An onion can make you cry, but at the same time it carries immense benefits for your hair, skin, and health. It is a daily must-have vegetable that keeps diseases and infections at bay, and can be used as an immediate remedy for many health and skin issues.

Onions have been cultivated for over 5000 years, and can be traced back to 3500 B.C. to Egypt. Nowadays, onions are cultivated and used throughout the world as a key cooking ingredient, but its juice is also used for its nutritional values and properties. Its detoxification properties help cure many illnesses, while onion juice is a tested remedy for hair loss and is the solution to many hair-related issues.

Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License

---

Suggested read: What turmeric can do for your health and skin

---

Here are some of the important facts and uses of onion.

1. Improves digestion

Onions are good sources of inulin, a carbohydrate and a dietary fiber that acts as a good food source for the healthy bacteria present in the intestines. Inulin also promotes healthy bowel movement and boosts the digestive process in your body.

2. Remedy for colds and respiratory diseases

Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License

Onion contains a volatile oil that extricates mucus and also prevents its formation. History says that onion has been used from the past for healing cough, bronchitis, congestion, and metabolic infections. For better and instant relief from the cold, it is advised to consume raw onion.

3. Protects oral health

Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License

The antibacterial and antimicrobial agents in onion helps maintain oral health, keeping oral infections like tooth decay, tooth ache, and gum infection at bay.

4. Maintains bone health

Onions are helpful in maintaining healthy bones and preventing excessive bone loss. Women who are going through menopause can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and atherosclerosis by consuming onions every day.

5. Fights cancer

Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License

Onion contains anti-carcinogenic properties, reducing the risk of breast cancer, esophageal cancer, renal cell cancer, prostate cancer, laryngeal cancer, and more.

6. Reduces risk of cardiac arrests

Onions, when consumed regularly, have been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Meanwhile, the presence of sulfur, Vitamin B, and chromium in onions reduces the risk of cardiac stroke by lowering homocysteine levels.

7. Protects against allergies

The presence of quercetin in onions prevents allergies and asthmatic symptoms.

8. Good for healthy skin

Image source: Shutterstock

Onions help in purifying and circulating blood throughout your body and within tissue layers. Roasted or raw onions can also be used to heal indolent boils, bruises, wounds, and also ear aches.

9. Treats acne

Onion contains anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial agents, which protect your skin from bacteria and solve acne issues.

10. Treats dark spots and pigments

The antioxidants and phytonutrients present in onion removes the impurities from your skin, lightening and enhancing your skin tone. It also supplies flavonoids and vitamin C to the body, which results in healthy and glowing skin. Onion juice mixed with honey is used as a cosmetic to remove freckles and pigmentation.

11. Treats stings and insect bites

Image source: Pixabay, under Creative Commons License

The anti-inflammatory properties of onion reduce the swelling, burn, pain, and itchiness of an insect bite.

12. Reverses aging

Onion is rich in antioxidant and anti-aging properties. Its vitamins A, C and E, and antioxidants prevent free radical damage to your skin and also protect it from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Moreover, onion is a rich source of quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that keeps your skin wrinkle-free.

13. Hair volume and shine

Onion is rich in sulfur and hence is one of the best home remedies for hair thinning, hair loss, and dandruff. The sulfur content in the onion improves blood circulation, stimulates hair follicles, and promotes hair re-growth. It also contains the enzyme catalase, which is an antioxidant that can prevent premature graying.

So all in all, the onion is as beneficial as it is layered . I am sure that you would agree it can be put right on top as one of the handiest vegetables in the kitchen. My own quick hack, when I have something in my eye,that washing with water doesn’t seem to dislodge, I just peel an onion. The tears in my eyes courtesy the onion always seem to do the magic.