Is it harmful to eat raw onions? How can onions be dangerous?

Onions are a very healthy product that gives a more piquant and rich taste to soups, salads, meat and fish dishes. In addition, onions have another advantage - they bring significant benefits to the body.

Onions are probably the most common and most sought after type, at least in our area. Its healing properties have been known for a long time.

1. Onions contain 12 essential amino acids. In percentage terms, the largest amount is occupied by tryptophan - 5%. The smallest one is histidine. There is 0.01 g (1%) of it in onions.

2. Onions are rich in vitamins. It contains vitamins E and C, as well as a large number of B vitamins, including thiamine and riboflavin. Pyridoxine accounts for as much as 6%, and pantothenic acid accounts for 2%. Green onion feathers are rich in vitamin A, which people often lack.

3. Large selection of macro- and microelements in onions. Do you want to boast of an ideal memory and a sharp mind until you are very old? Then eat as many onions as possible. Not only does it keep the brain healthy, but it also helps brain cells recover after a stroke.

4. Onions improve immunity. Onions contain compounds that help the function and absorption of vitamin C, thereby helping to boost immunity.

5. Onions stabilize blood sugar levels. Onions contain chromium, which helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels. Onion essential oil acts on the human body like insulin - it evens out blood sugar levels.

6. Onions have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. This fact has been proven by centuries of use of this product.

7. Fresh onions stimulate the production of good cholesterol (HDL) while keeping your heart healthy. Research by scientists from the Chinese University of Hong Kong has conclusively proven that onions, especially red varieties (what we call purple), reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol. Just half an onion a day - minus a third of unnecessary cholesterol.

8. Onions contain quercetin, a powerful substance that plays a major role in cancer prevention. It acts as an antihistamine and diuretic, fights inflammation, reduces swelling and eliminates spasms, and successfully fights free radicals.

9. Onions are also high in the antioxidant glutathione, which is associated with victories over various types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and even Alzheimer's disease. Studies say that onions, if eaten daily, reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

10. Onions fight free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of developing stomach ulcers. Soil, water and air (especially urban air) are contaminated with metals (mercury, cadmium and lead), which, when entering the body, cause great harm to health. Onions contain cystine and methionine - amino acids that, like a magnet, attract harmful metals and remove them out.

A few years ago, somewhere from someone, as usually happens, Irunka and I learned what we need to do so that in the morning our breath is fresh and there are no tastes in our mouths...

Eat onions at night

Yes, here is such a small and short secret. Take a peeled onion and bite off a piece. Then carefully... and go to sleep... morning evening wiser.

No joke. Onions have a strong antibacterial effect and by chewing a piece with all your teeth you will eliminate all bacteria in your mouth, the benefits of onions are obvious. Toothpaste cannot do this, because it will not penetrate into all the cracks and holes between the teeth, where pieces of meat and sweet buns got into during the day while you were eating them. But the onion will get in there and destroy all the pests that have already begun to inhabit secluded corners and feast on the remains of your meal.

Sometimes small fibers of meat get stuck in the crevices of my teeth and after a couple of hours my gums begin to become inflamed. The feeling is not pleasant and it is not possible to pick out the remains of living creatures. And then a precious comrade comes to my aid - a useful onion. Chewing a small piece relieves inflammation and I no longer remember the misfortune.

Some tricks

We all know: there are different types of onions - sweet, medium-hot and hot. The sweet one can be eaten like an apple, but you take a small bite of the hot one and everything in your mouth burns. I stew hot onions with water: I take a bite, chew it a little, wash it down with water, then continue chewing. The main thing here is not the juice, but the small pieces of onion that will get stuck between your teeth.

As I wrote above, you can chew a piece of healthy onion for disinfection during the day, just remember that not everyone in society likes the smell of onions, although it is not as fragrant as garlic.

Some are afraid of how their spouses will react when the onion man lies nearby. It’s hard for me to judge this, I like the smell of onions and Irunka never complained, on the contrary, she scolds me for not bringing it to her. And in the morning it is a pleasure to wake up and kiss, there is no smell of rotting.

Although onions disinfect the oral cavity and prevent plaque from growing, they will not eat away the plaque accumulated during the day: you still need to brush your teeth at night if you do not eat onion heads.

I've met two people in my life who have never brushed their teeth, but their teeth are like children's. The secret turned out to be simple: they did not eat sweets (they were indifferent to them) and loved to eat onions and garlic raw. I'm not a fan of onions, but I drew my conclusions.

This is such a cheap and at the same time effective way to preserve your teeth until old age; the benefits of onions are obvious. Be healthy, live long.

Dear readers, what dental care methods do you use?

Humanity became acquainted with onions a long time ago. People have been using this vegetable for more than five thousand years. At the moment, the benefits of onions have been well studied, and they never cease to amaze with their diversity.

Onions appeared in Rus' in the 12th century. Since those very distant times, it has been actively used for cooking, as well as as a medicinal product. Today there are more than 400 types of onions, and 228 of them grow in our country.

Chemical composition

The beneficial properties of onions are explained by its rich vitamin and mineral composition. This is not just a vegetable, but a real storehouse of nutrients. Thus, it contains vitamins B and C, essential oils, manganese and copper, calcium and zinc, iron and cobalt, nickel and molybdenum, fluorine and iodine.

Calorie content of onions

Onions are one of the undisputed leaders in cooking. It is customary to add it to a variety of dishes, as it can give the dish a unique taste. In addition, it is he who is able to increase appetite, as well as speed up the digestion of food. The calorie content of onions is low - only 41 kcal per 100 grams of product.

Useful properties of onions

A huge amount of iron is contained in the vegetable, and it does not matter in what form it will be consumed - raw, fried, boiled or baked. This inexhaustible source of iron helps with anemia. And the generous potassium content has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.

And even children know that the benefits of onions also include fighting colds. This is a real disinfectant because it contains a lot of phytoncides. In some cases, even doctors recommend onions for intestinal infections, since they are able to repel pathogens of various diseases.

The essential oils contained in onions support the body during colds and flu. Green feather juice contains carotene, biotin and folic acid. Onions can stimulate appetite, increase body tone, and have an antibacterial effect.

Harm of onions

Before use, the benefits and harms of onions should be assessed. Moreover, unfavorable consequences can safely include not only a specific smell. Onions can cause irritation to the digestive system and also increase stomach acidity. If you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, it is recommended to eat fresh onions. If consumed in excess, onions can trigger an asthma attack or high blood pressure, as well as negatively affect heart rhythms.

This most common vegetable can be found in the kitchen of any housewife. Everyone knows that it can be consumed raw, fried, stewed and boiled, and without it, many dishes lose their basic taste. But how often do you think about whether it can harm human health?

Why is it good to eat onions raw?

One of the reasons that this product is more effective in its raw form than in its cooked form is that the sulfur compounds contained in the essential oil provide maximum health benefits to humans. But when heated, they are partially destroyed. On the other hand, not all people can feel for themselves, , eating it raw, due to the fact that it is poorly digested, and fresh onion juice can cause irritation to the digestive system. Therefore, there is a need to consume these thermally processed products, for example, baked onions with peel. This method of cooking will preserve the maximum amount of nutrients in the vegetable and at the same time make it more aromatic and tasty.

Health benefits of onions

Onions, like garlic, belong to the onion family and are also characterized by high levels of sulfur compounds, allyl sulfides, which can prevent hyperclotting, and a wide variety of sulfoxides. This product is also rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, which have a huge impact on the health of the human body.

What are the benefits of onions - protection against cancer

It turns out that this product can reduce the likelihood of developing some cancers even when a person consumes it in fairly moderate quantities - 1-2 times a week, although some researchers claim that a “moderate amount” is 5-6 times every seven days. Using onions in your diet helps reduce the risk of developing malignant tumors of the colon and rectum, ovaries and larynx. As for other types of cancer, including esophageal and oral cancer, it is necessary to consume this medicinal vegetable daily to reduce the likelihood of their occurrence.

According to the results of some studies in this area, they appear to a greater extent when this product is combined with turmeric. Research, the results of which were published in the American Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, proves that the combination of these two products creates a so-called synergistic effect (increased effectiveness) and reduces the size and number of precancerous polyps in the intestines, thereby reducing the risk of developing colon cancer intestines. In fact, some scientists suggest that regular consumption of onions helps detoxify potential carcinogens.

What are the benefits of onions for bones and joints?

Human studies show that this vegetable helps increase bone density and is ideal for women during menopause, when bone density decreases significantly. Also, with daily consumption of onions, the fairer sex during menopause reduces the likelihood of hip fractures.

What are the benefits of onions for diabetes?

Consuming this product in large quantities can reduce blood glucose levels due to the essential oil it contains, allyl propyl disulfide, which increases the amount of free insulin. This is because allyl propyl disulfide competes with insulin, another disulfide, to occupy the liver, which in turn causes insulin levels to rise and therefore blood sugar to fall.

What else is onion good for?

This vegetable is an excellent source of and. It also contains calcium and high-quality protein. Useful properties of onions due to vitamins, micro- and macroelements included in its composition. Let us consider in more detail how the use of this product can affect human health.

Useful properties of onions

Improves the condition of the oral cavity and teeth. Despite the fact that after eating onions a person develops bad breath, this vegetable (in its raw form) helps to destroy bacteria that cause tooth decay and makes teeth stronger and stronger.
Has anti-inflammatory properties. Onions help prevent diseases caused by salmonella, E. coli and hay bacilli.
Helps cleanse the body. The vitamin C, cysteine and methionine contained in onions help eliminate toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and mercury from the body.
Used to treat urinary disorders. For patients suffering from burning during urination, the beneficial properties of onions include relieving these painful sensations.
Helps increase libido. To do this, it is recommended to consume one tablespoon of onion juice mixed with a spoon of ginger juice three times a day.
Strengthens the cardiovascular system. Onions promote good blood circulation and reduce high blood pressure, and therefore reduce the likelihood of developing heart disease and heart attack. In addition, the vegetable contains sulfur compounds, which help red blood cells perform their functions and also reduce triglyceride levels in the blood.
Some people use onions to treat ear pain - by boiling the vegetable until soft and placing it in a cloth bag, they apply it to the sore spot.
Used as a cough suppressant. Consuming a mixture of onion juice and honey in equal quantities relieves sore throat and other symptoms.

In addition to the above-mentioned properties, onions can be used to treat asthma (thanks to the antioxidant quercetin it contains), relieve pain after insect bites and toothaches, and treat anemia and other diseases.

Based on materials:

www.naturalfoodbenefits.com
www.bbcgoodfood.com
www.whfoods.com
www.medicaldaily.com

Each of us tries to eat right. To do this, we eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. However, many of us do not know that a number of products not only bring benefits, but can also cause harm.

It so happens that onions are on the list of such products. No, no, the benefit from it is an order of magnitude greater than the harm. But eating onions is strictly contraindicated if you have certain diseases.

As for the benefits of onions, they contain many vitamins, iron, sulfur, flavonoids, magnesium, fluorine and calcium. These substances make onions biologically active.

Onions came to our country from South-West Asia. The first mention of this vegetable appeared over six thousand years ago. In Ancient Greece, onions were considered a medicine, and Roman soldiers ate them as they believed that they imparted courage and fearlessness. Olympus athletes consumed it during intense training. Nowadays, onions have become a very frequent guest in our homes. It is an integral ingredient in many dishes, and has also found wide application in cosmetology and folk medicine. Let's take a closer look at the beneficial and harmful properties of this miracle vegetable.

Compound. Content of vitamins, micro and macroelements

Onions contain the following vitamins:

Vitamin A (beta-carotene). Antioxidant. Onions owe part of their smell to him. The immune system owes its existence to it. Significantly affects vision and a number of indicators of the nervous system. Participates in the production of hormones and bone formation. Affects the quality and quantity of breast milk produced in women. Thanks to it, skin cells are renewed
Vitamin E (tocopherol). Its antioxidant properties help protect the body from harmful external influences. Takes part in the absorption of proteins and fats. Supports the immune system. In the process of hematopoiesis, it helps normalize coagulation and accelerate healing processes. Thanks to it, the retina of the eyes is formed. All systems of the body are also updated, the parts of the brain responsible for memory are updated. It affects the functioning of the gonads, its use is the prevention of infertility.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Famous antioxidant. Thanks to it, the body produces collagen (which means renewal and formation of skin, bones, blood vessels, etc.). It has a beneficial effect on the immune system and takes a significant part in the redox processes of the body.
Vitamin B1 (thiamine). Ensures normal metabolism. Plays a significant role in the formation and renewal of the central nervous system. Without it, normal transfer of genetic information between cells during their reproduction is impossible.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin). Participates in the synthesis of nerve cells of the central and peripheral nervous systems. In the process of hematopoiesis, it ensures the normal formation of red blood cells (carrying air bubbles). Without it, the adrenal glands cannot function. Takes part in protecting the eyes from the effects of ultraviolet radiation. Has a beneficial effect on the formation of skin cells.
Vitamin B9 (folic acid). It is important in the formation of the neural tube of the fetus, enhances female fertility, without it human DNA is not formed. Promotes protein absorption.
Vitamin PP (niacin, nicotinic acid). Normalizes cholesterol and blood sugar levels and is responsible for energy production. It is a prevention and cure for diabetes and osteoarthritis.

Water content of the product is 86%. It contains a lot of carbohydrates (10.4 g), monosaccharides and disaccharides. Much less protein, fiber, pectin, organic acids and starch (but they are there).

Microelements (arranged in descending order of concentration):

ash;
zinc;
iron;
manganese;
potassium;
copper;
phosphorus;
calcium;
fluorine;
sodium;
magnesium;
cobalt;

Onions owe their outstanding properties for the prevention and treatment of viral diseases to the special substances they contain, whose chemical nature has not been fully studied - phytoncides.

Calorie content. How many calories are in 100 grams? product.

In 100 gr. yellow onions contain 41 kcal.

The benefits and beneficial properties of onions for human health

Among the main useful properties are:

Antimicrobial action. It destroys the lion's share of harmful microorganisms.
Ability to infect fungi.
Anthelmintic action.
Good as a diuretic.
Reduced blood pressure when consuming;
Increase sexual desire;
The ability to enhance the creation of digestive juices.

Most often, onions are understood as the most common yellow onion in our country. But there are other varieties (or rather, about 400 different types). Among them are red onions, which can remove “bad” cholesterol more effectively than usual, and white onions, which have a less expressive taste and a less pungent odor.

Benefits for men

The main beneficial effect for the stronger sex with regular use is a positive effect on potency. However, for those who go to the gym, it is not recommended to eat a lot of onions. It contains a lot of carbohydrates, and when it comes to sports nutrition, carbohydrates are enemy number one.

Benefits for women

In addition to being rich in folic acid, which is beneficial for the female reproductive system and which is recommended to be taken when planning pregnancy, onions are interesting for women because of their abundance of vitamin C.

Thanks to the latter, onion hair mask is very popular. After it, the curls acquire a vibrant shine and become more silky, dandruff disappears and the growth of new hair accelerates.

Benefits for weight loss

White or lettuce onions are found in most salads and meatless dishes. This ingredient is designed to activate metabolism. Any onion contains a lot of carbohydrates. You should not get carried away with this product while on a diet. In addition to bad breath, there will be some drowsiness and the mucous membranes may become inflamed.

Benefits and harms during pregnancy

Pregnant women and breastfeeding women should use onions with caution. The advantages of its use include:

Fighting vitamin deficiency and strengthening the immune system. Onions well restore the body's need for vitamin C, PP, etc.
Protection against colds (due to the high content of phytoncides), to which pregnant women are most susceptible.
Beneficial effect on the formation of the fetal neural tube due to the content of folic acid.
Elimination of such problems of pregnant women as constipation.

The risk is that excessive consumption can lead to inflammation of the gastric mucosa, causing ulcers, gastritis and heartburn. For the same reason, the use of fresh onions is not recommended for children under three years of age (heat-treated ones are possible from the eighth month of life).

Breastfeeding experts are wary of this product. It can cause changes in the taste characteristics of milk, and infants are very sensitive to such changes.

The destruction of microorganisms is a dual property of onions. On the one hand, it fights “pests” in the body. On the other hand, the microflora may be disrupted and beneficial bacteria may be destroyed. It has a mild hypnotic effect, activates metabolism, improves hematopoiesis, and helps remove excess fluid from the body.

For the liver

Onions are good for the liver. Liver cleansing is often done with this product. It is enough to consume it raw and drink plenty of liquid. Heat treatment of onions with such a diet and the addition of sugar are also acceptable. It is able to remove harmful substances from the liver and gall bladder.

For the brain

Not many people know that the benefits of onions are invaluable for the brain. With its systematic use, the effect of rejuvenation of the departments responsible for memory and emotions is observed, and the process of their aging is delayed. This is possible due to the content of active sulfur compounds that are easily absorbed by the body. Onions also have a mild hypnotic effect.

For heart

The abundance of potassium and B vitamins in onions indicates its undeniable benefits for the cardiovascular system. When consumed, the process of hematopoiesis and the formation of blood vessels improves. In particular, it is used in the treatment of hypertension.

Benefits and harms in diseases

Positive dynamics have been proven when onions are consumed by patients with breast cancer. The healing properties of this magical product are not limited to this.

Due to the presence of easily absorbable calcium, it is used to treat osteoporosis. It is also required to be included in a patient’s diet for gout and for its prevention, since it helps remove uric acid from the kidneys, and it is not deposited on the joints.

For diabetes

The healing properties of onions for diabetes of both types are difficult to overestimate. The fact is that it has an amazing effect - lowering blood sugar (due to the abundance of vitamin PP). For an insulin-dependent patient, eating onions in any form (both heat-treated and raw) daily in large quantities is an opportunity to “get off the needle.” Despite the fact that the effect of onions does not appear immediately, it has the same effect as an expensive medicine.

The main harmful effects of onions:

irritation of mucous organs with all the ensuing consequences (exacerbation of ulcers, gastritis, bronchial asthma);
some inhibition of brain processes (drowsiness);
negative effect on beneficial intestinal microflora and acidity in the gastrointestinal tract.

The use of onions is strictly prohibited in case of pancreatitis in the acute stage due to the essential oils that excite the mucous membrane, the abundance of acids and dietary fiber. The latter promote intestinal motor functions and cause bloating, colic, and diarrhea in the patient.

Answers to popular questions

What is the best way to eat the product?

The most ideal option is raw onions. Some people simply eat it peeled, like an apple.

Boiled onions lose the lion's share of vitamin C and other useful substances during processing, but remain a powerful weapon in the fight against diabetes, pancreatitis and other diseases.

Standards for food consumption

100 gr. onions are able to satisfy the body's needs for vitamin C. Restrictions on its use are imposed only in the case of a person's illness.

Let's summarize the benefits of onions

We can talk endlessly about the benefits of onions. Its effectiveness has been proven for many generations; it occupies an honorable first place in the treatment of folk remedies. Rich in vitamins, sharp and memorable taste and smell, confirmed status as a panacea - that’s what onions are.