Onions

Diabetes, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, cancer, bacterial infections – all these diseases have something in common: the ingredients of the onion, especially the highly effective antioxidants, can alleviate the above diseases and even help prevent their development. But beyond that, the onion is said to have many other healing properties. Which onions are particularly healthy and how can you best benefit from their health-promoting effects? You can find out in the following.

Healing power of onion: what is onion good for?

Onion is considered a cure for some of the most common serious diseases. For example, it is said to reduce the risk of cancer, lower blood sugar levels in diabetics, help against multi-resistant germs and improve bone density. However, this popular household remedy does not belong to the group of overrated or even dangerous remedies that do more harm than good. Rather, the onion is actually an effective remedy and numerous scientific studies prove the healing power of the onion. In particular, the red onion is characterized by high levels of the important antioxidants. Sulfur compounds, vitamins and minerals are also contained in onions. Reason enough to take a closer look at the positive effect of the onion on our health.

Effect on inflammation: Is onion antibacterial?

Onion is considered disinfectant and therefore a good home remedy for inflammation. But is an onion actually anti-inflammatory? The answer is yes, because many inflammations are caused by bacteria. Onions have been shown to have antibiotic properties, so they fight bacteria and can relieve inflammation. In addition, onions stimulate the immune system and thus provide the organism with additional help to help itself with infections. Unlike conventional antibiotics, which are available on prescription in pharmacies, onions do not weaken the intestinal flora and thus the body’s defenses. In addition, it is also effective against germs that have already developed resistance to antibiotics.

Onions for earaches and colds

In the case of inflammation, external application is also possible, for example, for earaches. A time-honored home remedy for middle ear infections is an onion bag or an onion in a sock, which is placed on the ear. Colloquially, it is also said that the onion pulls out the inflammation. Read more about the use of onion bags here. In case of cold and cough, internal application is recommended. For example, onion juice is known for cough. A homemade cough syrup from onions is a good alternative to purchased products from the pharmacy. To prepare the home remedy for cough, mix chopped onions with brown sugar and let them steep for a few hours. You can take a teaspoon of the resulting onion syrup several times a day to relieve your cough. Alternatively, instead of sugar, you can take the onion-typical sharpness with honey. However, if the honey is added to hot juice, the valuable ingredients of the bee product take damage. Therefore, onion syrup from honey should not be heated.

Other external applications

Onions can also help with insect bites. To do this, halve an onion and press the cut area on the affected area. In addition, active ingredients extracted from onions can help speed up the healing of scars. In ready preparations, the onion extract is labeled with the term “extract cepae”. However, such a scar gel from onion extract can just as well be made by oneself. Onions are also used for the treatment of abscesses. However, not only inflammation of the skin, but also orthopedic problems, for example, bursitis, respond to treatment with onions.

Are onions good for the intestines?

Among the valuable active ingredients of onions are dietary fibers, which are particularly important for healthy digestion. They are the “food” of healthy intestinal bacteria, which in our intestinal flora, among other things, have a strong influence on the immune system. But not only that: the intestinal flora most likely has an influence on numerous health factors. Of course, it also influences digestive activity. However, there is one small downer: For people with a sensitive digestive tract, raw onions in particular can trigger flatulence.When cooked, onions become easier to digest, but lose some of their health-promoting effect. Alternatively, you can reach for spring onions, which are somewhat milder overall, but also less effective. Or you can try to slowly accustom your digestive tract to onions by gradually increasing your intake of the healthy vegetable.

How healthy are onions?

In addition to the pathway through the intestinal flora, onions also affect our immune system in other ways. Their ingredients include vitamins A and C as well as B vitamins, minerals such as iron and calcium, and trace elements. Vitamins A and C, for example, are highly effective antioxidants that prevent cell damage from oxidative stress. Among other things, vitamin A is important for vision, skin, and our bones and teeth. Vitamin C accelerates wound healing. Vitamins from the B complex are important for metabolism and nerve function, for example. In addition, onions can help improve the absorption of iron and zinc from grains.

Are onions healthy for diabetics?

While onions are not a cure for diabetes, they have been shown to help lower blood sugar levels. This also makes them suitable for preventing diabetes, as a permanently elevated blood sugar level is one of the biggest risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Onions are also a helpful health tip for people who already have diabetes. Since onions are good for the liver, they help our organism to keep blood sugar levels constantly at a moderate level. Incidentally, the inulin contained in onions prevents the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver – a disease of civilization that is unfortunately on the rise. But beware: a diet rich in onions does not replace medication prescribed by your doctor. Discontinue medications only in consultation.

Are onions good for the heart?

Onions are very healthy for the heart and even have a triple effect against diseases of the cardiovascular system:

Similar to garlic, onions also contain the antioxidant allicin, which can help prevent arteriosclerosis due to its vasoprotective effect. This is considered an important risk factor for the development of heart attacks and strokes.

Do onions protect bones?

Scientists believe that onions may have a positive effect on bone density and thus prevent the development of osteoporosis. Researchers from South Carolina found that the bone density of women who ate onions daily was five percent higher than that of women who ate onions only once a month or even less frequently. The risk of hip fracture most likely decreases by twenty percent with regular onion consumption. The fiber found in onions also promotes the absorption of calcium, a mineral that is important for bone health.

Do onions prevent cancer?

Scientific studies have suggested that onions may reduce the risk of several cancers. For example, analysis of a large amount of data by Italian researchers showed that regular intake of onions and garlic could have a positive effect on preventing cancers of the digestive tract, as well as other cancers such as esophageal cancer and ovarian cancer.

Is it possible to lose weight healthily with onions?

One-sided diets are unhealthy and even dangerous. Therefore, an onion-only diet would not be recommended for weight loss. However, you should regularly integrate the vegetable into your diet, because a scientific study showed that onion peel extract can help reduce body fat and thus lose weight. By the way, with 28 kcal per 100 g, onions are one of the vegetables poorer in calories. At the same time, they have a high nutritional value.

How can you best benefit from onions?

In order for onions to fully develop their healthy effects, proper preparation is crucial. It starts with the cutting process: The outer skins of the onion contain particularly many vitamins. For this reason, you should be careful when cutting and remove as few layers as possible.Also, some recipes with onions are healthier than others: A salad with raw onions would be preferable to an onion pie or chicken with onion cream sauce from a health perspective. Heat damages the valuable ingredients in onions. Therefore, ideally, consume them raw. If this is not possible, the gentlest possible preparation methods should be chosen. Fried onions, for example, are less healthy than steamed ones. The greatest benefit to your health comes from red onions.

Tips on shelf life and storage

Below, we answer five common questions about onion shelf life and storage:

  1. What is the best way to store onions? Onions are best stored in a dark and dry place because light causes onions to germinate. The shoots are not toxic, but a sprouted onion may spoil more quickly. If stored in a cool place, onions can keep for several months, but usually only one to two weeks at room temperature. Whole onions should be stored open, that is, in the air, and not about wrapped in foil.
  2. How do I store a cut onion? Cover the cut with foil or place the onion with the cut side down in a storage box. However, do not wrap cut onions in aluminum foil. The aluminum can transfer to the onion, which has unfavorable effects on both taste and health.
  3. What is the shelf life of an onion in the refrigerator? Whole onions do not belong in the refrigerator, where they mold too quickly due to the humidity. However, you can store a cut onion covered with foil in the refrigerator for a few days. Red onions and green onions are also better stored in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator, but should be consumed within a week.
  4. Can onions become toxic? Cut onions rot faster than whole, but do not become toxic. Especially quickly spoil already chopped onions.
  5. How to make onions last longer? To make them last longer, you can freeze or pickle onions.