Benefits of Red Onion – Everyone knows that red onion is the basic seasoning for various types of dishes. The fragrant aroma and distinctive taste add to the enjoyment of food.
However, maybe only a few know that red onion has so many health benefits for the body.
People have used red onion for a long time for health. For example, red onions are often used as a child’s fever remedy.
Phytotherapy Research studies prove that red onions are a source of antioxidants. In addition, there are still several benefits of red onion for the health of the body.
Potential Benefits
Here are some Benefits of Red Onion for Body Health
1. Good for Heart Health
Consumption of red onion can support heart health by lowering blood pressure.
A 2002 study published in the journal Thrombosis Research showed that sulfur in onions is a component that influences heart health.
2. Has Antiallergic Effects
A 2019 study published in Pubmed showed that red onion has an anti-allergenic effect.
In a randomized clinical trial study, the study concluded that oral supplementation of red onion combined with the drug cetirizine provided a better healing effect compared to a single drug.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the substance quercetin in onions can reduce allergic reactions by stopping the body from producing histamine.
3. Against Free Radicals
The next benefit of red onions is that they can increase immunity.
Yes, polyphenols in onions function as antioxidants to protect the body from free radicals.
4. Improves the Immune System
Eliminating free radicals means that it can help improve and maintain endurance and immunity.
That is why, the consumption of red onion – which of course is balanced with other balanced nutritious foods – can keep you from various diseases.
5. Improves the Digestive System
One of the uses of red onion is to improve the digestive system.
red onion contains fiber that helps the digestive process. Defecation can also take place regularly.
Not only that, but red onions also contain a special type of soluble fiber, oligofructose, to encourage the growth of good bacteria in the intestines.
6. Prevent Diarrhea
Are you having diarrhea? Maybe you can try consuming red onions to overcome it.
A 2005 study in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that oligofructose in red onion can help treat and prevent diarrhea.
7. Regulating Blood Sugar
Did you know, one of the benefits of red onion for health is that it can control blood sugar?
The chromium present in onions has the potential to help regulate blood sugar. Meanwhile, sulfur can help lower blood sugar levels by triggering insulin production.
Research in the journal Environmental Health Insights in 2010 revealed that people with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes who consumed red onion showed lower glucose levels for up to 4 hours.
Furthermore, a 2014 analysis in the journal Nutrition found that people with type 2 diabetes had lower blood sugar levels when they ate onions.
8. Increases Bone Density
A study published in the journal Menopause in 2009 revealed that consuming onions every day has the potential to increase bone density in postmenopausal women.
Women who consumed onions also had a 20 percent lower risk of hip fracture than women who never ate onions.
9. Lowers Cancer Risk
Another benefit of red onion is cancer prevention. The quercetin substance found in onions may be a good anticancer agent.
These compounds can inhibit cancer cells in the breast, colon, prostate, endometrium, and lungs.
This component can stop cancer by several mechanisms, such as inducing apoptosis (cancer cell death), maintaining the cell cycle, and others.
10. Contains Antioxidants
The antioxidant content in red onion and other plants of the Allium genus can play a role in various stages of cancer cell formation, growth, differentiation, and metastasis.
This hypothesis is mentioned in a 2019 study by Asemani Y et al published on Pubmed.
There are so many potential benefits of red onion for health. Hopefully, with more studies related to red onion being carried out, the use of red onion for health can be more widespread.
Side Effects of Consuming Red Onion
Most people can consume red onion without causing side effects. However, some people may not be able to properly digest foods containing red onion or cause interactions with certain medications.
Side effects related to the consumption of red onion generally occur when consumed in high amounts. Some of the side effects of consuming onions that can appear include heartburn, flatulence, constipation, headaches, and increased acid reflux.
In some cases, red onions can cause certain allergies, such as skin rashes, red eyes, shortness of breath, and itching. Red onions also contain a sharp odor that has the potential to cause migraines, headaches, and blurred vision.