Dear doctor;

My daughter, 7, is in the habit of eating raw onions for pleasure.Is eating raw onions healthy like some people do by just chomping on it like chewing gums?

Rosemary

Dear Rosemary, Your daughter seems to be fond of the sharp pungent taste of raw onions.But there is no problem with it. Onions have multiple benefits for body.

Onions have anti-biotic, antiseptic, antimicrobial and carminative properties to help protect against infections and digestive problems. They are rich in sulphur, fibres, potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C and they are low in fat, cholesterol and sodium. A mixture of honey and raw onion juice can cure sore throat, colds and allergy. A piece of raw onion put in front of nose and inhaled does stop bleeding from nose.

Onions help to cure menstrual disorders. Regular consumption of raw onions is useful in joints pain. It also helps in improving memory. People suffering from insominia or lack of sleep can benefit from eating raw onion. Onion juice applied on scalp helps in curing lice infestation and prevents hair fall. Both consumption of raw onion or applying juice locally helps to rejuvenate skin and enhancing its glow. It also helps in removing blemishes and acne. Raw onion encourages production of good lipids, which helps in keeping heart healthy.

Thus onion is very useful whether used raw or in cooked form. One can have a problem if they are allergic to it.

This would manifest as skin rashes, sneezing and or aggravation of asthma or eczema after consuming onion. If taken in excess it can cause flatulence and heart burn. The only problem with consumption of raw onion is a bad smelling breath. This can be avoided by brushing the teeth or rinsing mouth very well after eating raw onion.