Health Benefits Of Onions That Many People Overlook

Onions are often associated with adding a delicious and distinctive flavor to a dish, but they also have numerous health benefits as well. Found in the same biological family as garlic, chives, and leeks, their healthy side effects have been used for centuries around the world. Read on to understand how powerful this vegetable really can be. Here are several ailments you will overcome with your love of onions.

You will ease earaches

Have you ever had a painful earache that just will not seem to go away? Instead of driving to your nearest drug store to find relief, an onion’s natural healing properties will have you feeling better just by going into your own fridge. Grab an onion, cut it in half, and take out the center. Apply this portion of the onion inside your ear. Make sure it is large enough to stay lodged inside the outer ear and not fall into the inner ear. Leave it in overnight and the natural chemistry of the onion will help decrease any inflammation within the ear. It will also soften any excess wax, making it easier to remove. If you prefer a liquid remedy, boiling an onion and then applying it with a dropper might be more ideal. Wrapping the onion in a warm cloth and applying it to the ear is another option as well.

You will fight colds and flus

Placing raw onions on people suffering from colds or flus has been traced back to traditional Chinese medicine. The theory behind this method is that onions have natural anti-bacterial properties, while feet are a link to the nervous system and internal organs. Phosphoric acid (the chemical in onions that makes your eyes water) can enter the bloodstream by being absorbed through your feet, thereby purifying your blood and making it easier to fight infections. Cut an onion into flat slivers that can easily be applied to the bottom of your feet. Place clear wrap around the onions and your feet then place your feet into socks and wear them overnight.

You will help prevent cancer

Onions have been proven to help decrease chances of getting ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, and laryngeal cancer – even when moderately consumed 1-2 times a week. It is highly recommended. The more onion you eat, the better it has at keeping cancer at bay. If a recipe calls for half an onion, try to use a little bit more. For some inspiration on how to incorporate onions into your next meal, check out this list of recipes all dedicated to this bulbous veggie.

You will help control blood sugar levels

One of the less known facts about onions is that they contain high sulfur and flavonoid content, which is are known to decrease blood sugar levels. It has been shown that when diabetics consume at least 2 ounces per day, there was a significant reduction in their blood sugar. Research with how onions can play a bigger role in diabetics treatment is still being researched. A lower chance of developing heart disease is a beneficial side effect of lowered blood sugar from consuming onions.

You will help deal with asthma

Onions are known to have an antioxidant called quercetin, which serves as an anti-inflammatory agent and antihistamine. In studies, quercetin has been proven to inhibit immune cells from producing histamine (the chemicals that are responsible for the allergic reaction). For those suffering from asthma, it is believed that quercetin helps open the respiratory tract’s bronchi, making breathing easier.

You will prevent tooth decay

Eating raw onions will guarantee that you have smelly breath, but the upside is that it can also eliminate harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay. Chewing on raw onions between 2-3 minutes has been known to kill most germs in your mouth.

Featured photo credit: Flickr via flickr.com

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Source:lifehack