What are the medicinal uses of White Onions?
Last updated on April 21st, 2023 at 05:31 pm
5 minutes read.
In this article:
Nutrition facts, Medicinal uses
Industrial uses , Side Effects
Overview
Onion, which has protective effects on human health, is one of the most common vegetables used in everyday diets.
White onions (botanically known as Allium cepa L. and belonging to the family Amaryllidaceae) have a lot of medicinal benefits although it may be scarce in some parts of the world.
It’s found in a larger number of countries like China, India, Turkistan, and Afghanistan. It’s also cultivated in Nigeria but not to compare to purple, pink, and spring onions.
However, consuming onions gives you a lot of health benefits irrespective of the type.
The daily consumption of onion reduces blood pressure by anti-aggregating the thrombocytes, stimulates hematopoiesis, reduces asthma attacks, is anticholesterolemic, and antidiabetic, and is effective against cardiovascular disease. (1)
Quercetin, glycosides, and allicin (Sulphur-containing compound) are important bioactive compounds found in red/purple onions and other varieties of onions as well as other fruits and vegetables. But quercetin was found to be less in white onions.
Onion as a vegetable has high medicinal value, is widely used in cosmetics industries, and is a preservative. Onion bioactive compounds and their health benefits have yet to be thoroughly investigated by scientists.
In this article, I will highlight the medicinal benefits of eating white onions that have been proven by research so far. Follow me closely.
Nutrition facts of white onions. (2)
By weight, 100 grams of onions contain:
- Calories (energy): 36kcal
- Carbohydrate: 7.68g
- Protein: 0.89g
- Fats: 0.13g
- Nitrogen: 0.14g
- Sugars: 5.76g
- Fibre: 1.2g
- Calcium: 21mg
- Sodium: 2mg
- Zinc: 0.12mg
- Copper: 0.047mg
- Manganese: 0.099mg
- Potassium: 141mg
- Phosphorous: 29mg
- Magnesium: 9.3mg
Potential medicinal uses of white onions
There are various active components in white onion that might be helpful against certain diseases. Some of the potential medicinal uses of white onion include:
1. May reduce blood sugar (diabetes)
The activity of alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase play a role in the progression of diabetes. It was seen in studies that white onion might have the capacity to reduce the activity of these compounds and may help in lowering blood glucose levels.
This might be due to the presence of various phytochemicals present in it. Therefore, white onion might be helpful for diabetes. However, ensure that you consult a health professional before totally supplementing with white onion to lower your diabetic symptoms. (3)
2. May reduce blood pressure
It was seen in studies that white onion might interfere with the activity of an enzyme Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) which alters blood pressure.
Many drugs which are prescribed by doctors for high blood pressure also target this enzyme to lower the blood pressure.
Therefore, white onions might also reduce blood pressure. However, kindly consult a doctor and do not self-medicate for your health conditions. Do not self-medicate. (3)
3. May reduce Oxidative stress
Studies have shown that white onions contain many phytochemicals like quercetin and kaempferol which exhibit antioxidant properties.
This antioxidant property of white onions might help in reducing oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. Thereby, white onion may help against cell damage and chronic diseases caused by oxidative stress. (4)
4. May protect against fungal infections
White onions contain episodes in them and these episodes are saponins which might be responsible for the antifungal activity. In a study, the episodes isolated from white onions were evaluated for their antifungal activity against different fungi.
Therefore, white onions might be effective against certain fungi and fungal infections. However, more studies are required to prove these possible effects. If you have any fungal infections consult the doctor and do not self-medicate. (5)
5. May protect against heart disease
Onions might exhibit many beneficial properties as a nutraceutical vegetable and may help in reducing the risk of heart disease. It may act as an antioxidant, regulate blood lipids, and improve the function of blood vessel cells.
Therefore, by decreasing the risk of heart disease, onions might help in the maintenance of heart health. Heart diseases are serious, and you must consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of suspected heart diseases. Do not self-medicate. (6)
6. Daily consumption may help in weight management
A study was conducted to check the effect of onions on weight. They were given onion peel extracts containing quercetin. It was noted that over a period there may be a decline in the body fat mass and the body-mass index (ratio of fat to muscle calculated according to individual height and weight).
Therefore, quercetin present in white onions might be helpful for weight management. However, more large-scale studies are required. If you want to manage weight consult a proper nutritionist and do not self-medicate. (6)
Although there are studies that show the potential uses of white onion in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of white onion on human health.
The bulbs of white onion can be used for cooking. It is used in the preparation of different kinds of dishes in various cu isines around the world.
It has a pungent flavor and can be used in the following ways:
- Soups
- Curries
- Sauces
- Condiments
- Medicine
- Onion powders
- Onion salts
- Onion flakes. (2, 7 )
However, don’t discontinue any doctor’s prescribed medication you may be taking for white onions herbal remedy except if your doctor advises you to do that.
Industrial uses
Consumer demand for minimally processed foods without synthetic preservatives has led to a growing interest in their replacement for more natural alternatives.
Onion is widely used as a food ingredient and it is known as a good source of bioactive compounds, such as sulfur-containing compounds and flavonoids with well-known health-beneficial effects, and antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities.
Consequently, onion has been proposed as a promising and safer source of food preservatives.
The results of one recent scientific study showed that green onion root extract can improve the moisture retention and whitening effect of face masks.
Related: How to Use Onions Skin to prepare varieties of Food
Find out more: List of Food Additives that promotes Cancer
Side Effects
What are the possible Side Effects of eating white onions?
Consumption of white onion might cause heartburn. There is a requirement for more studies to be performed for the exploration of more side effects of white onion if any.
Therefore, ensure that you consult a doctor if you notice any unusual effects after the consumption of white onion. (6, 8)
Take precautions when eating white onions
White onion is relatively safer when taken in food quantities. There have been no reports regarding the safety of white onion in children and elderly individuals.
There have been no reports of the effects of white onion on pregnant women. Therefore, it is advised to consult and discuss with a doctor before use.
Drugs interaction
Can eating white onions interact with certain drugs?
Studies have shown that eating cooked onions might have the potential to increase warfarin (a drug that is helpful against blood clots) activity.
Therefore, kindly consult a doctor and confirm whether it is safe for you to consume white onions, especially if you are undergoing any treatment and are on medication for the same. (9)
There is a need for more research to establish the effects of onion on other drugs.
Properties of white onions
White onion possesses the following properties:
- It may act as an antioxidant
- It possesses antimicrobial effects
- It may safeguard the heart
- It may be antiparasitic
- It may have the potential to help against lung diseases
- It may lower the blood sugar levels
- It may possess the cholesterol-lowering property
- It may act as an anti-inflammatory
- It may act as an anticancer agent
- It may be helpful for rheumatic pain. (3)
- It may be effective against fungus. (5)
- It may have the potential to help with asthma.
- It may be against depression and anxiety.
- It may be against cognitive disorders. (6)
FAQ (frequently asked questions)
Can white onions reduce blood pressure?
Answer:
White onions might help in lowering blood pressure by possibly interfering with the activity of ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) which is responsible for the abnormal rise of blood pressure.
However, ensure that you consult a doctor for elevated blood pressure and do not self-medicate. (7)
Are white onions good for hair?
Answer:
There are no reports regarding the potential uses of white onion for hair. Therefore, there is a requirement for more research on this subject.
Related: What is the Health Benefit of consuming Onions Every day?
What are the health benefits of white onions?
Studies have shown that white onions might be effective against diabetes, blood pressure, oxidative stress, and for fungal infections. However, more research is required to prove the possible benefits of white onion. (2, 3, 4 5)
Conclusion
The daily consumption of onion reduces blood pressure by anti-aggregating the thrombocytes, stimulates hematopoiesis, reduce asthma attack, is anticholesterolemic, antidiabetic, and effective against cardiovascular disease. (1)
Quercetin, glycosides, and allicin (Sulphur-containing compound), are important bioactive compounds found in onions and other varieties of onions as well as other fruits and vegetables. But quercetin was found to be less in white onions.
Studies have shown that eating cooked onions might have the potential to increase warfarin (a drug that is helpful against blood clots) activity.
Therefore, kindly consult a doctor and confirm whether it is safe for you to consume white onions, especially if you are undergoing any treatment.
I hope you get the value worth your time. I appreciate the time you spend with me. Leave a comment if you find this post helpful. Do you have any other questions as regards white onions I didn’t mention here? Feel free to share in the comment below.
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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.
