Onions clad by the vernacular names bulb onion or common onion are by far one of the healthiest vegetables flooding the market and are a staple in almost all Indian kitchens. Be it eaten as a food or as a medicine, it extensively helps in boosting immunity and in preventing diseases.

Onion goes by the botanical name Allium cepa and is cultivated in various forms and sizes depending upon its usage. Be it yellow onions, sweet onions, white onion, red onions, scallions and shallots, each and every variety can be used for cooking different types of cuisines.

Onion powder is used as a type of seasoning and is the concentrated flavoured powder obtained from dehydrated onions. The dehydrated form is made of finely ground, dehydrated onions, usually from the bulb onions, and has a strong pungent odour. As it is completely dehydrated, it has a longer shelf life.

Though one might tear up while slicing onions, it can easily be considered owing to its umpteen health benefits. Enriched with the goodness of essential vitamins like vitamin B and C, minerals like manganese, calcium, iron and potassium, and a myriad of antioxidants, onion powders hold high significance in treating a host of ailments including mouth sores, heart problems, headaches, high blood sugar and even cancer.

Being versatile in nature, onions are widely available in the market as fresh, chopped, caramelised, pickled, frozen, and canned forms. The dehydrated products are available as a seasoning in the form of powders, salt, or maybe sliced, ringed, minced, chopped, and also available in granulated forms.

Being low in calories and high in essential nutrients, this humble vegetable has immense health benefits:

Prevents Infections

The abundance of anti-bacterial, anti-septic, and antimicrobial properties, make onion the healthiest choice among vegetables to ward off the various infections. The bio-active components in onion powder boost immunity, prevents bacterial infestation and helps to reduce risk of various bacterial and fungal infections.

Treats Cough and Cold

Onions are rich in antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic properties, which make it extremely essential for treating the common cold, cough and flu symptoms. It also reduces chest and nasal congestion gets rid of excess sputum and stops nasal discharge. It is also beneficial in treating bronchitis and asthmatic conditions.

Mix a spoonful of onion powder in a glass of lukewarm water. Add a spoon of honey and half teaspoon of pepper in it. Try having this regularly on empty stomach to reduce cough and cold symptom and bronchial problems. Also Read: 5 Effective Home Remedies To Treat Dry Cough-Infographic

Reduces Risk Of Cancer

The active ingredients present in the onion powder have potent cancer-fighting properties. Several types of research have proved that this bulbous vegetable, being rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals like quercetin help to reduce risks of different types of cancer including stomach and colorectal cancer.

Manages Diabetes

The hypoglycaemic property of onion powder plays a pivotal role in reducing the blood sugar level of the body. Presence of compounds like sulphur and quercetin potently inhibits the release of sugar into the blood and increases the insulin levels in the body. It converts starch into energy and reduces the symptoms of diabetes such as frequent urination, fatigue, sudden hunger pangs, etc. Also Read: 5 Simple Ways To Manage Diabetes In Summer

Alleviates Heart Problems

Being a powerhouse of antioxidants, onion powder is extremely beneficial for promoting heart functions and reducing the risk of heart ailments. The presence of anti-coagulant and anti-fibrinolytic properties prevents blockage and formation of clots in the arteries causing heart block.

The rich source of flavonoids in onion powder reduces the formation of debris within the arteries and blood vessels, thus preventing atherosclerosis (i.e. hardening of blood vessels).  Regular intake also reduces the bad cholesterol (i.e. low-density lipoproteins) and effectively increases good cholesterol (i.e. high-density lipoproteins).

Promotes Bone Health

Being an excellent source of calcium, onion holds high significance in promoting healthy functioning of the bones. The buck load of antioxidants in onion powder prevents free radical damage of the bones, improves the bone mineral content and reduces the risk of breakage. Regular intake of the wonder bulb improves bone density and reduces conditions like osteoporosis.

Good for Hair

The bio-active constituents present in onion plays a key role in reducing hair fall. It helps in the formation of collagen tissues in the scalp, increases blood circulation in the hair follicles and stimulates new hair growth. The anti-microbial nature of onion also prevents dandruff and scalp infections and strengthens the hair from within.

Drink a glass of lukewarm water infused with onion powder to observe marked results. Also Read: Healthy Hair Fixes From Your Fridge

Enhances Digestion

The anti-flatulent property of onion powder reduces the formation of gas in the alimentary canal, thus reducing bloating, flatulence, and abdominal distension. The abundance of fiber in this dehydrated form of onion helps in stimulating peristaltic motion by expelling wastes out of the body and thus make for a powerful remedy for constipation. Additionally, it also prevents the formation of excessive acids in the stomach thereby treating indigestion, ulcer, gastritis and promoting better absorption of nutrients in the body.

Regulates Blood Pressure

The abundance of potassium in dehydrated onion effectively helps to regulate blood pressure. Potassium is a key mineral that helps the body significantly in controlling blood pressure as it facilitates to balance out the negative effects of salt. It helps to stimulate the functioning of muscles and nerves, dilate and relax the blood vessels, improve blood circulation thereby helping the body to maintain normal blood pressure readings.

Facilitates Wound Healing

Powered with antiseptic, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties, onion powder effectively heals wound and prevents skin infections. The abundance of antioxidants and vitamin C not only prevents itching and burning sensation but also helps in disinfecting the wound or bite to prevent further spreading of the infection.

Conclusion:

Onion is one such humble vegetable that has umpteen benefits. Although most of us use it in culinary and seasoning purposes, it has magnitude health benefits. Thanks to the goodness of the essential bio-active ingredients it is widely used for improving heart health, aiding in digestion, promoting weight loss, preventing infections, stopping hair fall and many more. Include this incredible bulbous veggie to your diet to enjoy its varied benefits.