Onion is a vegetable that most widely cultivated species, It is also known as onion bulbs. It is used in most dishes all over the world. Onion plants are hollow green leaves with a root underground, Its leaves are also used in lots of dishes due to their medicinal properties and health benefits. Onion benefits are numerous we will go on to discuss, how an onion benefits hair and health. onion is rich in zinc which is good for hair.
Onions always bring tears in the eye whenever chopped due to the release of volatile liquid syn-propanethial-s-oxide and its aerosol which stimulates the eye nerve. Onion is full-packed with nutritional value. nutrition values are shown in the table :
Nutritional Value in Onion
Raw Onion Bulb Nutritional value per 100gm (3.5oz)
| Vitamins | Quantity | % |
|---|---|---|
| Thiamine (B1) | 0.046 mg | 4% |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.116 mg | 2% |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.116 mg | 1% |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 0.123 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.12 mg | 9% |
| Folate (B9) | 19 μg | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 7.4 mg | 9% |
| Minerals | Quantity | % |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium | 23 mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.21 mg | 2% |
| Magnesium | 10 mg | 3% |
| Manganese | 0.129 mg | 6% |
| Phosphorus | 29 mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 146 mg | 3% |
| Zinc | 0.17 mg | 2% |
Onion Benefits
Onion is a full pack with vitamins and minerals, we can use onion for hair benefits and it will help in hair growth as well fight with the hair fall problem. Onion Juice benefits are amazing for the scalp.
The benefits of Onions are as follows:
1. Increase Immunity
Onion is rich in antioxidants, the polyphenols available in onion act as an antioxidant that protects from free radicals. When free radicals eliminated, a strong immunity system encourages. The quercetin available in onions helps to reduce the allergic reaction by stopping the body from producing histamines, which are responsible for a sneeze, cry and itch if have an allergic reaction.
onions are a good source of antioxidants, actually, they contain 25 different types of flavonoid antioxidants. Anthocyanin special plant pigments in the flavonoid family that’s responsible for giving deep pigments to red onion.
2. Treat Insomnia
Onions is a superb food for treating sleeping disorder insomnia and providing uninterrupted restful sleep at the night. due to its strong smell, it uses in every kitchen and most of the cuisine all over the world. Onion contains an abundance of L-tryptophan and amino acids that have powerful sedative properties. onion also exhibits calmness which provides a sound sleep in the night.
3. Anti-inflammatory Agent
Sulfur found in onions is an effective anti-inflammatory agent according to a study conducted in 1990 and published in the journal International Archives of Allergies and Applied Immunology. Anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing the diseases like high blood pressure and blood clotting. Highly concentrated quercetin in onion is a flavonoid antioxidant. It is a potent anti-inflammatory, may reduce heart risk factors like high blood pressure. It is also found that quercetin relaxes the airway muscles and provides relief to asthma symptoms, According to the study published in the American Journal of Physiology in 2013.
4. Antibacterial Properties
Onion has antibacterial properties that can fight dangerous bacteria like Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus, and Bacillus cereus. according to a study, In vitro antibacterial activity of the extract investigated on gram-positive (Staphylococcus, and Bacillus cereus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa)Respectively and itis found that onion extracts are effective.[1]
5. Helps in the absorption of Lycopene
Some food is best to eat together onion and tomatoes are the best combinations with each other as onion helps in the absorption of lycopene. Researchers believe that onions’ sulfur compound promotes the absorption of lycopene, antioxidants in tomatoes that protect against cancer and other diseases like heart problems, eye health, brain, and bone problems.
6. Increase Bone Density
As dairy products related to increase bone density, some other vegetable like an onion is also responsible for stronger bone. A study is conducted on women (old-aged and postmenopausal) showed that women who consume 100 ml (3.4 ounces) of onion juice regularly for 8 weeks have to improved bone minerals density and antioxidants in comparison to other groups. Another study demonstrated that the women who consume onion regularly, decrease the chances of hip fracture by 20% in comparison to others who never consume onion.
7. Helps in Digestion
The fiber found in the onion helps in the digestion. A special type of soluble fiber found in onion which named oligofructose which promotes good health. According to Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology study conducted in 2005, it is found that oligofructose helps in treat types of diarrhea.
8 Helps in Fighting Cancer
It is found that eating vegetables of the allium genus like onion and garlic related to a lower risk of certain cancer like colorectal and stomach. After reviewing 26 studies it is found that people who consumed allium vegetables (onion) have a 22% lower risk of stomach cancer in comparison to the people who eat less amount.
Another review study showed that the highest intake of onion (allium vegetables) had a 15% less risk of colorectal cancer in comparison to others who consume less amount.
9. Helps in Sexual Health
According to a study published in Biomolecules, it showed that eating onion can correct erectile dysfunction and the study also showed that it also boosts the level of testosterone in men.
Onions For Hair Benefits
Onion is very useful for hair and scalp health, it has antibacterial properties which keeps away dandruff and lice from the scalp and makes hair thicker and stronger. In some cases, it also boosts the growth of new hair. it is the best medicine to treat alopecia areata.
How to use onion juice for hair benefits?
Take an onion to take out its juice with the help of a juicer or just simple grind it and squeeze it and then apply it on the scalp with the help of cotton or by fingertips, leave it for one hour or the whole night, and rinse in the morning with normal water and mild or ayurvedic shampoo. follow this process on alternate days for the best result.
History and Facts of Onion
History and Facts of Onion.
- The real-time is unknown when onion origin but some scholar thinks that it starts cultivated around 5000 years ago in India, China, and Egypt. It is also mentioned in Charaka Samhita how an onion is useful in treating eye, digestion, and other diseases.
- In Egypt, onions are buried with the mummies. egyptologist thinks it would be done due to its strong smell or magical power prompt the dead to breathe again.
- Greeks use onion to strengthen athletes for the Olympics. Before the Olympic games, athletes consume lots of onion and onion juice and rub onions on the body.
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