Onions are an inevitable cooking recipes. According to the researchers, white onions are super-healthy with vitamin-c, flavonoids, and phytonutrients.
Flavonoids, present in onions will lower the risk of some diseases like Parkinson’s, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases. Other than these, onions also contain fibre, folic acid, antioxidants, and anti-bacterial agents.
Among other Allium vegetables, onions are healthier. Intake of white onion is good for health in both raw and cooked forms.
It is said that cultivation of onions has been there since 5000 BC. Even doctors of 16th century prescribed onions for many diseases like infertility on women.
Studies also point out that onion has the power to balance blood sugar levels. Other than the medicinal contributions, white onions are also tasty and are used for many culinary across the world.
There are three types of onions, red, white, and yellow. Below are 9 health benefits of white onions you should know:
1. Manages blood sugar levels
Contents like chromium and sulphur in white onions help to regulate blood sugar and lower blood sugar. Studies have pointed out that regular and controlled consumption of white onions is beneficial for people with diabetes or prediabetes [3]. In addition, certain compounds found in onions, such as quercetin and sulphur compounds, possess antidiabetic effects.
2. Has cancer-fighting properties
Allium vegetables, such as white onions have sulphur compounds and flavonoid antioxidants that have been proven to possess cancer-fighting properties. Onions also contain fisetin and quercetin, flavonoid antioxidants that may prevent tumour growth.
3. May improve digestive health
White onions are a rich source of fibre and prebiotics that can help improve your gut health. Onions are particularly rich in the prebiotic inulin and fructooligosaccharides, and on regular consumption, can help increase the number of friendly bacteria in your gut.
4. May boost bone health
One of the health benefits of white onions is that it improves bone density in older women. It is also pointed out that consuming white onion may help reduce oxidative stress, boost antioxidant levels, and decrease bone loss, which in turn can help prevent osteoporosis and boost bone density.
5. May improve heart health
White onions contain antioxidants and compounds that fight inflammation, decrease triglycerides and reduce cholesterol levels, all of which are effective in improving your heart health. Likewise, the anti-inflammatory properties of white onions may help reduce high blood pressure and protect against blood clots.
6. Has blood-thinning properties
Benefits of white onions include thinning of the blood. It has agents like flavonoids and sulphur that helps in thinning of blood. Blood thinners or blood-thinning agents help blood flow smoothly through your veins and arteries.
7. Has anti-inflammatory properties
The high amount of sulphur in onion is an effective anti-inflammatory agent. Also, white onion is rich in selenium, which stimulates immune function and helps to reduce inflammation.
8. May improve immunity
As mentioned before, the presence of selenium in white onions make this vegetable an effective one for managing your immune levels. Selenium may play a role in the management of viral and allergic conditions.
9. May improve sleep quality
Some studies suggest that white onions may help improve your sleep quality due to the presence of L-tryptophan, a form of amino acid that acts as a natural sedative. It also helps in reducing stress levels which also aids a good sleep.