Onion is a vegetable that is used for culinary and medicinal purposes. It belongs to the Allium genus and is part of the same family as chives, leeks, shallots, scallions, and garlic. For centuries, onion has been used as a remedy for numerous ailments. Many believe, that onions, especially raw onions, have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, and antithrombotic properties.
100 grams of onions have 40 calories, 0.1-gram fat, 4 mg of sodium, 146 mg of potassium, 9 of gram carbohydrates, and 1.1 grams of protein. It also contains essential nutrients and micronutrients such as calcium, vitamin C, iron, selenium, fibre, quercetin, vitamin B6, and magnesium.
However, excessive consumption or application of raw onions on the skin and hair can have side effects.
Side effects of raw onions
Let’s take a look at some of the downsides and side effects of raw onions-
Decrease in blood sugar levels- Eating raw onions can be dangerous for people suffering from diabetes because it can drastically decrease blood sugar levels.
Stomach pain and heartburn- Excessive consumption of raw onion can lead to heartburn and even irritate the lining of the stomach walls. Therefore, raw onions can cause vomiting, burning sensation, and nausea.
Aggravates IBS symptoms- IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition categorised by symptoms like abnormal bowel movements, generalized weakness, gas, cramping, bloating, and abdominal pain. People suffering from IBS must follow a low fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols diet. And since onions are a high FODMAP food, therefore, it can aggregate the symptoms of IBS symptoms.
Slows down blood clotting- Consumption of raw onions or onion extract as a medicine can slow down blood clotting which increases the risk of bleeding. This is because onions have anticoagulant properties.
Irritating the skin- Onions have several benefits for the skin. However, using it often can irritate the skin or cause eczema.
Bad Breath- Raw onions have high amounts of sulfur which often contributes to bad mouth breath.
Can irritate the eyes- Dealing with raw onions can cause a stinging sensation in our eyes. This is because onions produce a sulfur metabolite as a chemical defence mechanism against attacks from animals and microbes. It can leave the eyes irritated and even has a tear-inducing effect.
In order to avoid these side effects, you can take several precautions such as not eating raw onions indiscriminately and wearing goggles while cutting them.
Raw onions have several health benefits as well.
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The sulfur present in raw onions helps eliminate head lice.
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Raw onion juice can be applied to your air to make it glossy and maintain your natural hair colour.
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Raw onion juice also treats dandruff as it kills the bacteria that promote the growth of dandruff.
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Consuming raw onions improves the health of our eyes as it stimulates the production of glutathione, a protein that reduces the risk of developing macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.
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Raw onions exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it can be used to soothe the itchiness and swelling caused by insect and bug bites.
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Raw onion has several benefits for the skin due to its antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. As a skin topical, raw onions can treat acne and pimples, remove dark spots, makes skin glow, fights the early sign of ageing, and treat skin pigmentation.
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In many cultures, raw onion is used as a remedy for food poisoning, stomach ache, and constipation.
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Raw onions are also rich in antioxidants which flush out harmful toxins and free radicals from our bodies.
