Having a distinctive aroma makes onions often used as a complement and flavoring of dishes. However, the efficacy of onions is not only that, you know. This type of onion also has tremendous health benefits.
Just like onions and garlic, onions grow underground. Onions with golden brown skin contain a variety of important nutrients for the body, including carbohydrates, fiber, salt, sugar, vitamin B6, vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, and various natural antioxidants.
Benefits of Onions for Health
Thanks to its diverse nutritional content, onions have benefits that you don't want to miss. Five of them are:
1. Fight free radicals
Onions contain many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. This is important to want, because antioxidants can counteract excess free radicals that can cause damage to healthy cells and cause various diseases. These antioxidants are found in the outer layer of onions.
2. Healthy digestive system
Besides being able to ward off free radicals, onions can also nourish your digestive system. This is because onions are a good source of fiber and prebiotics for smooth bowel movements and overall gut health.
This onion also has antibacterial properties that can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria such as B. cereus and S. aureus. By consuming onions, your risk of experiencing digestive disorders, such as constipation and diarrhea, will decrease.
3. Increase endurance
The content of antioxidants and vitamin C in onions also has benefits to increase endurance. These two ingredients can activate and strengthen white blood cells that protect you from various viruses and bacteria, including the Corona virus.
4. Maintain blood sugar levels
Consuming onions can also help control blood sugar levels, especially in people with diabetes or prediabetes.
A study revealed that people with type 2 diabetes who regularly eat raw onions, about 100 grams per day, have been shown to experience improvements in blood sugar levels.
5. Lowering the risk of developing cancer
Cancer is a disease that is often fatal. A study revealed that regularly consuming onions can reduce the risk of experiencing several types of cancer, such as breast cancer, stomach cancer, and colon cancer.
Some of the benefits of onions above still require further research. However, by knowing its potential, you can now include onions more often in your healthy dishes.
You also need to know that onions will be more nutritious if consumed in raw form, although this can cause bad breath and body odor.
Apart from its benefits, onions have the potential to cause digestive disorders, such as heartburn and gas, in people who have diabetes irritable bowel syndrome. Touching onions can also cause allergic skin reactions in some people, although this is quite rare.
If you experience complaints after consuming onions or want to find out more about the benefits of onions for your health, you can consult a doctor.
