Onions come in all shapes and varieties. Red onions, brown and green are quite popular but have a very strong, pungent taste. The white onion is not as strong as its other allium family members, so it's often desired for its milder and sweeter taste. Though it has a lighter taste, it's also slightly lighter on vitamins and nutrients than other onions. Nonetheless, it's packed with health-boosting compounds.
Flavonoids
White onions contain compounds called flavonoids, which are known for anti-oxidant activity. Anti-oxidants protect the body from damage caused by destructive free radical cells. One of the most powerful flavonoids in an onion is called quercetin. A study done in China and reported in Drug Metabolism and Disposition reports that quercetin can stop the growth of cells of various cancers, such as lung cancer and stomach cancer. This is a great reason to put a slice of white onion on a sandwich or burger.
Organosulfur Compounds
Organosulfur compounds are also very potent anti-oxidants. In a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, these compounds were shown to slow the growth of cancer cells--as quercetin does--and help prevent the onset of cancer. The National Onion Association also reports that these organosuflur compounds help fight inflammation that is related to arthritis and asthma, and reduce diabetes symptoms. They are also the reason that onions smell and make you cry.
More Nutritional Benefits
One cup of raw, white onion also contains 24mcg of chromium, needed to help regulate blood sugar, 10mg of vitamin C, another powerful antioxidant, and almost 3gm of fiber, which is more than 10 percent of the recommended daily allowance. Manganese, copper, potassium, vitamin B6, folate and phosphorous help round out the health benefits packed into this powerful plant. If you're watching your weight, a half cup of raw onion on a salad or in a food dish only has 30 calories, but its benefits go far beyond your waistline.
Member Comments