For Skin Benefits
This humble vegetable can provide you with a healthy and glowing skin, thanks to the presence of rich amounts of the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. Both the consumption and the topical application of onions can provide numerous benefits to your skin.
1. Anti-Aging Benefits
Onions possess enormous anti-aging benefits. The antioxidant vitamins A, C and E fight against the damage caused by the harmful UV rays as well as prevent free radical damage that is responsible for causing premature aging of our skin. Onion is one of the richest sources of quercetin, the most powerful antioxidant that can keep your skin wrinkle-free. Vitamins and sulphur, on the other hand, protect your skin, and keep it soft and
supple. The anti-aging qualities of onion can be attributed to the presence of sulphur-rich phytochemicals. Massaging your skin with fresh onion juice helps increase the blood circulation and improves the overall appearance of your skin by imparting a more youthful and radiant appearance.2. Treatment Of Acne
The antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities of onion can work wonders on your skin. It is a powerful antiseptic that protects your skin from acne-causing bacteria and other skin infections. Onions can be used in the treatment of acne and pimples. For this purpose, you can mix 1 tablespoon of onion juice or extract with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and apply it on your face. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash off. Apart from topical application, the regular consumption of onion can also give you miraculous results in the case of acne.
3. Lightens The Complexion
Onions help in purifying your blood and supply your body with flavonoids that assist Vitamin C in its important functions. The consumption of onions can keep your skin healthy and glowing. You can prepare your own face mask by combining 1 ½ tablespoons of freshly extracted onion juice with 2 tablespoons of gram flour, ½ teaspoon of milk and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix all these ingredients to form a thick paste and add some more milk, if required, to reach the desired consistency. You can also add a few drops of lavender essential oil to beat the smell of onions. Apply it all over your face after cleansing and leave for 15 to 20 minutes or until it dries. Dab a cotton ball in milk and remove the pack by massaging in gentle circular movements. This will exfoliate the dead skin cells and lighten the skin tone.
4. Treatment Of Dark Spots And Pigmentation
Onion juice is excellent for getting rid of dark spots and pigmentation. The rich variety of phytonutrients and antioxidants in onion nourish your skin while removing the skin impurities. You can prepare a face pack by mixing equal quantities of onion juice and fresh yogurt. You can also add a few drops of any essential oil for a pleasant aroma. Massage your face with this mixture, using gentle circular movements for 10 to 15 minutes. This should be done daily for best results.
5. Treatment Of Stings And Bites
Onions can be used to soothe stings and bug bites. All you need to do is place an onion slice on your sting or bite. The anti-inflammatory properties of onion help in reducing the burn, itchiness and swelling caused by insect and bug bites.
Hair Benefits
The benefits of onion do not end here. This layered vegetable is great for your hair as well. Onion juice is often used as a remedy for various hair problems. Some of the ways in which an onion can benefit your hair are as follows.
6. Treatment Of Thinning Hair
Onion is quite helpful in treating thinning hair. All you need to do is juice an onion in a juicer and add ½ teaspoon of honey to it. You can add any essential oil of your choice to suppress the smell. Apply this mixture all over your hair or onto the portions that appear thin. Leave it overnight and do not cover your head. Shampoo your hair the next morning. This should be done at least once to thrice a week for best results.
7. Treatment Of Hair Loss And Dandruff
You can prepare a hair mask using an onion to combat hair loss, dandruff and an itchy scalp. Onion juice is particularly beneficial for increasing the length of your hair. All you need to do is grind or mash an onion and strain it through a grinder to obtain the juice. Mix this juice with equal amounts of olive or coconut oil and apply it on your scalp and hair. Cover your head with a shower cap and leave it for 2 hours. Rinse it off with a shampoo to get rid of the stickiness in the hair. This hair pack will improve the ability of your hair to regrow besides imparting a shiny, glossy look to your hair. It should be applied twice a month for best results.
8. Maintains Hair Color
You can apply onion juice on your hair to impart a nice coppery shade as well as to make your hair glossy. However, if you wish to maintain the natural color of your hair, you can blend an onion with adequate amounts of mustard oil and apply it on your hair. The mustard oil will suppress the color lightening effect of onion.
9. Natural Conditioner
To condition your hair naturally, you can apply a mixture of onion and fenugreek paste on your hair. Keep it for half an hour and wash off with a mild shampoo.
Caution
Besides having nutritive values, onion has some side effects also. The same onion which provides several health benefits can also cause side effects in certain cases.
1. Drastic Decrease In Blood Sugar Levels
Onion decreases blood sugar levels so diabetics should check their blood sugar before consuming it because it might lower their blood sugar level too much.
2. Gastric Burning
Although onion is used in treating several gastrointestinal disorders, excess consumption may cause gastric irritation, vomiting, nausea and burning. If you experience any such conditions regularly from onion usage, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider.
3. Skin Irritation
Some people may experience face or skin irritation and rashes on applying onion juice on the skin. So it is advisable to test it on a small area of your skin before its application.
4. Pregnant And Nursing Women
Pregnant and nursing women should limit the amount of onion consumption as it often causes heartburn during these stages.
5. Heartburn
Uncontrolled intake of onion can lead to heartburn. Thus, it can cause adverse effects to people with heart ailments. Quick medical attention is required in such a condition.
6. Bad Breath
Onion often leaves a bad breath after its consumption due to its strong aroma which can be attributed to its high content of sulphur.
7. Blood Pressure
Onion may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Thus, those taking medications for blood pressure, should exercise caution in its consumption.
8. Anticoagulant Property
Use of onion may inhibit blood clotting because of its anticoagulant property. Supplementing onion with other anticoagulant medications might increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. Hence, one should be aware of this serious side effect of onion consumption.
9. Increased Sensitivity
People who are allergic to onion should not take aspirin and onion together as aspirin increases onion sensitivity.
10. Increased Lithium
Onion may decrease the capability to remove lithium from the body. So if you are taking any lithium medication supplement of onion, it may increase the lithium amount in your body. It is advisable to consult a doctor before taking any lithium medications while consuming onion.
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