Onions are one of the most commonly used spices for cooking. But, did you know that onions also have many health and beauty benefits? Yes, onions contain various essential nutrients, such as vitamin C, B vitamins, folate, potassium, calcium, iron, and antioxidants. Onions also have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.
Onions belong to the Allium family of flowering plants. One way to reap the benefits of onions is to make onion juice. Onion juice is the liquid obtained from extracting onions with a blender or juicer. Onion juice can be drunk directly or mixed with honey, lemon, ginger, or other ingredients. Onion juice can also be applied to the skin or hair as a natural mask.
Onions have medicinal properties and are rich in minerals and vitamins. These vegetables can help with skin and hair problems and other health conditions like diabetes, heart diseases, and inflammation.
But what happens when you drink onion juice? Will it improve your health? In this article, we will explore that.
Main Points:
- Onion juice has sulfur that may stimulate collagen synthesis and promote hair growth.
- Onion extract may lower blood glucose levels that may help people with diabetes.
- Onion juice has some nutrients that help reduce inflammation in osteoarthritis.
- If your skin is sensitive, always do a patch test before you use onion juice on your skin.
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| Benefits of Onion Juice for Health and Beauty |
General Health Benefits of Onion Juice
Onion juice has many health benefits, including:
- Boosts the immune system. Onion juice contains vitamin C, which can help fight infections and diseases. Onion juice can also help cleanse the blood and detoxify the body of toxins.
- Lowers blood pressure. Onion juice contains potassium which can help regulate blood pressure and maintain a healthy heart. Onion juice can also help prevent blood clots and reduce bad cholesterol.
- Controls blood sugar. Onion juice contains chromium which can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar. Onion juice can also help prevent diabetic complications, such as neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy.
- Prevents cancer. Onion juice contains antioxidants that can protect body cells from free radical damage. Onion juice also contains sulfur compounds that can inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis (cancer cell death).
Beauty benefits of onion juice
Onion juice also has many beauty benefits, including:
- Resolves acne. Onion juice has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help clear pores and reduce inflammation on the skin. Onion juice can also help remove acne scars and dark spots on the skin.
- Brightens the skin. Onion juice contains vitamin C which can help brighten the skin and disguise dark spots. Onion juice can also help tighten the skin and reduce wrinkles.
- Grows hair. Onion juice contains sulfur which can help stimulate hair growth and prevent loss. Onion juice can also help with dandruff and scalp infections.
What Are The Proven Benefits Of Onion Juice?
1. Improves Hair Health
Onion juice contains sulfur, which stimulates collagen synthesis – and this could promote hair growth.
A study from Iraq showed that the juice can increase hair growth and treat alopecia areata (sudden hair loss), thus enhancing hair thickness. In the study, participants who washed their hair with onion juice saw more hair growth due to its anti-hair loss properties.
Onion water can also make your hair shiny. The juice has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent dandruff and fungal scalp infections. It improves scalp health, leading to better hair strength as the hair follicles become healthy.
2. Fights Acne
The juice has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that are useful here.
A study found that a gel with onion extracts improved acne scars in patients. The gel reduced redness and inflammation of the scar. The study suggested that onion extracts could be potential treatment options for bacterial and fungal infections.
To use onion juice for acne, apply it to your face and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, rinse your face with warm water. Be careful; avoid getting the juice in your eyes. Also, do not apply the juice on open blisters. If you have sensitive skin, please consult a doctor before using the juice.
Some sources also claim that the juice can help treat psoriasis. However, there is no scientific proof to support this.
3. Prevents Premature Aging
Onion juice has flavonoids and other antioxidants that may protect against the signs of early aging.
Some sources also suggest that onion juice has anti-aging properties due to its sulfur content, which can stimulate collagen synthesis and combat premature aging. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Onion juice has undeniable antioxidant activities. Among the different types of onion, the red onion has the highest amount of antioxidants compared to the green or yellow ones. A study that measured the antioxidant activities of onion varieties found that the red onion had 41.26 μmol TE/g dw, 67.10 μmol TE/g dw, and 7.10 μmol TE/g dw of FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assay, respectively.
4. Reduces Cancer Risk
Onions have several anticancer substances, such as quercetin, anthocyanins, and organosulfur. Studies indicate that these substances may assist in cancer prevention and treatment.
Research also shows that the more pungent an onion’s flavor, the more potent its role could be in inhibiting cancer.
Quercetin can also fight oxidative stress in the brain (4). Onions have fiber, which could lower the risk of colon cancer. This is particularly true from animal studies, if the juice is made from red onions (5). They kill tumor cells, and this is how they help prevent and treat cancer.
More research is required to further explore the mechanism of onions in cancer treatment.
5. Treats Diabetes
The onion bulb extract may reduce blood glucose levels, and that is beneficial for people with diabetes.
The veggie has low calories and also boosts your metabolic rate, and this can help control diabetes symptoms. According to another Korean study, consuming onion extract may lower plasma glucose levels.
6. Reduces Inflammation
Onion juice has quercetin, which can block leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and histamines – all of which are responsible for inflammation in osteoarthritisi.
A study from Iran confirmed this. Rats with acute and chronic inflammation, when given onion juice, showed improvement in their condition. Fresh onion juice was able to reduce both acute and chronic pain and inflammation, with a stronger effect on inflammation alone.
Onion juice consumption can also protect against bone disorders related to inflammation. Studies indicate that drinking the juice can increase bone mineral density in postmenopausal women, making it beneficial for your bone health.
7. Improves Immunity
Onions have selenium, a nutrient that may enhance immunity levels. Selenium activates an immune response and inhibits excessive immune response.
Also, immune cells lacking selenium are more prone to oxidation. These cells also have problems in making protein and moving calcium.
Onion juice may also help people with asthma and other respiratory problems. Some think the juice also stimulates the excretory organs and fortifies them, including the lungs.
The anti-inflammatory substance quercetin in onion juice can also combat inflammation and other allergies.
8. Boosts Your Vision
The antimicrobial properties of onion juice can assist in treating eye infections, such as conjunctivitisi and blepharitisi . Tests done on rabbits showed that the juice could have a restraining effect on the growth of eye flora.
The juice may also avert cataracts. In rat studies, applying onion juice prevented selenite-induced cataracti formation.
9. Treats Nail Fungus
Onion juice (aqueous extracts of onions) has antifungal properties that can combat Candida albicans, a harmful yeast that can cause fungal infections in humans.
To use the juice for nail fungus, soak a cotton ball in the juice and apply it to the infected toenail. You can also attach the cotton ball to the toenail with a bandage or a tape. Keep it on for an hour and then rinse the juice off with lukewarm water. Dry well. Do this once a week.
10. Treats Ear Infections
A report by the Cambridge University Press mentions the potential of onion juice in treating ear infection and earache.
However, more research is needed in this area. Please consult your doctor before using the juice for this reason.
11. Improves Sleep And Mood
More research is necessary in this aspect. But some studies indicate that the folate in onion juice can enhance mood and prevent depression.
Folate prevents the accumulation of homocysteine, a chemical that blocks blood and other nutrients from reaching the brain. Too much homocysteine also disrupts the production of serotonin, the happiness hormone.
Other hormones, such as dopamine and epinephrine, also regulate sleep, and this is where the folate in onions plays a role. It helps the production of these hormones in the body.
12. Improves Fertility
Studies demonstrate how the juice can raise testosterone levels. This is due to the antioxidant activity of onions, which improves sperm health. In a Jordanian study, giving onion juice to male rats increased their testosterone levels.
In another study, onion juice improved copulatory behavior in sexually active male rats. The juice did this by increasing serum testosterone levels.
13. Treats Cold, Flu, And Cough
Onion has been a traditional medicine for many conditions like headache, cough, fever, and sore throat. The World Health Organization advises the use of onion extracts for respiratory problems like cough, bronchitis, asthma, and other allergic diseases. However, more research is needed in this area.
Moreover, onion juice has been a natural remedy for the common cold and related issues in traditional medicine. Anecdotal evidence indicates that the juice has antibacterial and antiviral properties that may ease symptoms of cold and flu.
Trivia
Onion juice was thought to make the muscles of ancient Roman gladiators strong when applied to their skin.
These are the various ways onion juice can help you. In the next section, we have described how you can make onion juice at home.
How To Make Onion Juice?
Making onion juice is very easy and inexpensive. You only need a few ingredients and tools, namely:
- 3 to 4 onions, according to taste
- Blender or juicer
- Strainer or clean cloth
- Glass or bottle
Here are the steps to make onion juice:
- Peel and wash the onion thoroughly. Cut the onion into pieces according to the size of the blender or juicer.
- Put the onion into the blender or juicer. Add a little water if necessary. Blend or juicer until smooth.
- Strain the onion juice with a sieve or clean cloth. Discard the pulp or use it for compost.
- Pour the onion juice into a glass or bottle. Store in the refrigerator if not drinking immediately.
Quick Tip:
You can mix milk, yogurt, honey, or coconut oil with onion juice and use it as a DIY face mask.
Connie, a beauty blogger, reveals how her hair fell out in chunks, causing noticeable bald spots and how she solved the problem. She writes, “I put crushed raw onions and herbs on my scalp. That is my secret.” She also adds that she mixes them with other ingredients like garlic, apple cider vinegar, distilled water, and red peppers to enhance the effect of raw onion, eliminate dead skin cells, improve circulation, and prevent hair loss.
Side effect Of Onion Juice
Potential Problems During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
There is not enough research in this area, so pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit their intake of onion juice. Consult your doctor for more details.
May Reduce Blood Sugar Too Much
Onion juice can decrease blood sugar. If you are taking diabetes medications, the juice may lower your blood sugar levels too much. Please consult your doctor – they may change the dosage accordingly.
May Lead To Bleeding Disorders
Onion (juice) may impair blood clotting, which can raise the risk of bleeding. If you have a bleeding disorder, avoid onion juice. This is also why you should stay away from onion juice at least two weeks before a planned surgery.
May Worsen Indigestion
If you have indigestion problems, be careful of onion juice as it can worsen the condition and affect your digestion. It may also cause acid reflux or similar conditions.
Skin Allergies
This may occur in people with sensitive skin. Please do a patch test before you use onion juice on your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is onion juice beneficial for liver health?
Jesse Feder, Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital South, says, “Onion juice can be beneficial for liver health and liver repair. This is because it has amino acids that have sulfur, which can help cleanse the liver.”
Is onion juice helpful for knee pain?
Jesse says, “Onion juice has flavonoidsi that are powerful antioxidants. This can help ease knee pain and inflammation from arthritis.”
Is onion juice good for digestive health?
“Onion juice is a rich source of fiber and prebiotics, which can help nourish gut bacteria and support good digestive health,” says Jesse Feder.
Is onion juice good for heart problems?
Feder says, “Since onion juice has a large amount of antioxidants, it can lower inflammation in our bodies, which can help control blood pressure. This can make it easier for your heart to pump blood, enhance blood circulation, and keep it in good shape. Moreover, onion juice may help lower cholesterol levels and triglycerides. This can help avoid heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and plaque buildup.” So, you may add it to your daily diet to improve your heart health.
The Best Time To Drink Onion Juice
Morning. Drinking onion juice in the morning will help you get the most benefits.
Is it good to eat onions everyday?
Eating onions every day can provide health benefits, as long as it is in reasonable amounts. Do not eat too much onion, as it may cause side effects, such as stomach irritation, bad breath, allergies, or interactions with certain medications.
is onion good for blood glucose levels?
Onions are good for blood sugar levels, as they contain chromium which can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar. Onions can also help prevent diabetic complications, such as neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy.
Is onion a Superfood?
Onions can be called a superfood, as they contain a variety of important nutrients, such as vitamin C, B vitamins, folate, potassium, calcium, iron, and antioxidants. Onions also have antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
What are the secret benefits of onions?
The secret benefits of onions that may not be widely known are:
- Helps heal wounds. Onions contain the compound alicin which can help speed up wound healing and prevent infection.
- Helps with insomnia. Onions contain prebiotics that can help improve sleep and reduce stress.
- Helps with coughs and colds. Onions contain quercetin compounds that can help relieve coughs and colds. Onions can also help remove mucus and clear the respiratory tract.
Does onion burn belly fat?
Onions can help burn belly fat, as they contain fiber that can help suppress appetite and boost metabolism. Onions can also help reduce inflammation and bad cholesterol that can cause belly fat accumulation.