Can You Eat Onions Raw?

Can You Eat Onions Raw?

Did you know that onions are the most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium?

Yes, traces of onions recovered from Bronze Age settlements in China suggest that onions have been cultivated since 5000 BC, not only for their flavor but the bulb’s durability in storage and transporters. It is believed that onions originated from Iran, the western Indian subcontinent and Central Asia.

Onions are closely related to garlic, scallion, shallot, leek and chive. Scallions, or green onions, are actually immature yellow, red or white onions, harvested before the bulb begins to form.

So, can you eat onions raw? Yes, you can. Raw Onions have phytochemicals/phytonutrients such as disulfides, trisulfides, and cepaene, which help maintain good health and have anticancer and antimicrobial properties. Flavonoids are responsible for pigments in many fruits and vegetables and may help reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular disease and stroke.

A particularly valuable flavonoid in onions is quercetin. It acts as an antioxidant that may be linked to preventing cancer, reducing the symptoms of bladder infections, promoting prostate health and lowering blood pressure.

Is it Safe to Eat Raw Onions at Night?

Yes, you can eat raw onions at night. Actually, eating raw onion at night makes you less prone to heatstroke during the summer season. Raw onions have properties that protect you from the heat in summer. It is considered the best natural blood purifier and it clears the blood and removes the toxins present in the body.

With this, the phosphorus acid present in it works to clean the blood, and you will not have a problem of boils and pimples among many others on your face.

It is said that raw onion is very beneficial even in colds and phlegm. Vitamin C and calcium present in raw onions are beneficial for oral health. But if you suffer from chronic nighttime heartburn or acid reflux, it might be advisable to avoid raw onions for a few hours before bed. This is because it can increase the heartburn and can cause reflux when you lie down.

Does Eating Raw Onion Burn Belly Fat?

Yes, eating raw onion can burn belly fat. They have flavonoid known as quercetin which is essential in preventing fat accumulation and boosts metabolism.

A cup of onion contains 3 g of fiber; this adds bulk to your meals. This soluble fiber in onions improves the feeling of fullness and helps you avoid extra calorie intake, thus aiding weight loss. Onions are also extremely low in calories, a cup (160 g) of chopped onion provides 64 kcal of energy.

To prepare a raw onion, you need one medium-sized red onion sliced, one lime wedge and a pinch of pink Himalayan salt.  Start by tossing the sliced raw onion into a bowl, squeeze the lime juice on the onion slices, sprinkle a little pink Himalayan salt and eat it as a side for lunch or dinner.

What are the Health Benefits of Raw Onions?

Raw onions are packed with nutrients, particularly, vitamin C, a nutrient involved in regulating immune health, collagen production, tissue repair and iron absorption. This vitamin also acts as a powerful antioxidant in your body, protecting your cells against damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.

Vitamin B, including folate (B9) and pyridoxine (B6), play key roles in metabolism, red blood cell production and nerve function. Potassium required for normal cellular function, fluid balance, nerve transmission, kidney function and muscle contraction.

Raw Onions contain Quercetin is a flavonoid antioxidant and compounds that fight inflammation, decrease triglycerides and reduce cholesterol levels, all of which may lower heart disease risk. This antioxidant is a powerful way of fighting bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli). Eating raw onions may also help control blood sugar, especially for those who have diabetes.

What are the Side Effects of Eating Raw Onions?

Raw onions aggravate bad breath. Since onions are members of the allium family, they produce sulfuric chemicals that show up in your bloodstream when metabolized. Blood flows everywhere; thus, you may realize your body and sweat smelling a bit like onions after eating some of them raw.

So, your breath is one of the places affected by onion metabolism show up. This is because sulfur compounds’ breakdown mostly takes place in your gut. The sulfurous odor is then breathed out, causing bad breath immediately and may even continue until the onion is fully digested.

It heightens symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome, IBS. This syndrome is a digestive disorder that involves the large intestine and may cause bloating, cramping, diarrhea and constipation.

Onions Trigger Acid Reflux. Whether episodic or chronic, people with acid reflux, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), find certain foods, particularly, triggering their symptoms. You should avoid eating raw onions if suffer from regular heartburn, where stomach acid rises into the esophagus or GERD.

Final Thoughts

  • Raw Onions have phytochemicals which help maintain good health and have anticancer and antimicrobial properties. They have flavonoid known as quercetin which acts as an antioxidant that may be linked to preventing cancer, reducing the symptoms of bladder infections, promoting prostate health and lowering blood pressure.
  • Eating raw onions help in burning belly fats. The soluble fiber in onions improves the feeling of fullness and helps you avoid extra calorie intake, thus aiding weight loss. Onions are also extremely low in calories, and the quercetin in them is essential in preventing fat accumulation and boosts metabolism.
  • It is safe to eat raw onions night because they have properties that protect you from the heat in summer, and it is considered the best natural blood purifier. However, those who suffer from chronic nighttime heartburn or acid reflux might be advisable to avoid eating at night.
  • Raw onions are packed with nutrients. Vitamin C, a nutrient involved in regulating immune health, collagen production, tissue repair and iron absorption. Vitamin B, which helps in metabolism, red blood cell production and nerve function. Potassium required for normal cellular function, fluid balance, nerve transmission, kidney function and muscle contraction.
  • Raw onions aggravate bad breath; it heightens Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, IBS, and trigger acid reflux.