What are the benefits of onions. What happens if you regularly eat onions? Why do you want onions: causes, contraindications, composition and beneficial properties Eat onions every day

First of all, it is important to remember about raw onions that only freshly peeled vegetables can be eaten. The longer the peeled and cut onion is left in the open air, the more bacteria it absorbs. After 2-3 days, such a vegetable turns into a real infectious bomb and can no longer bring anything but harm. So you can store onions only in the husk.

But even if it was stored correctly, you should not eat this vegetable in kilograms. Especially if you have digestive problems. Onions (including its green feathers) greatly increase the acidity of the stomach and irritate the mucous membrane of the digestive organs. When abused, it is easy to earn gastritis, and later an ulcer. If these problems are already relevant, then you should forget about onions altogether and switch to products that are more gentle on the body.

Of the other negative effects of onions on the digestive system, one can also mention flatulence and exacerbation of chronic liver diseases. It is also not recommended to eat onions with a tendency to form kidney stones. Onion juice enhances and significantly speeds up this process.

In addition to the digestive system, onions have a very bad effect on the work of the heart and respiratory organs. Due to its irritating and stimulating effect on the nervous system, it can easily provoke an asthma attack and other allergic reactions.

In this matter, it is very important to listen to yourself. If for any reason the smell of an onion causes rejection, disgust, you should not force the body and eat it through force. The feeling of disgust is a natural signal of our body that any product is alien and unhealthy for it.

The last harmful quality of raw onions is the ability to increase blood pressure and have a bad effect on heart rhythms. People with congenital heart disease, vegetative-vascular dystonia, who have had a heart attack or have problems with blood pressure should generally reduce their consumption of onions to a minimum. This will significantly improve the quality of life and help you feel much better.

Our body is an integral interconnected system, which itself suggests what is necessary for its better existence. You do not know what is missing and you want onions? It is worth listening to your desires and understanding what substances our body needs. If you want onions, then most often this signals that your body does not have enough antimicrobial substances to protect against viruses and infections.

The benefits of onions

Onion is considered one of the most useful foods, as it contains a large amount of vitamins, minerals and trace elements to maintain the health of the body. Their shortage can become eating raw onions. The main chemical composition of onions includes:

  • Vitamin A. It is an antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals that cause premature cell aging. Participates in the processes of hormone production, the formation of the nervous system, and also affects the quality of vision.
  • Vitamin C. Known as ascorbic acid, it is a powerful antioxidant. Increases immunity, which contributes to the rapid cure of diseases. With its help, the body produces collagen bonds, which forms the elasticity of the skin, the strength of bones, and the strengthening of blood vessels. The body reacts sharply to a lack of vitamin C, which is one of the reasons why you want onions.
  • Vitamin E. Participates in the metabolic processes of the body, accelerates the regeneration of cells of internal and external organs. It has a beneficial effect on the production of sex hormones and is one of the most useful vitamins for infertility.
  • Vitamins of group B. Participate in all processes of the body. Thanks to them, the nervous system is formed, female fertility increases. They affect the process of hematopoiesis and the transfer of gene information. It affects all internal organs without exception.
  • Vitamin RR. Vitamin known as nicotinic acid, which provides prevention of arthritis, diabetes, the formation of cholesterol plaques.

Onions are rich in such trace elements as iron, copper, manganese, sodium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iodine, fluorine, zinc, ash, calcium, cobalt.

In the course of recent studies, the content of phytoncides in onions has been proven. It is thanks to them that the properties of onions have pronounced antimicrobial properties.

The benefits of onions for women

As mentioned above, onions contain a large amount of vitamin C, which has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and the functioning of the pelvic organs. Also, vitamin B 9, otherwise folic acid, has a direct effect on the functioning of the ovaries, which helps the production of hormones that increase the chances of pregnancy.

The benefits of onions for men

It has been proven that drinking 1 tablespoon of onion juice taken three times a day can increase potency and sexual desire. Vitamins and trace elements included in its composition help testosterone production and enhance the secondary sexual characteristics of men. Why does a man want onions if no viruses and infections were detected during the tests? Most likely, there is a low level of testosterone in the body.

Why do you want onions?

If you feel an irresistible desire to eat onions, then most likely the body signals an attack by viruses and bacteria, since onions are a powerful weapon against infectious diseases. And to the question of why you want to eat onions every day, you can answer that this is often associated with respiratory diseases, when a latent infection suppresses the body, and you do not resort to proper treatment.

In folk medicine, onions are the main product for the treatment and prevention of acute respiratory infections and influenza. When cold weather sets in, our immune system sends a signal to the brain that creates taste preferences, and this is one of the reasons why we crave onions.

Rules for the use of onions

In fact, there is no specific figure that will indicate the maximum dosage of onions per day, but it can be noted that when you eat 150 grams per day, you will get half the daily intake of vitamins A and C.

Onions are not high-calorie (47 kcal per 100 grams), however, they are a high-carbohydrate product. It is able to increase appetite, but will help the rapid absorption of food.

Can onions harm the body?

Onions are not recommended for people suffering from high acidity of the stomach and having problems with the gastrointestinal tract. When eating a large amount of onions, asthma attacks can occur, blood pressure rises and tachycardia develops.

The effect of onions on the body

Brain. With the frequent use of onions, rejuvenation of the brain regions and a delay in aging are observed. Studies have shown that onion is a sleeping pill. A person who loves onions rarely suffers from insomnia.

Liver. If your liver hurts, then perhaps that's why you want onions. The reasons for this phenomenon also relate to the fact that our body begins to suggest the products it needs. Combining sugar with onions and then drinking plenty of water can flush out toxins from the liver and gallbladder.

Heart. Frequent use of onions affects the process of hematopoiesis and the functioning of the heart muscle. Also, onion juice dissolves bad cholesterol, preventing the formation of cholesterol plaques, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

How to eliminate the smell of onions?

It is impossible to imagine more salads, meat and fish dishes without onion, because it gives a spicy aroma and taste. But for all its usefulness, onions have a drawback, from which many people limit their use. Onions contain sulfur compounds that cause tears when cut and smell after eating. In order to avoid the evaporation of sulfur, you need to follow some rules:

  • Try to keep the bulbs in the refrigerator.
  • Remove the skin carefully without damaging the fruit.
  • Before slicing, moisten the knife with cold water and use a very thin and sharp knife when chopping onions, it injures the walls less, which prevents gas from escaping.

  • After using the product, the smell from the mouth remains for a long time. Solving this problem will help almonds, walnuts or cashew nuts eaten after onions. You can also drink a glass of milk after a meal.
  • One effective way to get rid of bad breath is to slowly chew on a sprig of dill or parsley immediately after eating.
  • The dishes are also able to absorb the unpleasant smell of onions. In order to avoid the smell from the pan, boil water in it with the addition of 2 tablespoons of vinegar. To avoid the smell of cutlery, you just need to wipe them with table salt.

Onions are one of the most useful foods that can help the body in the treatment and prevention of various diseases. The main thing is to trust your body, and it will tell you what is best for him at the moment.

However, ordinary onions, which we use in various dishes, can cause serious poisoning. How to avoid such dangerous consequences? Doctors have found that an incised and set aside for a while onion can cause a serious intestinal infection or toxic poisoning. The reason for everything is a damaged bulb, which accumulates bacteria.

Onions accumulate bacteria, which is so good for preventing colds and chills, but perhaps for the same reason, it's best not to eat onions that have been cut and left for a while and exposed to these same bacteria. Often the cause of the disease is onions. Onions are a huge magnet for bacteria, and especially raw onions. Never store a piece of chopped onion in any form, and even in the refrigerator. (Note that often you are offered sandwiches with sausage and onions - this is a dangerous onion). Keep in mind that it is dangerous to use chopped onions for cooking the next day, they become poisonous even after one night, they accumulate bacteria that can lead to infection and even toxic poisoning of the food itself.

Feeling unwell after eating salad dressed with mayonnaise, people think that the problem was caused by the dressing. Mayonnaise manufacturers claim that the chemical composition and pH of sauces are completely unsuitable for the life and reproduction of bacteria. The product, manufactured under industrial conditions in compliance with the production technology, is absolutely sterile. Opened packaging can not be stored in the refrigerator.

However, an onion cut some time ago, subjected to prolonged heat treatment, as safe as a whole head.

Useful and healing properties of onions

The plant emits phytoncides, volatile substances that have a detrimental effect on pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms. A small piece of onion is enough to cleanse the mouth of all germs.

People who profess healthy lifestyle and , know that the plant contains almost no fats and proteins, while it provides:

  • salts of potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium;
  • iron (0.8%);
  • nitrogenous substances;
  • glucose;
  • fructose;
  • maltose;
  • sugar;
  • citric and malic acids;
  • B, PP, C (about 60 mg);
  • carotene;
  • essential oils and glucosides.

Influenza rhinitis capitulates to cotton swabs moistened with fresh plant juice. The procedure is carried out for 10-15 minutes three to four times a day. The use of the method during influenza epidemics is an excellent prevention of the disease. Eating onions boiled in milk or fried in butter helps alleviate coughs.

Inhalations from freshly grated onions are indicated for tonsillitis and purulent processes in the lungs. Applying the resulting mass to burns reduces irritation of the skin and prevents the rejection of the damaged layer.

With regular consumption of onions in the blood, the level of cholesterol and sugar decreases.

Since ancient times, grated onions have been rubbed into the scalp to strengthen hair and stimulate their growth. The gruel causes irritation of the skin, providing blood flow to the hair follicles, which has a beneficial effect on the condition of the hair.

A decoction of onion peel will help you forget about dandruff and give your hair a beautiful shade. The recipe is simple: boil 4-5 tablespoons of chopped husk for 5-10 minutes in a glass of water. Let stand (4 hours) and pass through a strainer.

Onions are one of the most popular vegetables in our diet. After all, it is not for nothing that the average city dweller eats about 12 kilograms of it per year! It is added to almost any dish, and in its raw form it is part of salads or used to decorate meat or fish cuts. However, few people know that the harm that onions cause to health can exceed its benefits.


What is useful and harmful onions for the body?

Popular wisdom that onions save from many ailments has a completely scientific justification. The fact is that this vegetable combines the most valuable trace elements, several important amino acids and the most essential vitamins. At the same time, onions are most often consumed raw only when we feel the first symptoms of a cold. Its other properties (strengthening the nervous system, purifying the blood or improving the quality of sperm) are not so well known - as well as the fact that onions are harmful.

Meanwhile, the negative impact of the vegetable on the body is quite large. And, above all, it is the ability of onions to irritate the gastric mucosa, thereby increasing acidity. In this regard, the systematic immoderate consumption of vegetables can lead to serious problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, people with gastritis or ulcers should not eat onions.

Onion: health damage if consumed too actively

Unfortunately, the negative properties of onions are not exhausted by disruption of the stomach. Equally important is the fact that a spicy vegetable:

  • provokes chronic liver diseases;
  • negatively affects the work of the kidneys (in particular, promotes the growth of calcifications);
  • is the cause of flatulence;
  • increases blood pressure;
  • can cause exacerbation of chronic asthma (due to irritation of the nervous system);
  • causes blockage of blood vessels;
  • worsens the work of the heart.

In its raw form, onions are used, as a rule, only as an ingredient in various dishes. This is due to the fact that a fresh vegetable leaves a very unpleasant aftertaste and, most importantly, a smell. Of course, there are many folk ways to eliminate such a consequence. However - let lovers of a fresh onion forgive us - only time will help to completely get rid of a persistent and unpleasant aroma. If you do not have 6-7 hours to get rid of the smell, then you will have to give up the juicy and slightly sharp taste. In addition, in raw onions, the combination of trace elements and vitamins is such that this vegetable, when it enters the stomach, causes increased gas formation, which is extremely harmful for those who suffer from hemorrhoids.

Why are fried onions bad?

Many lovers of fried onions will confirm: after you enjoy a fragrant dressing, there are quite unpleasant sensations in the digestive tract. And this is explained by the fact that in the process of frying the vegetable is saturated with carcinogens and, by the way, loses absolutely all of its vitamins. Therefore, those who go too far with the amount of fried onions are guaranteed at least heartburn. And, of course, this dish is contraindicated in pancreatitis or liver disease.


There are not so many lovers of this boiled vegetable. And, nevertheless, it would be useful to know that the harm of onions to the body is also manifested with this form of product delivery. A soft boiled vegetable is very aggressive towards the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, even in small quantities, it can provoke:

  • diarrhea
  • bloating;
  • nausea.

Why should you avoid pickled onions?

To add piquancy to the onion, it is marinated. But this type of vegetable preparation does not increase its benefits - rather, on the contrary, it increases the harm. For the marinade, vinegar is used, which, mixed with the acid of the onion itself, makes the vegetable especially spicy in taste. Such a product is a powerful irritant for the gastric mucosa, causing not only increased acidity, but also an exacerbation of chronic gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, sour food provokes jumps in blood pressure, which can lead to a stroke, and also negatively affects the cardiovascular system.

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

It so happened that onions are on the list of such products. No, there is no benefit from it by an order of magnitude more than harm. But eating onions is strictly contraindicated in the presence of certain diseases.

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

Onions came to our country from Southwest Asia. The first mention of this vegetable appeared over six thousand years ago. In ancient Greece, onions were considered a medicine, and Roman soldiers used them as food, as they believed that they gave courage and fearlessness. Olympus athletes used it as food 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 traditional medicine. Let's take a closer look at the beneficial and harmful properties of this miracle vegetable.

Compound. The content of vitamins, micro and macro elements

Onions contain the following vitamins:

  • Vitamin A (beta-carotene). Antioxidant. In part, the onion owes its smell to him. The immune system owes its existence to him. Significantly affects vision and a number of indicators of the nervous system. Participates in the production of hormones, bone formation. Affects the quality and quantity of breast milk produced in women. It renews skin cells
  • Vitamin E (tocopherol). Its antioxidant properties help protect the body from harmful external influences. Takes part in the assimilation of proteins, fats. Supports the immune system. In the process of hematopoiesis, it contributes to the normalization of coagulability and the acceleration of healing processes. Thanks to him, the retina is formed. All systems of the body are also updated, the parts of the brain responsible for memory are updated. It affects the work of the sex glands, its use is the prevention of infertility.
  • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Famous antioxidant. Thanks to him, collagen is produced in the body (and hence the renewal and formation of skin, bones, blood vessels, etc.). It has a beneficial effect on the immune system, takes a significant part in the redox processes of the body.
  • Vitamin B1 (thiamine). Ensures the normal course of metabolism. It plays a significant role in the formation and renewal of the central nervous system. Without it, the normal transfer of genetic information between cells in the process of 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, there is no functioning of the adrenal glands. Takes part in protecting the eyes from the effects of ultraviolet radiation. It 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 the absorption of protein.
  • Vitamin PP (niacin, nicotinic acid). Normalizes the content of cholesterol and sugar in the blood, is responsible for energy production. It is a prevention and cure for diabetes, osteoarthritis.

The 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).

Trace elements (arranged in descending order of concentration):

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

Onion owes its bright properties for the prevention and treatment of viral diseases to the special substances it contains, whose chemical nature has not been fully studied - phytoncides.

Calorie content. How many calories in 100 gr. product.

In 100 gr. yellow onion contains 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.
  • Decrease in the use of blood pressure;
  • Strengthen sexual desire;
  • The ability to enhance the creation of digestive juices.

Most often, onions are understood as the most common yellow onion for our country. But there are other varieties (or rather, about 400 different types of it). Among them are red onions, which are more effective than usual in removing “bad” cholesterol, and white onions, which have a less expressive taste and 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 consume a lot of onions. It has a lot of carbohydrates, and in sports nutrition, carbohydrates are the number one enemy.

Benefits for Women

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

Thanks to the latter, onion hair mask is very popular. After it, the curls acquire a lively 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 the metabolism. Any onion has a lot of carbohydrates. You should not get involved in this product during a diet. In addition to bad breath, some drowsiness will appear 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:

  • Fight against beriberi and strengthen 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), which pregnant women are most susceptible to.
  • Beneficial effect on the formation of the neural tube of the fetus due to the content of folic acid.
  • Elimination of such a problem of pregnant women as constipation.

The risk is that excessive consumption can lead to inflammation of the gastric mucosa, provoke the opening of an ulcer, gastritis and heartburn. For the same reason, it is not recommended to use fresh onions for children under three years of age (heat-treated, possibly from the eighth month of life).

Breastfeeding experts are wary of this product. It can cause a change in the taste characteristics of milk, and babies are very sensitive to this kind of change.

The destruction of microorganisms is a twofold property of onions. On the one hand, it fights against "pests" in the body. On the other hand, microflora can be disturbed, beneficial bacteria can be destroyed. It has a mild hypnotic effect, activates metabolism, improves hematopoiesis, and helps to remove excess fluid from the body.

For the liver

Onions are good for the liver. Often cleanse the liver with this product. It is enough to use it in its raw form and drink plenty of fluids. Heat treatment of onions with such a diet, the addition of sugar is also acceptable. It is able to remove harmful substances from the liver and gallbladder.

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, 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. Onion also has a slight hypnotic effect.

For heart

The abundance of potassium and B vitamins in onions speaks of its undeniable benefits for the cardiovascular system. With its use, 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

Proved positive dynamics in the use of onions by patients with breast cancer. The medicinal properties of this magical product are not limited to this.

Due to the presence of calcium with easy digestibility, it is used to treat osteoporosis. It is also mandatory in the patient's diet for gout and for its prevention, as it helps to remove uric acid from the kidneys, and it is not deposited on the joints.

With diabetes

The healing properties of onions in both types of diabetes can hardly be overestimated. The fact is that it has an amazing effect - lowering blood sugar (due to the abundance of vitamin PP). For an insulin-dependent patient, the use of onions in any form (both thermally processed 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 the mucous organs with all the ensuing consequences (exacerbation of ulcers, gastritis, bronchial asthma);
  • some inhibition of brain processes (drowsiness);
  • negative impact on the beneficial intestinal microflora and acidity in the gastrointestinal tract.

The use of onions is strictly prohibited in acute pancreatitis due to essential oils that excite the mucous membrane, an abundance of acids and dietary fiber. The latter contribute to the motor functions of the intestine and cause the patient to bloat, colic, diarrhea.

Answers to popular questions

What is the best way to consume the product?

The most ideal option is raw onions. Some people eat it simply in its peeled form, 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.

Norms for the use of the product in food

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 disease that a person has.

Let's summarize the benefits of onions

You can talk endlessly about the benefits of onions. Its effectiveness has been proven by many generations, it occupies an honorable first place in the treatment of folk remedies. A wealth of vitamins, a sharp and memorable taste and smell, a proven panacea status - that's what onions are.