Onions have been established scientifically as highly nutritious and have had their remedies being associated with several health treatments, including improved heart health, better blood sugar control, and increased bone density.
Onions are members of the Allium genus of herbs that also include garlic, shallots, leeks, and chives. These vegetables are known to contain various vitamins, minerals, and potent plant compounds that treat and manage health conditions in many ways.
Here are 9 impressive health benefits of onions.
May improve heart health
Onions contain antioxidants and compounds that fight inflammation, decrease triglycerides, and reduce cholesterol levels — all of which are known to help lower the risks of getting heart disease. Onions also contain Quercetin which is a flavonoid antioxidant that has potent anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce high blood pressure and protect against blood clots
Onions are highly nutritious
They are nutrient-dense, with a considerably low amount of calories but high amounts of vitamins and minerals especially vitamin C. Vitamin C is a nutrient rigorously involved in regulating immune health, collagen production, tissue repair, and iron absorption.
Vitamin B which is predominantly folate and Vitamin B6 is also present in onion. These vitamins are known to play key roles in metabolism, red blood cell production, and nerve function.
Onion is also a good source of potassium, a mineral that plays key roles in normal cellular function, fluid balance, nerve transmission, kidney function, and muscle contraction all require potassium.
May contain anti-cancer compounds
Onions are known to have cancer-fighting properties because they contain sulfur compounds and flavonoid antioxidants. Fisetin and quercetin, which are flavonoid antioxidants have been proven to inhibit tumor growth.
As well as review studies have shown that people who consumed the highest amount of onions and other vegetables belonging to said family were 22% less likely to be diagnosed with stomach cancer than those who consumed the lowest amount.
Help control blood sugar
Consuming onions may help control blood sugar, which is especially significant for people with diabetes or prediabetes. This is because specific compounds found in onions, such as quercetin and sulfur compounds, also possess antidiabetic effects.
Quercetin, for example, has been shown to interact with cells of the small intestine, pancreas, skeletal muscle, fat tissue, and liver to control whole-body blood sugar.
May boost bone density
It’s believed that onions help reduce oxidative stress, boost antioxidant levels, and decrease bone loss, which may prevent osteoporosis and boost bone density.
They have antibacterial properties
Onions can fight potentially dangerous bacteria because they contain quercetin which could inhibit the growth of several strains of bacteria, including Helicobacter pylori.
Quercetin has also been shown to damage the cell walls and membranes of E. coli and S. aureus.
May boost digestive health
Onion is rich in fiber and prebiotics, which are necessary for optimal digestive tract health. Bacteria of the digestive system feed on prebiotics and create short-chain fatty acids — including acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These by-products strengthen gut health, boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and enhance digestion.
The health benefits of onions are quite impressive and hence we would urge readers to consume in a lot of vegetables from the said family that onion belongs to.