Together with including taste to your meals, onions supply many well being advantages. They comprise plant compounds which will assist with blood sugar management, coronary heart well being, and immunity.
Onions comprise antioxidant compounds, notably the flavonoid quercetin, which can enhance coronary heart well being. Analysis reveals that quercetin could decrease blood stress, cut back ldl cholesterol, and enhance blood circulation.
In a single examine, individuals with barely excessive ldl cholesterol who drank 100 milliliters of onion juice noticed a drop in complete and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) “dangerous” ldl cholesterol.
Most analysis has been restricted to small research in individuals or completed in animals. Additionally, many research use onion dietary supplements as an alternative of entire onions. Extra human analysis is required.
Quercetin and sulfur compounds present in onions could assist regulate blood sugar. They work by bettering how the physique processes glucose (sugar) and responds to insulin.
A examine in individuals with diabetes confirmed that consuming 100 grams of uncooked crimson onion helped the physique use and take away sugar from the blood higher.
Onions, particularly crimson onions, are a superb supply of vitamin C.
Vitamin C strengthens your immune system by supporting the manufacturing and performance of white blood cells. Within the physique, white blood cells combat off dangerous micro organism and viruses that might trigger an infection or illness.
The sulfur compounds in onions can also help immune well being. One examine discovered that these compounds helped enhance immune perform in individuals with colorectal most cancers.
An older examine in perimenopausal and postmenopausal ladies discovered that consuming onions could enhance bone well being. Girls who ate onions no less than as soon as a day had been as much as 20% much less more likely to expertise a hip fracture in comparison with those that not often or by no means ate them.
A 2024 examine in rats with osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones) discovered that onion flavonoid extract helped enhance bone power and bone density. Extra human research are wanted to substantiate the bone well being advantages of onions.
Lab research counsel that compounds in onions could assist stop the expansion of dangerous micro organism that trigger an infection. In a single examine, quercetin was proven to disrupt bacterial cell partitions and forestall the expansion of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Quercetin can also stop the expansion of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a kind of micro organism that infects the abdomen. H. pylori can improve the danger of peptic ulcers and gastritis (irritation of the abdomen lining).
Onions are a pure supply of prebiotics, which feed the nice micro organism in your intestine and help digestive well being. They comprise inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), fibers that promote a wholesome intestine microbiome. These fibers have additionally been linked to improved digestion, temper, nutrient absorption, and immune perform.
Flavonoids and antioxidant compounds in onions can neutralize dangerous free radicals earlier than they’ll harm your physique’s cells.
Quercetin could stop the formation of compounds that trigger irritation. These embrace leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and histamines. This may increasingly assist cut back irritation related to arthritis and different power circumstances. Extra human analysis is required.
Quercetin and different flavonoids in onions could block the expansion and unfold of sure most cancers cells.
A 2019 examine discovered that recurrently consuming allium greens, corresponding to onions, leeks, and garlic, could cut back the danger of colorectal most cancers by as much as 79%. Equally, one other examine confirmed that increased consumption of garlic and onions may decrease the danger of breast most cancers.
Extra well-designed human trials are wanted to completely perceive how onions could assist stop most cancers.
When consumed in regular quantities, onions are typically thought of secure for most individuals. Nonetheless, there are some things to think about:
Fuel and bloating: Onions are excessive in FODMAPs, which may trigger digestive discomfort in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Allergic reactions: Although very uncommon, some individuals could also be allergic to onions and will have a response when dealing with or consuming them. When you’re allergic to different vegetation within the Liliaceae household, like garlic, you may also be allergic to onions.
Medicine interactions: In massive quantities, onions could have a blood-thinning impact. When you take blood-thinning medicines, discuss to your physician earlier than making any main adjustments to your food regimen.
Consuming onions also can briefly contribute to dangerous breath. You’ll be able to handle dangerous breath by brushing your enamel, flossing, or utilizing mouthwash after consuming onions.
Onions can add depth and taste to quite a lot of meals. Whereas uncooked onions supply well being advantages, research present that baking, grilling, or frying onions could improve their health-protective compounds.
Listed here are some easy methods to get pleasure from onions:
Sauté onions in stir-fries and soups for a taste boostSprinkle finely chopped onions in salads and sandwichesCaramelize onions slowly for a candy topping on burgers or grain bowlsRoast onions with different vegetablesAdd sliced onions to tacos or avocado toastBlend onions into dressings, dips, and sauces for further taste
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