Health Benefits of Onion

What Do Onions Contain?
Onion contains almost all the nutrients that are required by the body. The water content in onion is almost 80%. The nutrients found in onions are carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Minerals like phosphorous, zinc and potassium are present in onions as well. Onion also contains calcium and vitamins.
Onions Health Benefits
The list of number of diseases onions can cure, or at least, prevent is quite long. Onions can help to prevent a number of ailments, ranging from asthma to sinus infections. Following are a few diseases which can be avoided, or cured using onions.
Prevention of Asthma: If you are suffering from asthma, onions are definitely good for you. For a simple home remedy on preventing an asthma attack, add half a tablespoon of onion juice with half a tablespoon of honey, and have the mixture three to four times daily. This mixture will help keep future asthma attacks at bay.
Preventing Osteoporosis: You may be surprised to know that one of the onions health benefits is prevention of osteoporosis. Recent research in Switzerland shows that onion contains a peptide called GCP which is said to prevent osteoporosis. So if you want to keep this dreaded bone disease at bay, eat onions!
Reducing Diabetes: Reducing symptoms of diabetes is one of the health benefits of onions. Onions have the ability to reduce blood sugar levels. Allyl propyl disulfide and diallyl disulfide in the onions are believed to lower blood sugar levels. They also help to increase the production of insulin. Consume onions with garlic to enhance the effect of onions for prevention of diabetes.
Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases: One more health benefits of onions is that they prevent Cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and arteriosclerosis. Onions contain a number of sulfides and flavonoids (quercetin) that can prevent heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. Quercetin also helps to reduce the level of cholesterol. Quercetin is found more in red onions. So have more red onions than other onions, if you are suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
Prevention of Cancer: Cancer prevention is one of the best health benefits of onions. Onions contain antioxidants like quercetin and phenol which reduce the possibility of cancer, especially cancer in the head and neck region. Are onions healthy to eat? Well, if onions can help prevent cancer, then they are surely healthy to eat, isn’t it?
Curing Sinus Infections: For centuries, the Chinese have been using onions to mitigate sinus infections. Reduction of sinus infections is one of the spring onion health benefits, as spring onions prove more beneficial in curing sinus infections than other onions. Chinese put the juice of spring onions in the nostrils with the help of cotton. However, just smelling cut onion is also helpful in cases of sinus infections.
Curing Insomnia: The easiest and cheapest way to bring back sleep is onions! Onions health benefits also include curing insomnia. Just put slices of onion in a jar and inhale the smell before going to bed. You will be asleep in barely fifteen minutes!