Onion (Allium cepa) Health Benefits

The main compounds found in onions are the thiosulfinate, allicin, and flavonoids such as quercetin, which are natural phenolic compounds present in fruits and vegetables, exhibiting many pharmacological properties such as its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Along with flavanols, the major bioactive constituents in onions are sulfurous compounds. The sulfoxides, which are responsible for the onion flavor and odor, might also be responsible in part for the onion’s biological activity. (1)

Scientific Evidence

Immunity

Several scientific studies have shown that including onion in the diet: stimulates the immune system, reduce symptoms associated with diabetes mellitus, inhibit platelet aggregation (i.e involved in thrombosis), prevent inflammatory processes associated with asthma, was associated with a reduced risk of stomach and brain cancer in humans, inhibited platelet-mediated thrombosis (a process leading to heart attacks and strokes), reduces levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and thromboxanes (substances involved in the development of cardiovascular disease) in the blood, was associated with a reduction in symptoms associated with osteoporosis, inhibit the proliferation of cultured ovarian, breast, and colon cancer cells. (5)

Antifungal

In studies, Although garlic killed the fungi C. albicans and C. parapsilosis more efficiently than the onion it is my recommendation to use these together abundantly in your diet to keep Candida under control. (7)

Asthma – Lung Health

One study observed a reduction in the production of inflammatory cytokines, a relaxation of tracheal rings. It was concluded that onions have potential as antiasthmatic drugs, as they possess both immuno-modulatory and bronchodilatory properties. (1)

Studies have shown that Allicin, the major active component in onions, has anti-inflammatory effects on lung tissue by reducing the sensitivity to irritants. (6)

Cancer

Studies suggest the extract from onion may be useful against cancer. (2)

Mechanistic studies indicate potential mechanisms of the anticancer activity of various Allium vegetable extracts and preparations and highlight the activities of the sulfur-containing compounds. These compounds have effects at each stage of carcinogenesis (cancer growth) and affect many physiological processes that modify cancer risk. (3)

Blood sugar and fats

Onion oil has been reported to effectively decrease the lipid levels in experimental animals. Study results indicate that onion decreased blood glucose, serum lipid levels, and reduced Kidney oxidative stress and this effect might exert the anti-diabetic effect of onion. The ‘blood fat’ lowering effect of onion can be one of the mechanisms of anti-diabetic effects and contribute to the prevention of diabetic kidney damage. (4)

Conclusion

Although onions are commonplace, there is nothing common about their benefits.

High blood sugar and fats are underlying metabolic disease and chronic inflammation also precedes cancer, so it’s little wonder onions have anti-cancer effects. The reduction of bronchial spasms and asthma is a nice bonus.

If you ever feel like you’re crying again when chopping onions think of these benefits and smile.

Raw onions give the best result as the sulfur compounds are still present.

I suggest trying to use 1 onion daily.

Try these recipes:

• Green Thai Fish Curry
• Cauliflower Curry
• Indian Style Coconut Curry
• Sweet Potato and Salsa
• Curry Thai Pumpkin Soup
• Thai Vegetable Green Curry
• Mushroom Stroganoff
• Sweet and Sour Chinese Style
• Eggplant Stir Fry