Today we are asking Are Raw Onions Good For You? I love onions but not everyone feels the same they do have some amazing properties. Let’s take a closer look.
Are Raw Onions Good for You? That’s a question many people wonder, but the answer may surprise you. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the health benefits of onion, including its ability to lower “bad” cholesterol, reduce blood sugar levels, lower systolic blood pressure, and even reduce your risk of cancer.
However, you must remember that there are some precautions to take.
Reduce “bad” cholesterol
Research suggests that eating red onions can help to reduce cholesterol levels. The polyphenolic compounds in onions, called flavonoids, have numerous health benefits, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and anti-cancer abilities.
Consuming raw onions may lower cholesterol levels in obese people, especially those who are prone to cardiovascular disease. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that hamsters fed with red onions had lower levels of LDL cholesterol, but did not have a significant effect on HDL cholesterol.
Studies on rats have shown that eating onions regularly can lower LDL cholesterol or “bad” cholesterol. These compounds are also found in onions’ top layers, which can help prevent heart disease. Additionally, onions are great for your skin and hair.
You can eat sliced onions in salads, soups, and sandwiches. If you like grilled meat, you should add some onions to your meal. And if you want to make a delicious burger, add a few slices to it.
Among the benefits of onions is their ability to lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol, the good kind of cholesterol. These two types of cholesterol work together to keep your blood thin and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Onions contain polyphenolic compounds, which help lower harmful lipids in the blood. By reducing LDL cholesterol, you may also lower your risk of heart disease and heart attack.
Lower blood sugar
Some studies have shown that raw onions can help control blood sugar levels. However, preliminary results suggest that these benefits are not yet proven. A Nutrition 2014 review article reported that these effects are not yet proven, but preliminary findings suggest that the flavonoid quercetin and S-methyl cysteine found in onions may have some impact on blood sugar levels.
More research is needed to make firm conclusions, but for now, raw onions are an excellent option for lowering blood sugar levels.
Red onions have several health benefits and are very low on the glycemic index (GI) scale, which means that their effects on blood sugar are slow. According to GI, foods have a glycemic index between 0 and 100; 0 is the lowest.
Foods with a lower glycemic index require less insulin to digest and store fat. As a result, they are great for lowering blood sugar levels and boosting energy.
A variety of flavonoids found in onions have been linked to reduced levels of blood sugar in people with diabetes. One study found that eating onions regularly reduced blood sugar levels in four hours.
Onions can be used as a dietary supplement if taken with metformin.
For this, it is important to discuss the details of the study with a doctor. There are many other studies that show that raw onions can lower blood sugar.
Lower systolic blood pressure
You may have heard about the benefits of onions for heart health, but did you know that eating them can actually lower systolic blood pressure? Onions contain phytochemicals known as allicin, which is responsible for their pungent smell and health benefits.
You can grate garlic with a hand-held grater, which is easier to manage than using a food processor. Also, you can slice onions as close as possible to the root end so that you get the maximum amount of flavonoids.
Another benefit of onions is that they are rich in quercetin, an antioxidant found in the skin and outer layers of onions. In some studies, this flavonoid has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure.
The antioxidants in onions may also help reduce inflammation and fight heart disease. So, it may be worth trying this simple remedy. And if you’re already taking medication for high blood pressure, you should consider adding onions to your diet.
The same research suggests that eating onions may reduce high blood pressure. A recent study in mice found that ethanol extracts of onions reduced heart rate and blood pressure. These results suggest that onions may lower blood pressure by improving circulation.
In addition, raw onion extracts contain decent amounts of potassium and other nutrients. It is best to eat onions raw, as cooked onions lose their beneficial properties.
You can eat onions raw by adding them to salads, raitas, or sautéing them in olive oil and garlic.
One of my absolute favorites has to be a simple Tomato and Onion salad.
It takes hardly any time to prepare and tastes amazing.
Slice fresh ripe tomato and Onion, drizzle good quality olive oil, and a splash of vinegar, salt, and pepper and that’s it! Lovely!
Reduce cancer risk
A new study suggests that consuming one to seven portions of raw onions every week may reduce your risk of cancer. This is based on results from a U of G study of five Ontario onion varieties. The highest concentration of the antioxidant flavonoid quercetin is found in the Ruby Ring variety.
This type of onion has also been shown to be a potent cancer fighter. Although further research is needed, eating onions regularly might reduce your risk of cancer in a variety of ways.
Aside from being rich in flavonoids, onions have anti-inflammatory properties and are a great food for reducing cancer. The polyphenol quercetin in onions is especially powerful, reducing high blood pressure and triglyceride levels.
Red onions are higher in flavonoids, while yellow onions contain more. Eating raw onions regularly may also prevent or relieve symptoms of post menopause.
However, if you do not like eating raw onions, avoid storing them close to potatoes. The potatoes emit moisture and gas, which may contaminate the onions.
Another study found a link between eating onions and reduced cancer risk. Onions lower the risk of colorectal, prostate, ovarian, and esophageal cancer when eaten with a moderate frequency. This was especially true for people who regularly eat onions.
One study showed that those who ate onions weekly had a 73% lower risk of developing ovarian and esophageal cancers than those who ate them less frequently.
Ideal if you want to chop Onions quickly and safely!
Soothe respiratory ailments
The sulfur compounds in raw onions and garlic ease inflammation and mucus coagulation and also facilitate expectoration. Some people experience immediate benefits while others have to endure coughing fits.
There are no fancy ingredients required for these remedies; all you need are the ingredients you already have in your kitchen. They also have more potent medicinal properties than many pharmaceutical drugs.
So, why not try it out?
It’s a safe, effective remedy that can also help you cut your medical bills!
One of the main benefits of onions is their antimicrobial properties. They have been used by many cultures for respiratory ailments throughout history.
The taste of raw onions may be off-putting, but the antibacterial and antiviral properties of the onion help in easing respiratory ailments.
Onion Tea
To take advantage of their medicinal effects, you can prepare a simple onion tea. You will need a medium-sized red onion, 13.5 ounces of water, 1 teaspoon of honey, and a lemon. Combine the ingredients, brew, and drink the tea twice daily.
Do this for four weeks to see results. Drinking the tea can help with inflammation, aches, and breathing.
In addition to their antibacterial properties, onions are also high in fructooligosaccharides. These compounds help in the balance of healthy bacteria and target the bad ones.
In addition, onions lower blood sugar and insulin levels. In addition to their anti-inflammatory properties, onions also relieve respiratory ailments, especially common colds and flu.
Moreover, they can also help you fall asleep. Those who suffer from allergies and asthma should try adding sliced onions to their meals regularly for faster relief.
Reduce stress
One of the oldest remedies for reducing stress is the consumption of raw onions. It is believed that onions contain important phytochemicals, known as flavonoids, that help in the fight against diseases.
Studies have found that the scales of onions contain a lot of these antioxidants, and they can help in the fight against cancer. In fact, one study even suggested that raw onions can kill tumor cells. In addition to reducing stress levels, they are also good for the body.
Onions also contain important nutrients, such as folate, which helps in the production of a happy mood and relieves symptoms of depression.
These nutrients help the brain produce the hormones it needs to combat anxiety and stress. Additionally, onions help in the detoxification process of the body, as they are packed with sulfur and amino acids. The nutrient content of onions in the body also helps in the reduction of fatigue.
Furthermore, onions contain high levels of copper, which aids in the communication process in the brain.
While there are a lot of benefits of raw onions, the studies have not been conclusive enough to justify the dosage and effectiveness of this food.
Therefore, more research is necessary before proper dosage can be determined. However, these onions are safe to consume when they are kept in an air-tight, cool place away from sunlight.
After they are cleaned, they should be stored in a closed container and should be consumed within two to three days.
If you are storing them for longer periods, you should store them in a refrigerator.
