Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Raw Onion Daily

Onions are a staple crop and are used in cuisines throughout the world. They have been popular for centuries. There are over 300 varieties of onions and they come in different sizes, shapes, colors, tastes, and smells.

There are many benefits of eating onions for the prevention and treatment of disease, so much so that they are often considered a medicinal food. While consuming raw onions is the most beneficial, even when cooked they offer superior benefits in protective compounds, immunity support and overall health.

# Rich source of antioxidants

Red onions contain a higher amount of antioxidants and flavonoids than the yellow or white onion, and they’re a rich source of quercetin. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that may help fight chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer and it is beneficial for eliminating free radicals in the body. It may also prevent the release of histamine, making onions a natural antihistamine.

# Antibacterial

They may act as powerful anti-bacterial by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Helicobacter pylori and S. aureus (staph) and Cholerae.

# Anti-inflammatory

They act as powerful antioxidants which stimulate immune responses and reduce inflammation in our bodies.

# Improves immunity

They are a rich source of both vitamin C and phytochemicals which helps to strengthen our immune systems. Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin that our bodies need to make collagen. Collagen is a type of protein that plays a role in wound healing and immunity support.

# May help to lower cholesterol

Eaten raw, they also promotes production of HDL, which is the good cholesterol that’s needed for optimal health, and reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

# Blood Pressure

Good source of sulfur which acts as a natural blood thinner and it prevents blood platelets from clotting, which may help to lower blood pressure and the risk of heart attack or stroke. Rich source of the powerful antioxidant Quercetin which may also help to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by preventing plaque buildup in our arteries and enhancing elasticity of blood vessels.

# May help to ward off certain types of cancer

Due to the high amount of antioxidant properties found in red onions compared to white or yellow, red onions provide stronger protection against certain types of cancer, such as stomach, colorectal, oral, laryngeal, esophageal and ovarian cancer. For the most benefits, it is recommended that we eat at least 3 onions each week (or half an onion a day). The quercetin abundant in red onions have been shown to reduce inflammation and is beneficial for both the prevention and treatment of cancer.

# May help to regulate blood sugar levels

Rich source of biotin. Besides being good for healthy skin and hair, biotin has many positive impacts on our health, one of which is combatting symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes. A combination of biotin and chromium may help to improve regulating blood sugar levels and even decrease insulin resistance.

# Detoxifying

Rich source of sulfur, which helps to facilitate the detoxification process in our bodies by removing toxins and heavy metals.

# Decrease bone loss

Adding onions to your daily wellness plan can decrease risk of bone loss, which may help prevent osteoporosis and hip fracture, and may actually boost bone density.