Onion also known as bulb onion and in hindi known as “Pyaaz” is a vegetable which is widely cultivated species of the genus Allium. Onions are pungent when chopped and contains certain substances which irritate the eyes. Onions are eaten raw in salad form, cooked in recipes, made into paste for gravy recipes, used as garnishing as well. Onions are considered as the important ingredients in bulk of recipes especially in Indian recipes. There are various varieties and onion benefits.

Onion benefits for skin,hair and health benefits of onion

Types of onions

• WHITE ONION

• YELLOW ONION

• RED ONION

• SPRING ONION

• SHALLOTS

Onion benefits for health

• Onion juice can cure burnt skin or an insect bite or a bee bite. It may burn more but it can heal it very effectively.
• Onion benefits to prevent cancers. It works against head, neck and colon cancers.
• Onions protects from osteoporosis and atherosclerosis (1) by consuming onions daily.
• Increase the insulin in the body and also treat diabetes by controlling the sugar levels in the blood.
• The bad cholesterol that causes heart problems can be burnt or removed if an onion is consumed daily. It keeps safe from the coronary diseases and also protects the good cholesterol.
• It is an immediate cure for fever, common cold, cough, sore throat, allergies, etc. A mixture of onion juice and honey can cure these problem.
• A small piece of it can work against side effects of fever if it is kept on the forehead.
• A small piece, when inhaled, can stop or slow down the bleeding through the nose.
• An onion a day can cure insomnia or sleeping disorders. This will surely give you a good night’s sleep.
• Onion benefits the digestive system. If you have a digestion problem, then onions benefits can cure it by increasing the release of the digestion juices.
• Onions have antibiotic, antiseptic, antimicrobial and carminative properties . Onion benefits to help you stay away from infections.
• Onions are rich in sulphur, fibers, potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C and they are low in fat, cholesterol and sodium (3).
• Inflammation from arthritis in the joints can be healed with onions.
• Onions can help to get some relief from body pains. Onions should be fried in sesame or castor oil and can be used to heal any aches.
• It can be used for toothaches and tooth decaying.
• Onion nutrition have rejuvenation properties on the body tissues.
• Onions cure menstrual disorders. Raw onions should be consumed before a few days of the beginning of your cycle.
• They contain water, protein, fats, starch, fibers, minerals, calcium, vitamin C, iron and B complex.

Onion benefits for skin

• One of the well-known way to remove dark patches or pigments from face is to apply onion and turmeric juice on that area.
• Onion is one of the richest sources of quercetin (4), 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. Massaging your skin with fresh onion juice benefits and help increase the blood circulation and improves the overall appearance of your skin by imparting a more youthful and radiant appearance.
• Onion benefits in the treatment of acne and pimples. For this purpose, you can mix 1 tablespoon of onion juice or extract with 1 tbsp 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.
• Onion benefits in purifying your blood and supply your body with flavonoids that assist Vitamin C in its important functions. Prepare your own face mask by combining 1 ½ tbsp of freshly extracted onion juice with 2 tbsp of gram flour, ½ tsp 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. 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.
• Onion juice benefits for getting rid of dark spots and pigmentation. Prepare a face pack by mixing equal quantities of onion juice and fresh yogurt. Massage your face with this mixture, using gentle circular movements for 10 to 15 minutes. This should be done daily for best results.
• Onion for skin 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 onions help in reducing the burn, itchiness and swelling caused by insect and bug bites.

Onion benefits for hair

• They helpful in treating thinning hair. Take juice of one onion and add ½ tsp of honey to it. 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.
• 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.
• You can apply onion juice on your hair to impart a nice coppery shade as well as to make your hair glossy. But 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 onions.

Ways to have Onions in diet

Onion Fritters

Ingredients:

3 small onions (250g), peeled, cut into semi-circles
⅛-¼ tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
3 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
1 fresh hot green chilli, cut into rounds (optional)
½ tsp ground cumin
A generous pinch of ground turmeric
4 tbsp chickpea flour (besan or gram flour)
A pinch of salt
Olive or peanut oil, for deep-frying

Method:

• Mix the onions, chilli powder, ginger, coriander, green chilli (if using), cumin and turmeric in a bowl. Dust with chickpea flour, but do not mix it in just yet.
• About 15 minutes before eating, add the salt. Hand-mix the onions into the dry ingredients, mashing it allfor about 5 minutes, or until the slices clump together.
• Put 1cm of oil in a frying pan over a medium heat.Meanwhile oil is warming up, make 12 rough patties from the onion mixture, placing them in a single layer on a board or plate as you make them. Onion pieces will stick out, but that is how it should be. When the oil is hot, turn the heat to medium-low and add half the patties in one layer. Fry for 1 minute, flip, and fry for another minute. Flip again. Fry for another 30 seconds or so on each side until reddish-gold and crisp.
• Drain on kitchen paper. Make a second batch the same way. Serve hot with some chutney.

Chicken Curry

Ingredients:

1 Kg – Chicken

4 Large or 6 Cups – Onions

4 – Green Chilies

1 Large – Tomato

3 – Green Chilies

1 tbsp – Ginger-Garlic Paste

2 tsp – Red Chili Powder

1/4 tsp – Turmeric Powder

1 tsp – Coriander Seeds Powder

1 tsp – Cumin Powder

1 tsp – Garam Masala

4-5 tbsp – Oil

2 – Cloves

2 – Green Cardamom

2 – Bay Leaf

5 – Black Peppercorns

To Taste – Salt

2 tbsp – Chopped Coriander Leaves

To Marinate

1 tbsp – Ginger-Garlic Paste

2 tsp – Red Chili Powder

1/2 tsp – Turmeric Powder

1 tsp – Coriander Seeds Powder

1 tsp – Garam Masala

1 tbsp – Lemon Juice

1 tsp – Salt

Method:

• Marinated cleaned chicken with all the ingredients listed under ‘To Marinate’ and keep aside for 4-5 hour or more time, you can also keep the marinated chicken over night in fridge and take out once you start cooking.
• Meanwhile chop onion, tomato, green chilies, coriander leaves. Grind onion to smooth paste, add 1-2 tbsp of water only if required.
• In a pan or wok heat oil add bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, pepper corns and saute for 30 secs, add onion paste, green chili and cook in medium flame until it becomes light brown and oil starts to separate with regular stirring. Add red chili, coriander powder, turmeric powder and mix well, cook for another 4-5 mins in slow flame.
• Add chicken pieces mix well, cover and cook in medium flame for 10 mins, do stir in intervals to avoid pan bottom getting burnt. Now add tomato mix well cover and cook for another 5 mins, chicken will leave lot of water if it’s fresh.
• Add 1 cup water, salt and bring it to good boil, add garam masala, cumin powder and simmer for 5 mins in medium flame or until oil floats on top, add coriander leaves and off flame.

Red onion Curry

Ingredients:

1 large onion – finely sliced

3 tbsp ketchup

1 tbsp tomato puree

1 tsp red chilli powder

1 tsp roasted cumin seeds

A pinch of salt

Method:

• Place the sliced onions in a bowl of ice water and put in the fridge for about an hour.
• When the slice are good and cold, drain the water and tap them dry with a clean cloth.
• Now mix the ketchup, tomato puree, chilli powder, cumin seeds and salt with the sliced onions.
• Stick in the fridge for about 45 minutes before serving.

 

Well onions are mainly used in most of the recipes. So it can be added to any recipe.