10 Amazing Reasons to Eat More Onions
They bring tears and bad breath, and you might even avoid eating them on many occasions. But did you know that onions have much more to them than just that? They have many health benefits, apart from those your grandmother told you about. If you were not eating enough onions before, we are sure you will include them in your meals every day after reading this article.
#1. Burn more calories
Sure you are doing all you can, with diet and exercise, to shed those extra kilos. But if you want to go that extra mile and ace the calorie burning process, add some spring onions to your salads in every meal. They help metabolise carbohydrates for fuel and make them burn quicker.
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#2. Help in better sleep
The phytochemicals found in onions help in alleviating sleep disorders. Simply having hot onion soup with dinner can assure you a good night’s sleep. In the West, a popular remedy for sleeplessness is having onions on toast.
#3. Beneficial for heart ailments
Onions are very beneficial as a preventive measure for heart ailments. Studies have shown that the antioxidant quercetin, found in onions, helps to remove free radicals from the body, inhibits low-density lipoprotein oxidation, and also regenerates another powerful antioxidant, vitamin E. These actions work strongly against atherosclerosis and coronary heart diseases.
#4. Help in balancing blood sugar levels
Onions are said to be a great addition to a diabetic’s diet, and they are low in calories, and provide a good amount of fibre, iron, potassium, vitamin C and many other micronutrients. There has also been evidence pointing at some chemicals that help maintain a normal blood sugar level.
#5. Reduce dark spots and pigmentation
Thanks to its vitamin C content and potent antiseptic properties, onion juice is excellent for getting rid of dark spots, patchy skin and pigmentation. You can either simply slice raw onions and rub them over your skin, or make a face pack. Do this by mixing equal quantities of fresh yogurt and onion juice. Apply it on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes, and wash it off with cold water. Following this ritual regularly can assure you flawless skin. Also, don’t forget that consuming onions everyday will give a healthy glow to your skin by purifying blood.
#6. Boost immunity
The high doses of phytochemicals found in onions promote better functioning of vitamin C in the body, which is a must for better immunity. Having liberal amounts of onions in your meals can assure you a tough defence against common colds and flu.
#7. Boost sexual drive
You will not run away from their pungent smell anymore, we promise! Allicin, the chemical that gives onions their strong smell, is responsible for increasing the blood flow to the sexual organs, thus increasing sexual desires too. Just one tablespoon of onion juice mixed with garlic juice, consumed everyday, can help enhance libido.
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#8. Useful for treating menstrual cramps
Onions are one of the best soothing agents for menstrual cramps, acting as potent painkillers. Raw onions, consumed regularly, just 4-5 days before your period, can help soothe down the pain.
#9. Helpful in stomach aches
Their potent anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties help soothe down stomach infections and pains. Onions also help relieve an upset stomach and other gastric problems.
#10. Maintain good oral health
Forget the foul breath they give! Chewing raw onions for 2-3 minutes can prevent tooth decay and oral infections, by killing the harmful germs present in the mouth. You can always brush your teeth and use a refreshing mouthwash later, to get rid of the ‘oniony’ smell!
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Just a word of caution: Make sure you are not allergic to onions; in case you are, talk to your doctor before including them in your diet.
Onions do much more than adding an excellent flavour to many recipes. Their numerous health benefits make them a must-have food item in your daily diet, right?
