Onion – Health Benefits and Medicinal Properties
The beneficial properties of onions were known as far back as Ancient Egypt. To be precise, they have been recognized for over forty centuries. It is believed that onions originally grew in Central Asia. Later, their medicinal properties became known in India, China, and Greece. Even today, this popular vegetable remains an essential product for a healthy lifestyle.
Health Benefits of Onions
The ability of onions, including both bulbs and greens, to effectively kill microbes is linked to their high content of phytoncides—biologically active substances that act against bacteria, fungi, and protozoa.
Onions contain various nitrogen compounds, glucose, and microelements such as calcium, copper, iron, and phosphorus. Onion-based alcohol extracts possess numerous health benefits:
- Effectively destroy harmful microorganisms.
- Stimulate the digestive system, alleviating intestinal atony (low muscle tone) and diarrhea.
- Help treat atherosclerosis.
- When mixed with glycerin, can be used to treat trichomoniasis colpitis (inflammation of the female genital mucosa).
Onions and Reproductive Health
The medicinal properties of onions help address various reproductive health issues:
- Onion juice promotes sperm production.
- Consuming onion juice can help regulate menstrual cycles.
- The vegetable positively influences male potency.
Onions are also beneficial in treating rheumatism, hypertension, neurasthenia, and insomnia. They strengthen immunity and enhance the body’s defense mechanisms.
Onions and Digestion
- Stimulate appetite, aiding better digestion.
- Help prevent scurvy due to their high vitamin content.
- Eliminate intestinal parasites.
- Are widely used as a seasoning in numerous dishes, including salads, soups, potatoes, cutlets, and meat. They can be eaten raw or fried with vegetables.
Medicinal and Cosmetic Benefits of Onions
- Baked onions help get rid of boils.
- For headaches, finely chopped fresh onions applied to the temples can provide relief.
- Onions are used to treat rhinitis and remove earwax blockages.
Onions are particularly beneficial for hair care. However, the only drawback is the strong characteristic smell that remains after cosmetic treatments. Women in Ancient Greece used a mixture of onions and honey as a face mask to tighten the skin.
Onions for Vitamin Deficiency Prevention
Onions contain a significant amount of carotene, a provitamin A, which transforms into vitamin A (retinol) in the body. This beneficial property helps regulate growth processes, improve skin appearance, strengthen teeth, and enhance hair health.
Onions are also rich in B vitamins:
- B1 (thiamine): Supports metabolic processes, reduces nervous system excitability, and maintains muscle tone.
- B2 (riboflavin): Aids metabolic functions, supports the central nervous system, protects the skin, and helps prevent anemia.
- B3 (niacin): Regulates water-salt balance and protein metabolism, supports cellular respiration, improves skin appearance, strengthens the nervous system, and promotes cardiovascular health by reducing harmful cholesterol levels.
- B9 (folic acid): Especially beneficial for children and young women, as it plays a vital role in blood formation.
Consuming onions strengthens blood vessels and prevents carcinogen buildup in the body. These benefits are largely due to their high vitamin C content. A medium-sized onion contains the daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
Contraindications for Onion Consumption
Despite its benefits, excessive onion consumption can negatively affect kidney function. Caution is advised in cases of:
- Liver diseases
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Heart conditions
