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Have you ever wondered what makes onions popular in India? At every restaurant in India, irrespective of its grandeur, one will always find some vinegar-immersed onions and Indian people not only love to add onions to their food but also like to eat a lot of raw onions in their salads as well.
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Onions are indeed crunchy and simply delicious. This is the very reason why they're also used as a garnishing vegetable on many streetside snacks. But most people will be surprised to know that it's not just the crunch or the taste of the onions that make them famous. Raw onions are extremely good for health when consumed in the right quantity. Here are some of the top health benefits of eating raw onions.
Also Read: Are Red Onions Healthier Than White Onions?
* Full Of Nutrients
Onions are naturally very low in calories and high in different types of vitamins and minerals. As per a study published in the journal Plants in 2020, raw onions are very rich in sodium, potassium, iron, calcium, boron, and magnesium. They also have a significant amount of vitamin C that can help with better iron absorption and maintain the overall health of the immune system. The presence of so many vitamins and minerals prevents different types of deficiencies in the body.
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* Antioxidants
As per a study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology in 2019, raw onions have various biologically active phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, cepaenes, phenolic acids, and many more. The presence of so many phenolic compounds helps in fighting free radicals in the body and preventing diseases like cancer. These phenolic compounds also help in fighting against problems like diabetes and many cardiovascular problems.
* Regulation Of Blood Sugar
Onions can also help in regulating blood sugar levels in the body. As per a study published in Environment Health Insights in 2010, 84 people diagnosed with type one or type two diabetes experienced a significant reduction in blood sugar levels after eating a hundred grams of raw onions. Other than this, the presence of so many antioxidants also helps in balancing blood sugar levels by balancing the interaction of cells in various parts of the body like the pancreas, skeletal muscle, and liver.
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* Antibacterial
Onion extracts have different types of vitamins, phenolic compounds, and minerals that can have antibacterial effects on the body. These antibacterial effects of onions can help in fighting against digestive disorders and also reduce bacterial growth in the stomach. If a person has to constantly face the problem of bacterial growth in the stomach associated with stomach ulcers, then they can try eating raw onions with their meals. However, if the problem is prolonged and serious, then they must visit a healthcare professional.
* Good For Digestion
As stated above, raw onions are very rich in fibre which makes them great for digestion. Other than this, raw onions are also a great source of probiotics that can help break down food in the stomach more seamlessly. The antibacterial effects of raw onions also have a prebiotic impact on the stomach and can have various digestive benefits. One may witness significant changes such as better immunity, and lesser problems of indigestion.
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* Anti Cancer
In a study published in the British Journal Of Cancer in 2004, it has been found that both garlic and onions have anti-cancer effects on the body. Perpetual consumption of these two vegetables can help in the prevention of the development of prostate cancer. Onions also have different types of flavonoids and antioxidants such as fisetin and quercetin that can help in stopping the growth of aggressive tumours and the body. It is important for everyone reading this article to understand that eating raw onions is merely a way of preventing cancer but not a treatment for it.
* Versatile
One of the best aspects of onions is that they're extremely versatile and can go with anything and everything. To make it a part of one's diet, one may simply eat them as a salad. One can also chop it into small pieces and use it as a garnishing ingredient on top of different types of vegetables and soups. These onions can also be sautéed with a little bit of vegetable oil or butter and then added to pasta, curries, and other main course dishes. Onions are also rampantly used to make different types of spreads and dips along with toppings for Mexican food and even savoury baked dishes.
