Eating Onions Health
& Medicinal benefits
Onions are part of allium family of vegetables and herbs, which also includes
chives, garlic, scallions, and leeks. The most common types of Onions are
red, yellow, and white.
The health benefits of consuming onions include lowering the risk of several
types of cancer, improving mood, and maintaining the health of skin and hair.
Onions have been used as food for thousands of years; in ancient Egypt, they
were worshiped and used in burial rituals.
Reduce Risk of Cancers
Onions have been studied extensively in relation to cancer, especially stomach
and colorectal cancers. Their beneficial and preventive effects are likely due
in part to their rich organosulfur compounds.
The exact mechanism by which these compounds inhibit cancer is unknown, but
hypotheses include the inhibition of tumor growth and mutagenesis, and
prevention of free radical formation. Onions are also a source of the strong
antioxidant vitamin C that helps to combat the formation of free radicals known
to cause cancer.
Colon cancer
 |
| Red, Yellow, White Onions |
Research study showed
that consuming greater than 7 servings of onions per week was
associated with a decrease in colorectal cancer. Fiber intake from all
fruits and vegetables are associated with a lowered risk of colorectal cancer.
Prostate cancer
In research study published by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute,
researchers used a population-based, case-controlled study to investigate the
relationship between Onion intake and prostate cancer. They found that
men with the highest intake of Onion family vegetables had the lowest risk of
prostate cancer.
Esophageal and stomach
cancer
Frequent intake of Onion family vegetables has been shown to reduce the risk of
esophageal and stomach cancer. Several survey-based studies have showed the potential
protective effects of consuming Onions, as well as reports of tumor reduction
of Onion family compounds.
Sleep and mood
The Folate, found in onions help reduce depression. Homocysteine prevents blood
and other nutrients from reaching the brain, and folate prevents this chemical
from building up. Excess homocysteine also interferes with the production of
the feel-good hormones serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which regulate
not only mood, but also sleep and appetite.
Skin and hair
Onions are high in vitamin C, which is needed for the building and maintenance
of collagen, which provides structure to skin and hair.
Nutrition
Onions are a nutrient-dense food, meaning that while they are low in calories,
they are high in beneficial nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and
antioxidants.
One cup of chopped onion contains approximately 64 calories, 15 grams of
carbohydrate, 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of cholesterol, 3 grams of fiber, 7 grams
of sugar, 2 grams of protein, and 10 percent or more of the daily value for
vitamin C, vitamin B-6, and manganese.
Onions also contain small amounts of calcium, iron, folate, magnesium, phosphorus,
and potassium, and the antioxidants quercetin and sulfur.
Risks
The risks of onion consumption are rare. However, as with all food that
may be healthful, overconsumption comes with potential health risks.
Allergy sufferers may have a problem consuming onions, also.
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