After Reading This, You Will Never Throw Away The Onion Skins!!!

We all are well aware of the fact that onions, despite their pungent odor, are very beneficial for our health. They are loaded with properties that protect you from illness. They are antibiotic, antimicrobial, and antiseptic in nature. Their nutritional content and the benefits they provide are something that we all know about, but did you know that the skin of the onion contains more antioxidants than the onion itself?

Yes, you read that right. We peel the onion skin and throw it away in the trash without realizing that these discarded scraps can make your meals go further. Experts suggest that they contain quercetin (a flavanol), which can help control blood pressure and prevent clogging of the arteries. Onion skin is packed with fiber and phenolic compounds that help in preventing coronary disease.

So, the next time you peel an onion and throw the skin away, just stop for a moment and recollect the health benefits of onion skin. A few of them are stated below:

1. They help in decreasing LDL cholesterol levels.
2. They help in maintaining the optimal levels of blood pressure.
3. They help in treating depression.
4. They help to fight against allergies.
5. They support muscle growth and their functioning.
6. They help in reducing inflammation.

Now, you might be thinking that since the skin of the onion is not edible, how can it be beneficial for your body? The answer is very simple – there are many ways in which onion skin can do good to your health, body, and skin. Here are a few ways by which you can make the most out of those peels that you throw in your bins without giving a second thought.

1. The quickest and easiest way to incorporate the nutrients present in onion skin is to add a few of them in soups or sauce and let them stew in it until cooked properly. Later, you can take out the skin as most of the nutrients would have steeped in the liquid by the time the cooking is done.
2. Another way to use them is to make tea out of them using a tea ball. Let them steep in boiling water for some time.
3. Onion skins are also considered to be a great remedy for curing leg cramps. Here is what you can do – oil the skin of onion in water for 15-20 minutes. Now, drain the water using a clean cloth or a strainer and drink this infusion as tea right before going to bed. Repeat it for a week or so, and soon, you will notice that those horrid cramps are gone!
4. You can even use onion skins as a dye for wool or woolen clothes.
5. Onion skin can help you chop off onions and protect your fingers from getting cuts due to the knife. It will get the job done and keep your hands safe at the same time. All you have to do is instead of peeling off the thick skin, fold the thick parts of the skin and then, using it as a handle, start chopping the onion. This natural handle will keep the onion stable until you reach the ends. So, if your knife skills are rusty or poor, onion skin can turn out to be a lifesaver for you. Here is a pictorial representation of how you can cut onions easily for better understanding:

6. Onion skin can also be used as a hair dye. And the best part is it is much cheaper than other hair care product. It works best on blonde hair. To use onion skin as a hair dye, boil 30-50 grams of onion peel in a glass of water for around half an hour. By now, the consistency of water will become thick. Filter the water and then apply this to your hair. Let it settle for some time and then rinse it off with shampoo. It will add a nice golden sheen to your hair.
7. Onion skin also promotes hair growth. The reason behind it is that onions are rich in sulfur. This mineral promotes the formation of collagen and thus helps in the maintenance of your hair. You can boil onion skins in water and use it as a rinse to promote hair growth and maintain healthy and shiny hair.
8. You can also use dried and ground onion skin in a small percentage as a replacement for wheat flour to increase the antioxidant content in bread.
9. If you are suffering from any skin disease, rub onion skin over your skin. This can help you get rid of the irritation. Rub it gently over the infected area and then wash it off with a gentle soap.

NOTE: Make sure you use the skin of organic onions; others contain pesticides that can be harmful to your health. Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not try these methods as it can cause irritation to your skin.

So, that was an insight into the numerous benefits of onion peels. We hope you enjoyed reading the article. Share your views in the comments section below.

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Author

Jyotsana RaoBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Jyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She is passionate about writing about everything related to beauty - makeup, fashion, hairstyles, skin care, or hair care and has 4 years of experience on writing in these genres.

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