Let’s consider the humble onion. Onions come in many colors, white, red and yellow, and each is as healthy as the other. In fact, they are super healthy.

Why?

Well, according to Victoria Jarzabkowski, a nutritionist from the University of Texas,  onions offer people abundant sources of vitamin C, flavonoids, phytochemicals and sulphuric compounds.

Phytochemicals occur naturally in veggies and fruits, triggering healthy reactions in the human body. The flavonoids in onions, and in other vegetables, help with stroke, cardiovascular disease and Parkinson’s disease.

One excellent flavonoid that is found in onions is called quercetin, which acts like an antioxidant and protects against cancer. Quercetin reduces bladder infection symptoms, promotes prostate health and lowers blood pressure.

Onions contain sulfides, which are so important in building healthy cell structures throughout the body.

A long and healthy history

Onions go back a long way in time, originating from the far reaches of western and eastern Asia. All over the world now, you will find different species of onion being cultivated.

There are records showing that onions were probably used in China as far back as 5000 BC, proving just how durable and versatile they are. In ancient Egypt, the onion was revered because its spherical shape was considered a sign of eternal life.

Here are some other interesting facts about onions:

• They are low in calories (only 45 calories in a serving)
• Contain no cholesterol or fat
• Are healthy whether cooked or eaten raw
• The flavonoids are in the outer layers of the onion, so don’t remove too much when peeling it

Ten ailments and the natural remedies that onions provide

1. Cancer is on the rise but onions can help

A study by the University of Guelph concluded that the red onion helps to kill colon and breast cancer cells because of its high levels of anthocyanin and quercetin. Eating onions makes your body more environmentally unfavorable towards cancer cells, inhibiting their growth.

2. Matters of the heart

The flavonoids in red onions help your heart stay healthy because they contain organosulfur compounds that help prevent heart disease. When you ingest organosulfur compounds, you decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Another cool thing about onions is that they act like a blood thinner, which reduces risk of stroke and heart disease. The French are known to eat a lot of onions as part of their French cuisine. They’re also known to have low incidences of heart disease despite a high caloric intake. It’s thought that the flavonoids help to keep bad cholesterol at bay, protect against blood platelets from clotting, and assist with keeping high blood pressure under control.

3. Good news for bone health

Research shows that onions have the ability to prevent osteoporosis. According to research done by the Swiss, there is a special compound called GPCS that is found in white onions; these nutrients have the ability to promote bone health.

Other studies reveal that women who eat plenty of onions were found to have an increase in bone mass by as much as 5% compared to women who consumed fewer onions or no onions at all. Additionally, beneficial effects were seen in the bone health of women over 50.

Finally, the Arthritis Foundation says that the quercetin in onions inhibits inflammation activity in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

4. The sinuses, oral health, and immune system

When you cook with onions, you open and drain the sinuses, clearing the nasal passageways of congestion. Onions may also play a protective role against certain allergies.

Because of their antibacterial properties, onions may guard against bacteria that create dental cavities.

Furthermore, in Russia, people use onions to treat colds and the flu. People are known to sleep with onions under their feet to strengthen the immune system. If that doesn’t sound appealing, consider boiling onion slices in water to make a kind of tea to help ward off the flu.

Lastly, onions contain anti-inflammatory properties that help with asthma, thanks to quercetin.

5. Better vision

The sulfur in onions is important to the production of glutathione, which acts as an antioxidant for the lenses of the eyes. Glutathione is noted to reduce glaucoma, cataract problems, and macular degeneration.

6. Do you suffer from blood clots?

Because onions contain rutin, a bioflavonoid, or plant pigment, they might offer some protection against blood clots. In tests conducted on mice, it was found that rutin had strong abilities to protect against thrombosis. Clots can form in the veins and arteries; rutin helps to block the enzymes that get released when blood clots start to form.

7. Diabetes kept under control with onion consumption

The Plant Resources Research Institute in Korea discovered that onion extracts help with fighting diabetes. It’s thought that this is because they help lower concentrations of plasma glucose, and also aid with weight loss.

Onions are a source of chromium. Because of this, they assist with controlling blood sugar levels and may help to improve insulin resistance issues.

8. Treating acne

Because the onion has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it can do wonders for acne for some people.

Combine a tablespoon of onion juice with a tablespoon of olive oil. Mix together and apply over your face like a lotion; leave on for 20 minutes and then wash off.

Using topical applications, along with regularly eating onions, may yield outstanding results when it comes to acne. Some people claim they get good results by rubbing raw onions all over their face.

9. Treating bites and stings

Onions are excellent for soothing insect bites and stings. Just place a slice of onion on the bite or sting so its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce any burning or itching.

10. Help with moles

The acid in onion juice is known to help with minimizing or healing moles for some people. Just dab some fresh onion juice on the mole for the skin to absorb. When practiced daily, it’s estimated that a mole may disappear in about a month for some people.

As always, keep in mind that different people respond differently to natural remedies. What works for one person doesn’t always work for another.

Conclusion

The onion is a highly nutritious vegetable with a long and successful history.

For best results, remember to remove as little of the skin as possible because the outer layers contain extra nutrients and the highest amounts of flavonoids. Peeling too much of the onion will strip away these precious nutrients.

The ancients knew about the many benefits of onions. The Greeks used them to strengthen their athletes in preparation of the Olympic Games. In fact, before any competition, the athletes ate onions and drank plenty of onion juice, and rubbed onion juice all over their bodies!

The powerful onion has even been used in military applications. General Ulysses S Grant gave an ultimatum that he would not move his army without first being supplied with onions to prepare his troops for battle. He knew his soldiers, plagued with dysentery, depended on the life-giving health benefits of onions. His demands were met, and the government dispatched three train cars loaded with onion bulbs.

So, consider the humble onion. It has about 28 calories, 7 grams of carbs, vitamins A & C, Vitamin B complex, iron, potassium and folate. An onion is the real deal – from slowing down or stopping nosebleeds altogether to preventing depression, it’s a tiny but powerful little vegetable that will keep you strong, healthy and happy for years to come.

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