. With daily use of onion juice and fresh product, a significant decrease in glucose is observed. This property is achieved by the presence of chromium.
6. Strengthens the cardiovascular system. The heart and blood vessels transport not only blood, but also all the beneficial substances that enter the body, including oxygen. Experts have found that with the constant use of onion juice, cholesterol levels are reduced, which causes the formation of plaques on the vascular walls. As a result, a person has a reduced risk of developing a stroke, heart attack. The presence of vitamin B9, sulfur and chromium in the composition strengthens the muscle tissue of the myocardium, which prolongs its lifespan.
7. Helps in the fight against pathologically altered cells. Onion juice in a small amount contains sulfites of various types.But they are enough to stop the development of cancer. Onions help prevent cancer damage to organs such as the larynx, prostate, esophagus, and mammary glands.
8. Improves the condition of the oral cavity. Onion juice is known for its bactericidal properties. Thanks to this, it is an excellent prevention of caries and infectious damage to the tissues of the oral cavity. According to experts, chewing onions for 3 minutes helps to destroy all viruses, bacteria and microbes that are present in the oral cavity.
9. Increases potency. Onion juice in ancient Egypt was popular among men from the poor as a means to increase potency and sperm production. Thanks to its properties, it allows you to improve the composition of sperm. In the Middle Ages in all monasteries, a strict ban on the use of this vegetable was imposed.
10. Helps restore the menstrual cycle. Onion juice is also used by women who have menstrual irregularities. He is able to cure various diseases of the female organs of the reproductive system.
11. Helps strengthen hair. Onion juice is used not only for culinary purposes. It is also used in cosmetology. On its basis, you can independently prepare various products that allow you to strengthen your hair, return them to a healthy shine. Also, onion juice improves the condition of the skin of the face. Similar properties are due to the presence of sulfur in the composition. The substance promotes not only the purification of pores, but also the restoration of the structure. With regular use of face and hair masks, a noticeable improvement is noted after a few weeks.
12. Helps to get rid of acne and age spots. Onion juice, due to its composition, allows you to remove acne and lighten freckles, birthmarks.
13. Healing of the skin. In folk medicine, onion juice is used to quickly eliminate small wounds, abrasions, as well as bruises. In this case, the product will even out the tone of the face, make it more healthy.

Thus, not only the onion itself, but also its juice is used. It also has a number of useful properties.

Onions in medicine

The vegetable has been widely used not only in cooking in the preparation of various dishes, but for medical purposes.

With diabetes

The onion contains substances that allow you to regulate the level of sugar contained in the blood. Specialists recommend that diabetics include it in their diet. Baked onions will be especially useful. It retains a large number of nutrients and has a pleasant taste.

With diabetes, eating onions will help maintain a good mood, improve well-being and reduce the risk of complications associated with the disease. The vegetable removes toxins and cleanses the body of toxins, which is also useful for patients with diabetes.

Important: onion glycemic index - 15 units.

With pancreatitis

Onions are useful in the presence of pancreatitis. But during an exacerbation of the disease, its use should be discarded. This is due to the fact that it will cause irreparable harm to the body.

When eating onions during an exacerbation of pancreatitis, irritation of the mucosa is intensified, which provokes the appearance of unpleasant sensations and aggravates the course of the disease. For remission, onions are recommended in boiled or baked form, as it does not have a negative effect on the mucous membrane of the organ.

With gastritis

In case of gastritis, eating onions should only be in remission. A vegetable, due to its properties, will help reduce the risk of ulcers and other complications.

If an exacerbation occurs, onions should not be used, since its juice has a negative effect on the mucous membrane. This will provoke the appearance of pain and other unpleasant sensations.

With gout

People's experts recommend eating onions for gout.This is due to the fact that it will stop the inflammatory process, restore metabolic processes. Also, onion is an excellent prevention of this disease.

For the liver

Onions bring invaluable benefits to the liver. This is due to the fact that it helps to eliminate toxins and other harmful substances that have a negative effect on the liver.

If there are liver diseases, consult a specialist before eating onions.

With hemorrhoids

In folk medicine, the product is also used to treat hemorrhoids. The substances included in the composition allow you to remove the inflammatory process.

For treatment, various infusions for enemas are made. It is useful to eat fresh vegetables.

Onion-based traditional medicine recipes

Onions by traditional healers are used to treat many different diseases. There are many different recipes.

From a cold

The product, due to its properties, eliminates diseases such as a runny nose or sinusitis. Especially effective are inhalations. To prepare the solution you will need a whole onion, previously crushed on a grater. The mass is placed in a water bath and left for 15 minutes. Then breathe the steam. During the procedure, you should not take quick breaths and exhalations. You need to breathe evenly and carefully so as not to get burns of the mucous membrane.

From the common cold

With an increase in body temperature, which is accompanied by a runny nose and sore throat, onion-based compresses are used. One whole head is ground on a grater, and the mass is wrapped in gauze. It is fixed with a bandage in the throat. The compress is put at night, and removed before bedtime.

With bronchitis

Onion has gained popularity in the treatment of bronchitis. It reduces the risk of complications. For cooking, you need an onion broth, in which mother-and-stepmother is added. The resulting product is filtered and cooled before use. Take the medicine in a spoon up to 4 times a day.

With hypertension

To combat high blood pressure, two means can be used:

1. Onion-honey mixture. Grate the onion, add honey and mix everything thoroughly. Infuse the mixture for three days. Take a spoon up to 3 times a day.
2. Infusion. It will take half of the pre-peeled bulb. Pour half a glass of hot water into it and leave it in the container overnight. Have a drink before breakfast in the morning.

Onions will help to cope with bouts of hypertension, restore blood pressure.

With stuffy ears

During a cold, often lays ears. You can cope with this symptom with the help of onion juice. To do this, squeeze juice from one head, pre-grinding it on a grater and squeezing the mass. An equal amount of inlets is added to the mixture and heated. The tool is instilled into the ears 3 drops 4 times a day. The course of treatment for otitis media is about a week. But before starting treatment, experts recommend an allergy test. To do this, juice is dripped onto the skin of the wrists and after an hour and a half, the result is evaluated.

It is important to know that it is strictly forbidden to bury concentrated juice in the ears, as this can cause irritation of the mucosa.

Tensile

With great physical exertion, sprain often occurs. To eliminate the symptoms, one onion is ground on a grater and mixed with a little sugar. The resulting mass is placed on a gauze bandage, wrapped and applied to the affected area for 6 hours. Then the dressing is changed.

Onions in cosmetology

Onion gained the trust of many women in cosmetology. It brings invaluable benefits to the skin of the face and hair. Several recipes are used.

For face

Onion-based healing masks are used to cleanse the skin of acne, acne and lighten freckles.

1. The simplest mask is one onion chopped on a grater, mixed with honey in a small amount. But you should use the product only if there is no allergy to honey.
2. Also popular is a whitening face mask. It’s easy to cook. First of all, you need to grate the onion and mix it with the same amount of grated horseradish. Add a tablespoon of sour cream to the mixture. Apply the mask for five minutes in the morning and evening. It will help restore complexion, remove age spots and freckles.

For hair

Onions can also be used to restore the beauty of hair. It helps strengthen weakened curls, give them shine, softness and eliminate their early loss.

There are two common recipes:

1. Onion husk. It is used to get rid of dandruff. To prepare the solution, 50 grams of husk are used, which are brewed with boiling water in an amount of one liter. Insist until completely cooled, and then filtered. Means washed hair after washing. After several applications, dandruff will significantly decrease.
2. Mask. Grate the onion and mix with the yolk. All mix thoroughly, add a spoonful of burdock oil, a small amount of honey. The product is applied to clean hair and left under the film for half an hour. Then wash off with shampoo.

Before using masks, it is important to make sure that there is no allergic reaction to the components of the funds.

Harm and contraindications

Not always onion is beneficial. Under certain conditions, it can cause serious complications. First of all, it should not be eaten in large quantities in raw form. It is acute and bitter, which can harm the gastric mucosa, especially in the presence of gastritis, peptic ulcer and pancreatitis.

Contraindications:

1. Pathologies of the gallbladder and liver of a chronic nature.
2. Severe kidney disease.
3. Bronchial asthma.
4. An ulcer, gastritis and increased acidity in the acute stage.

It is also important to remember that the fresh product should be used with caution and with hypertension, even though it is used for medicinal purposes. Abuse of the product will lead to a sharp change in blood pressure.

Symptoms of Onion Allergy

In some cases, it can cause an allergic reaction. Its symptoms are:

• redness of the skin;
• itching
• rash;
• sneezing
• increased lacrimation.

Patients also sometimes have an allergic runny nose, nasal congestion. All symptoms can be stopped with anti-allergic drugs.

When to collect and how to store onions

In order to get a quality product, it is important to properly collect and preserve the vegetable. It is cleaned in the fall. Depending on the area of ​​growth, collection is carried out from mid-August to mid-September.

After the crop is harvested, it is laid out in the sun so that it dries out without removing feathers. By their condition, you can determine the readiness of the onion for storage.

Dried in the sun in natural conditions. As soon as the feathers turn yellow, the vegetable is removed for subsequent storage, folded in cloth bags or suspended.

Is it possible to freeze

Mistresses ask about whether it is possible to freeze onions. Many foods can be stored in the freezer, but this does not apply to onions. This is due to the fact that after freezing it loses its useful properties, it becomes soft and tasteless. Do not cook with him. Store it exclusively in fresh or pickled form.

What can be prepared from onions: recipes

A large number of dishes can be prepared from this product. The most popular of these are the following options.

Onion rings in batter

Before starting to cook, the onions are soaked in water with the addition of vinegar. Then it becomes more tender. To prepare snacks, you will need these products:

• 4 onions;
• egg;
• 3 tablespoons of flour;
• 100 ml of vegetable oil;
• salt to taste.

Cut the soaked onion into rings. In a separate container, mix the egg, flour, salt and sour cream. In the resulting mass, dip the onion rings alternately and fry in vegetable oil until golden brown.

Serve with tomato sauce, you can also use garlic or sweet and sour.

Soup

Onion soup is cooked in vegetable or chicken broth. To prepare, prepare:

• 3 onions;
• 2 liters of broth;
• 50 grams of cheese;
• 2 tomatoes;
• a teaspoon of flour;
• 3 tablespoons of butter.

Process:

1. Cut the onion into small pieces, put in a pan and fry until it gets a golden crust. Then add flour and put the resulting mass into the broth. Simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Scale tomatoes with boiling water, peel and chop. Add them to the soup. Salt everything, add pepper as desired.
3. Pour soup into ceramic pots, cover with grated cheese and put in an oven preheated to 180 degrees. Cook for 7 minutes. Serve with croutons.

Greek onion

This is a great snack, which can also be used for weight loss. Prepare dishes using small onions, which are served cold. For cooking, you need 200 grams of onions, 2 liters of vegetable broth.

Peel the onion, add boiling water and leave for five minutes. Drain the water, and cool the onion. Then it is transferred to the broth, salt and seasonings to taste. All set on fire and cook for 15 minutes.

Onions are popular and added to various dishes as a basis or addition. It gives salads a special taste, aroma. The second and first courses with fried onions acquire an amazing golden color. A vegetable will help strengthen immunity and cope with the symptoms of various diseases. That is why it should be used not only in cooking, but also for cosmetic purposes.

Is it possible to give animals onions

The product has a strong unpleasant odor that animals cannot tolerate. Cats and dogs should not be bowed, despite its benefits. Due to the strong aroma, it can cause a violation of smell.

Also, do not feed onions of rodents, parrots and other animals. It can be harmful and cause burns to the stomach and oral mucosa.

Interesting facts about onions

Onions are known to all as a vegetable, which is added to various dishes. But not everyone knows some interesting facts about him:

1. The product got its name due to its taste. He is called Carl Linnaeus the word burning - "all."
2. Today, specialists know more than 860 varieties of onions. They can be found not only in garden areas. Onions grow in meadows, steppes, forests. But of these, only 200 species are considered vegetable and can be eaten.
3. Specialists have not established the homeland of onions. Some believe that he is from Southwest Asia.
4. In Europe, it began to be eaten only in the Bronze Age. Before that, they did not eat it.
5. Onions and garlic are mentioned in the chronicle of Ancient Egypt. They were known for their healing properties as early as 3000 BC. Herodotus, the famous historian, in his writings described the construction of the Cheops pyramid. According to him, during the work a huge amount of gold was spent, which was spent on the purchase of vegetables, including onions. They were distributed to slaves.
6. For the first time the bulb was depicted on the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1352 BC.
7. Onions were grown in China and India 5 thousand years ago.
8. Onions were part of the diet of knights in the Middle Ages. During this period, he was a fairly popular product, which was also used to redeem prisoners. One captive could be exchanged for 8 bulbs.
9. Christopher Columbus brought onions to America. Sailors wandering to distant lands landed a vegetable on the island of Isabella. After receiving a good crop, they began to plant it on the mainland.
10. According to statistics cited by the United Nations, most onions are consumed in Libya. Almost every resident of the country consumes 30 kg of onion annually. It is added to almost all dishes. The second place belongs to Senegal, where each inhabitant eats more than 20 kg of onions a year. The third place in its consumption is occupied by England, where up to 9.5 kg of vegetables are eaten per year. On the 4th place are the French. They consume about 5.5 kg of onion per year.
11. In India, onions are used at every meal. Its cost is variable on the markets in the country, which is associated with the great popularity of the vegetable.
12. It is believed that the onion got its name due to the fact that in appearance it is similar to turnips.
13. Leek is a symbol of Wales in the UK. According to legend, David of Valdai, bishop and enlightener, ordered the soldiers to fix their feathers on their helmets. He served as a defense against the enemy. Since those times, March 1 is a national holiday in Wales.
14. Onions contain a huge amount of sugar. Its more than in apples and pears. One slice of vegetable contains approximately 6% sugar. But during heat treatment it evaporates.
15. Onions, according to nutritionists, are a fat burner. It is the basis of the soup, which is widely used for weight loss.
16. It is believed that people who regularly eat onions, especially fresh, suffer from SARS and the flu least.
17. For the prevention of colds, it is recommended to use about half of the bulb daily. It will help strengthen immunity.
18. Onion soup allows you to relieve pain after a wasp or bee sting. It also helps to eliminate toothache. To do this, just put a piece of onion on a bad tooth.
19. Experts have established that not only onion juice, but also its taste, aroma, are able to fight pathologically altered cells. Regular use of it will help reduce the risk of developing malignant neoplasms.

Tears when peeling onions appear due to exposure to a certain substance, which is called a lacrimator. It is released into the environment and irritates the mucous membrane. It is proved that it is capable of dissolving in water.

Thus, onions due to the content of a large number of vitamins and minerals helps to strengthen immunity and helps to cope with unpleasant symptoms of certain diseases. It is widely used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology, medicine. Using home remedies, it is possible to restore the appearance of facial skin and hair.

You should not abuse onions. If you eat it in large quantities, it can harm the body. The presence of contraindications should also be taken into account.

Photo of onion