What are the medicinal benefits of Red onions?

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Red onions

Overview

Onions (Allium cepa L.), consumed worldwide, are a good source of dietary phytochemicals with proven antioxidant properties. Catechin and quercetin are the most common and widely consumed flavonoids.

Red onions have a sweeter flavor than white or yellow onions due to low levels of pyruvic acid and sulfur compounds. They are often consumed raw (and can be added to salads for color and bite), grilled, or lightly cooked with other foods. (1). the actual colour of these onions is purple but some people describe it as red onions.

Red onion scales (ROS) contain large amounts of flavonoids that are responsible for the reported antioxidant activity, immune enhancement, and anticancer properties. (2)

Studies show that red onions scale extract reduces inflammation and anti-prostate Wistar rat.

Red onions extract has also shown a significant reduction in body weight after four weeks of consumption in rats. (3)

Red onions are available throughout the year and are high in flavonoids and fiber (compared to white and yellow onions). (4) And can be cultivated on a hydroponic farm (5)

This article highlights the medicinal benefits of red onions and other unique ways to incorporate it into your diet.

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Nutrition facts of red onions

The basic nutritional facts of red onions are almost exactly the same as for white, yellow, and purple onions. (6, 7)

By size: 100g of red onion contains:

Calories: 40

Protein: 1. 1 gram

Fat: 0 grams

Carbohydrates: 9.3 grams

Fiber: 1. 7 gram

Sugar: 4. 2 grams

Sodium: 4 mg

Vitamin C: 7.4 mg

Calcium: 23 milligram (mg)

Potassium: 146 mg

Phosphorus: 29 mg

It also contains Manganese, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C Biotin, and Copper

Medicinal benefits of red onions.

What are the health benefits of red onions?

Scientists have linked onions with many health benefits. Most of the benefits come from antioxidants. Research shows that one particular antioxidant, called quercetin, protects health in several ways.

One study shows that quercetin fights inflammation and boosts the immune system.

Here are the potential health benefits of eating red onions:

1. Possess Antibacterial effects

Research mainly conducted in labs has shown that onions may kill a wide range of bacteria. In one experiment, onion and garlic extracts inhibited the growth of several microbes.

Garlic extract also reduced bacteria in the mouths of human volunteers. More research with human subjects is needed to show how onion affects bacteria in the body. (8, 9, 10)

2. Cancer Risk Reduction

Eating onions and garlic may reduce your risk of cancer. Italian researchers found that those who ate the most onions were the least likely to have cancer of the colon, throat, and ovaries.

In another study, researchers found that men who ate the most vegetables of the allium family were the least likely to have prostate cancer.

Researchers believe that antioxidants are responsible for the cancer-fighting properties of onions. (11, 12, 13)

Just like other varieties of onions, red onions contain fructo-oligosaccharides, substances that act as prebiotics They pass through the small intestine without digesting.

In the large intestine, they feed healthy bacteria. Diseases ranging from diabetes to colon cancer and depression have been tied to a lack of healthy gut bacteria.

3. Bone Health

Onions may play a role in preventing osteoporosis. Both animal and human studies have supported this idea. In one study, researchers surveyed women near or past menopause about their onion intake.

After the researchers controlled for other factors, they found the women who ate onions daily had greater bone density. This result is encouraging because older women are most at risk of osteoporosis. (14, 15 )

4. Potential effects on weight management and obesity

One 2014 study evaluated the effects of raw red onion consumption on metabolic features in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Red Onion significantly decreased the levels of total cholesterol within each group; however, these changes were stronger in the group that consumed higher doses.

The study concluded that Raw red onion consumption appears to be effective as a cholesterol-lowering food agent in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. However, further investigation is warranted. (16)

5. Improve digestion

Incorporating onions in your diet, either raw or cooked, will benefit your digestive health, especially if you have irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS). (17)

Onion has been shown to have a protective effect on the digestive system, such as mitigating gastric ulcers, modulating gut microbiota, and ameliorating colitis.  (18 , 19)

5. Reduces Oxidative stress

Oxidative stress is a disturbance in the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species (free radicals) and antioxidant defenses, which play a role in the production of tissue damage in diabetes mellitus. (20, 21)

It can also occur when there is damage to cellular components, including proteins, lipids, and DNA.  (22)

Red onions extract has been shown to significantly reduce Oxidative stress in rats in one 2013 study. (23)

Other uses of red onions

Red onions (also known as purple or blue onions in some mainland European countries, though not the UK) are cultivars of the onion (Allium cepa), and have purplish-red skin and white flesh tinged with red.

They are most commonly used in cooking, but the skin has also been used as a dye. (24)

Cut red onion can be soaked in cool water for a period of time, and the water can be drained off, resulting in less “bite” and pungency. (25)

Recipe tips

How to Prepare Red Onion

Many recipes using onion call for chopped or sliced onion. Knowing the best way to cut onion can help.

Once you have your onions chopped or sliced, try one of these recipes:

  • Make your own pickled red onion to jazz up almost any meal.
  • Add red onion to make a tomato and cucumber salad look and taste lovely.
  • Throw red onion and green pepper on the grill with skirt steak for beef fajitas.
  • Add sliced red onion to your beef or veggie burger.
  • Toss chunks of red onion and other vegetables with a little olive oil and oven-roast.
  • Add red onions to the classic combo of green beans and new potatoes.
  • Sub-red onions for the green ones in tabbouleh.  (7)

Onions and Food Safety

Can onions harbor bacteria like salmonella?

Health authorities in the United States traced a 2020 outbreak of salmonella to onions grown in Bakersfield, California. The outbreak was unusual because onions are resistant to most bacteria.

Their papery outer skin is a barrier to contamination, and the drying process that prepares them for the market further reduces the chances of bacterial growth. (26, 27)

Some believe that a cut onion will attract and absorb bacteria, but no proof has ever been given to support this claim. People have circulated this myth via email and social media since 2008.

Onions have antimicrobial properties, so they are one of the least likely vegetables to harbor bacteria. Still, you should store cut onions in the refrigerator. (28)

Conclusion

Among others, nutrition red onion contains Manganese, Vitamin B6, vitamin C, Biotin, and Copper

Research shows that one particular antioxidant, called quercetin, protects health in several ways.  Its health benefits range from weight management, improving digestion, reducing oxidative stress, antibacterial, and improving bone health.

Red onions have a sweeter flavor than white or yellow onions due to low levels of pyruvic acid and sulfur compounds.

Onions have antimicrobial properties, so they are one of the least likely vegetables to harbor bacteria. Still, you should store cut onions in the refrigerator.

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The content provided in living Good Blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It’s not intended to provide medical advice or take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal doctor. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Living Good Blog takes no responsibility for possible health consequences of any person(s) reading or following the information in this educational content. Viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medication, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program.

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